VMS’s Top Local Tourist Attractions Near Us!

Written by Jessica Fidoe on 12th September 2018

With Heritage Open Days taking place between the 13th and 16th September, and World Tourism Day on the horizon on the 27th September, we are celebrating our favourite local tourist attractions near our VMS branches! 

 

Whether you are hiring a vehicle from us for a special weekend away with friends or family, or just looking for an excuse to get out and explore the local area around you for the day, whatever the reason, we want you to have the best time possible! We have collected our favourite local tourist attractions near our VMS branches so you can grab one our hire cars and get exploring!

 

TAMWORTH 

Tamworth Castle

Spanning more than 900 years, this wonderful heritage site lets you journey through time as you are guided through an ancient courtyard, 15 different rooms and chambers connected by long hallways. As you take a wander, you’ll see just how the castle has changed and adapted from the many residents of the castle, from the Saxon, Norman, Tudor and Victorian time periods. 

Drive time: 10 minutes from VMS Tamworth 

 

Drayton Manor Theme Park 

For the thrill seekers out there with children to keep entertained, Drayton Manor Theme Park could be the one for you! With a variety of exciting attractions, rollercoasters, a zoo and Thomas Land there really is plenty for you and your little ones to do! 

Drive time: 7 minutes from VMS Tamworth 

 

Daytona Tamworth 

Of course, we had to chuck in a driving related attraction into our top list! For the petrol heads, Daytona Tamworth is the Midland’s premier kart racing venue, with a 1000 metre tarmac circuit! With great facilities and catering, you can set the pace for an exciting day of racing! 

Drive time: 9 minutes from VMS Tamworth 

 

SUNDERLAND 

Roker & Seaburn Beaches 

The autumnal weather may be setting in, but there’s no reason not to still enjoy a great British beach! With it’s Blue Flag award winning twin beaches, there are miles of beautiful coastline to enjoy with a bag of fish and chips and sea air to breathe in along the Roker Pier or promenade! 

Drive time: 11 minutes from VMS Sunderland

 

National Glass Centre 

For those looking for something a little bit different, the National Glass Centre celebrates the heritage of glass making in Sunderland and the development of this craft in the 21st century. With a total of 3,250 square meters of glass, a glass roof that can accommodate 460 people and a heat exchange system which uses heat from the glass making furnaces to warm building - this truly is a fascinating spot on your drive! 

Drive time: 9 minutes from VMS Sunderland 

 

Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens

The museum has an intriguing collection dating back to 1846. With surprises around every turn, the Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens will really keep you on your toes! With objects such as the first Nissan car to roll off the production line at the Sunderland factory in 1986, to their most famous object of all, Wallace the Lion who still stands proudly 135 years later. The Winter Gardens houses over 2,000 plants in a glass rotunda and even a tree-top walkway to give you your very own birds-eye view! 

Drive time: 10 minutes drive from VMS Sunderland

 

STEVENAGE 

Knebworth House & Park 

Once the home to the Lytton Family, the house showcases its 500-year history for you to explore. Open between March till the end of September, this lavish stately home not only has stunning Tudor architecture to gaze at but an extensive park and garden and even an adventure playground & dinosaur trail! For the music lovers out there, Knebworth House also is home to many concerts throughout the year! 

Drive time: 10 minutes from VMS Stevenage 

 

Fairlands Valley 

Once voted as one of the UK’s leading free visitor attractions, Fairlands Valley Park consists of 120 acres of beautiful parkland and a fantastic array of water and land-based outdoor activities for adults and children from 8 years upward. Everything from canoeing, kayaking, windsurfing to grass sledging, orienteering and power kiting can be experienced with friends and family! 

The best part - free parking! 

Drive time: 6 minutes from VMS Stevenage

 

Hitchin Lavender 

Whilst this attraction is only open between May and September, Hitchin Lavender fields is one of the most stunning sights to witness during the summer months. With 25 miles of lavender rows which you can walk through and pick your own fresh flowers from, it really is a sight to behold when everything is in full bloom. An on-site 17th-century barn serves a range of lunches and homemade cakes to keep you going during your visit. 

Drive time: 19 minutes from VMS Stevenage

 

WARRINGTON  

Walton Hall

Walton Hall is ideal for a picnic or a kick about! Situated amongst 32 acres of picturesque parkland and Green Flag gardens, Walton Hall makes for the perfect location for a family day out! With their Heritage Centre cafe, picnic and play areas which include crazy golf, a land train and even a children’s zoo filled with beasties and feathered friends to name but a few! 

Don’t forget to make sure the boot of your car has enough space for a picnic basket, a blanket and a football! 

Drive time: 10 minutes from VMS Warrington 

 

Norton Priory

Norton Priory is the most excavated monastic site in the whole of Europe! Opening in 2016, you can view thousands of objects from Tudor Shoes to a medieval statue of St Christopher. Explore the 12th-century undercroft building and priory ruins whilst you discover secret summer houses and stream glades nestled within the woodland. There is even a stunning 2.5-acre Georgian walled garden to wander through! 

Drive time: 17 minutes from VMS Warrington

 

Gulliver’s World 

This family-run theme park, designed specifically for children aged between 2 and 13 years of age, this child-friendly attraction has over 80 rides, specially designed for your little ones in mind! With a range of shows and characters to meet and greet everyday, if you are looking to pile your family into the car for a day of fun, Gulliver’s World could be the local tourist attraction for you! With the option to bring along your own picnic to save on cost and free car parking. 

Drive time: 13 minutes from VMS Warrington 

Now you’ve heard our top local tourist attractions, now it’s time to plan your trip and hire that car! VMS Vehicle Hire has a huge range of vehicles to suit any type of trip from a couples getaway, lad’s trip to a family-friendly weekend - our fleet is ready for you! 

To find out more about hiring options, visit: https://www.vmsvehiclehire.co.uk/car-hire 

 Back to News

Recent News