Explore the West Midlands

Welcome to our West Midlands travel blog!  Positioned right in the heart of England, this region is a brilliant mix of vibrant "Brummie" culture, historic market towns, and stunning countryside.  Whether you’re looking for a family friendly weekend in Staffordshire, a romantic escape to Warwickshire, or a foodie tour of Birmingham, explore our reviews and plan your next adventure.

Our Recent Days Out & Reviews

Discover Dimmingsdale Woodlands: A Hidden Gem for Walks & Wild Play in Staffordshire

Have you ever dreamed of escaping to a tranquil and beautiful valley where nature is at its best?  If so, you should consider visiting Dimmingsdale, one of Staffordshire’s hidden gems.  Tucked away in the Churnet Valley, Dimmingsdale is a magical woodland valley that feels a world away from the everyday.  It offers a variety of woodland trails, lakes, streams, and spectacular scenery that will transport you to a place of peace and calm.  

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Hotel Stays & Mini Breaks in the West Midlands

Our Honest Review of Splash Landings Hotel, Alton Towers

When planning a trip to , staying on-site feels like the ultimate way to level up the magic.  We recently stayed at the Splash Landings Hotel during the second week of the Easter holidays, a strategic move that paid off as many schools had returned, making the resort much quieter during our stay

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Join the Adventure 

We are constantly adding new blogs about the amazing places that we visit across Wales along with our top tips, hidden gems and photos from our travels.  Is there a specific spot you’d like us to review next?

Want more live updates? Follow Explore with the Cookes on Instagram and TikTok for daily videos of our adventures.

Explore More of the UK

Follow our blogs around the UK, for the latest tips and reviews. 

Travel News and Top Tips

If you're a parent who loves to explore the world with your kids without breaking the bank or losing your sanity, you're in the right place.  Planning a family holiday can be stressful, but it doesn't have to be.   We're a family of 4 who love to travel and explore, and we've learned a thing or two about making our adventures as smooth and budget-friendly as possible.  From packing hacks to finding the best deals, we're here to share our top tips so you can spend less time stressing and more time making memories.

The Ultimate Survival Guide to Long-Haul Travel with Kids

Getting ready to go on a long-haul flight with children can feel like a military operation, but with the right preparation, it can be a manageable, and even an enjoyable part of your family adventure.  Whether you are flying with a curious toddler or an energetic school-aged child, a little strategic planning goes a long way.

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Twice the Fun: How to Get a Free Family Day Out with Merlin in 2026

If you’re looking to squeeze every drop of excitement out of your spring, Merlin Entertainments has just dropped a deal that’s hard to ignore. The Twice the Fun offer is back for 2026, essentially giving you a 2-for-1 pass to some of the UK’s most iconic theme parks.  Whether you're a family of four or a group of dedicated thrill-seekers, here is the full breakdown of how to snag this deal, where you can go, and the fine print you need to know.

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Stay for a Night, Play for a Year: The Ultimate Merlin 2026 Deal

If you are a fan of adrenaline-pumping rollercoasters, Lego builds, or historic castle walls, Merlin Entertainments has just launched what might be the best value travel deal of 2026.  Their Stay for a Night, Play for a Year promotion is back, offering a free Merlin Essential Annual Pass for every guest included in a short break booking.  Essentially, by booking one night at a Merlin hotel, you unlock entry to over 20 of the UK’s top attractions for the whole family for the next 12 months.

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Need Help Planning your Perfect Trip?

Planning holidays is our speciality, without proper planning you risk missing out on visiting incredible places or just not spending your time and money wisely.  Whether you work full time, have children that take up your time or just don't know where to look, we can help!  Our personal travel planner services are designed to turn your average holiday into the trip of a lifetime.  Click the link below to find out more.