Top 10 things to do for under £100 in and around the Midlands and Shropshire
If you think you're going to find placid picnics in the park or calm coffee mornings in our summer days-out guide, then you've got another thing coming. When have we ever done anything by the book?
We've been working on our list of 10 top things to do this holiday for under £100, and we think we've found something for everyone.
Whether you're a speed-seeking petrolhead, a potential pop-star or a cool connoisseur of wonderful wine, we've got an adventure lined up for you that you won't forget in a hurry. We've got 10 ace ideas, but if we've missed anything drop us an email at kirsty.bosley@mnamedia.co.uk. It's going to be a summer of fun!
Rally Thrill Ride - £89
Sitting in commuter jams every week day and desperate to break free? Well, it's not every day you get to reach super speeds in a rally car, so the thrill-seekers out there should definitely consider this. Visitors to the Seighford Driving Centre can drive a Mitsubishi Evo or a Subaru Impreza around the track for six laps of adrenaline-fuelled fun for £89.
After you've been behind the wheel yourself, you can give your accelerating foot a rest and sit up front beside a driver in a high-speed passenger ride, to really see what the cars can do.
You should allow around two hours at the venue, which includes a de-brief and certificate presentation.
Sound right up your street? Click here to book. Fasten your seatbelt!
Segway Rally Adventure - £79
This has got to be the coolest way to while away an hour in Weston Park!
Take to a Segway and use only your weight and the steering handle to navigate various terrains. You've got an hour of riding with this activity, so don't panic, there's plenty of time to learn how to operate your machine with your own dedicated instructor.
The park itself is a gorgeous location to explore, especially in the sunshine. Groups of up to 12 can book, but a Segway Rally Adventure for two is £79.
And better still, the team at www.SegwayEvents.co.uk have been kind enough to offer Star readers 20 per cent off all experiences until the end of the year. Just use the code STAROFFER.
Zip World Velocity - £60
Imagine shooting through the air at speeds of more than 100mph. It's about as close to Superman as any of us are ever going to feel.
Zip World Velocity is the fastest zipline in the world and the longest in Europe. It's a little drive away, in Snowdonia, but it's well worth the trip and costs £60 per person. You won't be expected to take the plunge straight away, instead building your confidence on the Little Zipper line. Then you'll head up Penrhyn Quarry where, on a clear day, you'll take in views of the Isle of Man! Then all that's left to do is throw caution to the wind and ride down the Big Zipper over the quarry lake. Get more info here
Shropshire Raft Tours - £35
If you're looking for an unusual way to explore the River Severn, then pop a life jacket on and get rafting! Shropshire Raft Tours have safely transported thousands of rafters down the river, from teeny toddlers to senior citizens.
On a trip, you travel 2km of the Severn in a 25ft 16 passenger oarpowered raft, making them the biggest rafts in Britain! But don't worry, you won't need to row – they have a team to do that for you.
A family of two adults and two children can go on this two-hour trip for £35, and that includes a free minibus shuttle to and from the river. Fancy having a go? Then visit www.ShropshireRaftTours.co.uk or call 01952 426100.
Clay pigeon shooting - £50
Ready your trigger finger and take aim on this quintessential countryside trip. Oakedge Shooting Ground on the Wolseley Park Estate is the place to go to get to grips with a gun.
Situated in the heart of the Staffordshire countryside, on the edge of Cannock Chase, between Shugborough and Wolseley Bridge, it's a beautiful location for a memorable day out. One-on-one tuition is available so that visitors get a good introduction to gun handling, safety and techniques. Hearing and eye protection can be provided too, if necessary.
It costs £50 for 100 targets on various or specific stands. For bookings or for further details, call 01889 881391.
Helicopter tour - £70
See Wolverhampton in a whole new light in a helicopter buzz flight! Travel eight miles across the sky and take in breathtaking views (yes, that is possible, cheeky!) above the city.
See old familiar sights from a whole new angle. The one downside to this is that it lasts only five minutes, so it won't be a 'day out' as such. But how often do you get to fly around in a helicopter like a movie star? We think it sounds ace!
If you'd rather spend more time in the sky, you can fork out £278 for a 20-minute tour over Ironbridge, the River Severn and Bridgnorth, which would be so picturesque, but doesn't fit in our under £100 theme.
Details for all trips can be found here
Vineyard tour - £25
Prefer a chilled out afternoon? Then try a tranquil tour of Kerry Vale Vineyard. Situated in Pentreheyling, Shropshire, the family-run business is set on six acres of farm land.
Tours and tasting starts from as little as £9.95, but the £25 option offers two to three hours of enjoyment. The day begins with a welcome presentation with tea or coffee, followed by a tour of the vineyard.
There's a talk on the impressive history of the site and surrounding area, as well as wine tasting! Then there's a traditional afternoon tea accompanied by a glass of English sparkling wine. The vineyard has been shortlisted for this year's Great British Food Awards for their KVV sparkling rosé. Tasty!
Recording session - £59
Always imagined that you'd sound great on record? Fancy yourself as the next Burt Bacharach or Rihanna?
Then show the world what you're made of, well, sort of. Sing It studio days offer a pop star experience, allowing visitors an assisted session on the mic. With an engineer on hand to make you sound your best, you'll record one song and have it mixed by an expert.
You'll be able to choose your song and have a photo CD at the end to take home too. It all takes place in an industry standard recording studio, so it's about as close as most of us are going to get to stardom. Unless you're reading this, Lady Gaga!
The silver singing experience is £59 and others are available from www.Sing-It.co.uk
Zombie hunt - £60
This definitely isn't one for the faint-hearted! Set in a 100 acre woodland near RAF Cosford, this zombie experience venue is enough to scare you silly – not least because it takes place at night!
With helicopters, underground bunkers, a jungle, streams, bridges, trenches, a field ambulance and even a kill house (WAH!), it sounds intense and realistic. As a small group, you'll take part in an immersive theatrical scenario, exploring the Zombie Horde infected zone. There are live actors and special effects designed to scare you stupid, and though you're in no real danger, it certainly feels like it, especially considering that they might grab you!
Up for it? Head to www.Events2Scare.com!
The Flying School - £60
Fulfil a dream and go up, up and away with a flying lesson in the Shropshire and South Staffordshire skies.
Under the personal guidance of an instructor from The Flying School at Halfpenny Green Airport, you can take off and fly a plane! Trial lessons are a great way to get familiar with an aircraft and the controls and learn the basics of flying. Then you can try it out for yourself in the air!
There are twoseater and four-seater aircrafts, and lessons cost from £80. If you're flying a four-seater, you can even take a friend or family member with you on your first flight. At the end, you'll get a certificate to show you did it.
