Great days out near Tamworth, Forest of Arden, Birmingham and surrounding areas

[newnametoday1]

Hi. We'are thinking of going for a couple of days to the Forest of Arden near Birmingham next week. I'm having trouble trying to work out what there is round there there to do which will appeal to 8 year olds other than Drayton park at Tamworth and Warwick castle (the castle appears to be such a rip off from reviews that I think will give it a miss). Please can anyone suggest attractions or places to visit round there suitable. Anything castle orientated or adventure park or indeed other things to do or what we might do if it decides to rain all week. Many thanks in advance!

If you haven't been to Drayton Manor it's great for that age. Use Tesco vouchers for cheap entry.
Conkers wasn't a huge hit with us but others rate highly on a dry day.
Go into Birmingham for the aquarium or Cadbury World (free goodies for DC).

Tamworth castle & castle grounds (castle =2hrs, playground outside another 2 hours + lunch, maybe stop by town centre), twycross zoo, bosworth battlefield (if they're doing Tudors at school), Conkers (outdoor adventure playground type place), snibston colliery (coal mining history 1 junction down m42 from tamworth), kingsbury water park (outdoor play, walks), snowdome (indoor snow place).

Thank so much. We had such a lovely time we are going back for more.