Ideas for days out near Redditch with two teenage boys

[LaurenBacallisaTerriblePenguin]

We are going to be visiting relatives near Redditch at the end of the summer holidays. 2 teen DSs any ideas suggestion of things to do in the days while my aunt and uncle are at work. We will have a car and I'm happy to drive. We have Warwick Castle and a day in Stratford upon Avon planned what else should we be looking to do in Worcestershire/ Warwickshire the surrounding area. We have EH and NT memberships and both boys are happy with historic houses etc as destinations but I'm not familiar with the region so what hidden or not so hidden gems should make it onto our itinerary?

How about the Severn valley railway? Or West Midlands safari park?

Could you go on a canal boat for the day? If there's any water left...

Any ideas where I could do a days boat hire from? That sounds like fun.

I would be doing a Google search starting with maps to look for places along the canal. There's a marina at Alvechurch.

Also - you've got Licky Hills and a few reservoirs nearby. Look for SUP hire, kayaking, open water swimming sessions.

I found Avoncroft museum of buildings fascinating at that age but I was a history buff!

Get the train into Birmingham and see if there are any hands-on activities at the library/science museum/jewellery quarter/

Also look at Edstone Acqueduct

Thanks - mine are history buffs and we could probably happily fill all the time in NT houses, castles and museums but as it's not an area I know or have ever been to before (1st visit since my aunt moved to the area) it's always good to know what the other options are. Vary is the spice of life and all that. Sometimes water based would be great if this weather carries on.

If they like history, the Black Country living museum is about 40 minutes (fairly direct down the motorway) away. That’s a good day out for all ages. Some bits of Peaky Blinders were filmed there amongst other things

Also the back-to-back tours in Birmingham get great reviews

If you do go into Birmingham, the Coffin Museum is quite cute and the JQ is nice - there’s a climbing wall and a street food market nearby.

If you like water stuff then Upton Warren, near Bromsgrove, has a great activity centre and aqua park called Aztec Adventure.

Cadbury World is literally on the doorstep - and yes it has history as well as chocolate!

National Trust - Croome and Hanbury Hall.

How about the Commandery in Worcester? Or this https://www.museumofroyalworcester.org/whats-on/worcester-heritage-walk/

Theres also Hartlebury Castle and museum which is about 35 minutes from Redditch.

Back to Backs are really interesting but you need to book in advance.

Barber Institute if you like art.

Alcester is nice for a little wander and a coffee.