This place has the usual cure and cuddly superstars. There are plenty of ducks, chickens, goats,…read moreetc. Go at the right time of year and you'll see chicks and lambs and the children can hold the fluffy yellow chicks or feed the lambs if they want. There are also pigs, the odd cow and horse too. All of the animals are pretty much under shelter too do it makes it a good place to go even in rainy weather. The playgrounds are really rather good. The thing that all children and adults alike seem to enjoy hugely is the giant inflatable pillow. It is what it says, but is great fun. There's also an indoor play area which caters really well for younger children too. You can take a picnic, but there is a restaurant which sells kids lunch boxes. You can also buy animal food on entry so that you can feed the animals as you go round. It's not a cheap pace to go, but for a day out I think it's pretty good value for money.

A lovely day out - even in the middle of winter. Ash End presents the usual petting opportunities…read morewith horses, lambs, cows, goats, rabbits etc,. but you also get lots of input from the staff and its really informative. Its a beautiful working farm set on the outskirts of Tamworth with lots of beautiful scenery available nearby. I found it to be well laid out generally and easy to get round even with a buggy. Besides the main area housing the animals there is an indoor play area featuring toy tractors etc,. (for under 5s only I believe), an outdoor park facility (think traditional wood), plenty of grass and seating for pinics, a fab gift shop, and a decent restaurant (with fresh farm produce for sale). Parties are available with various options including a tour, hot or cols meal and playtime on the equipment. They also do craft based parties for older kids, and a 'star in your own play' option for any budding 'luvvies'. My son has been to a few of these parties over the years and they have always been well-organised and the grub was spot on. They eat in a beautiful converted barn that is decorated for the paty child. Its probably I would say got a cut off age of about 6 though, unless your child is particularly into animals specifically. We have attended other events here, they do try and do seasonal stuff - like egg hunts at Easter, and a nativity tour at Christmas - you get the idea. I would imagine this would make a good school trip location too - as there are many interactive and educational aspects. The only one issue ever I have encountered here is with parking - when there are a couple of parties on they can get very short of space.

Beautiful venue, with a pretty music hall feeling, good-size-for-not-a-city theatre- red velvet,…read moreold decor. The kitchen is huge, halls for hire- the crush hall, theatre (with a well stocked bar), conference rooms. They're making more effort with weddings, hold fayres, events, pantos, burlesque, tributes, amateur and pro theatre (It's definitely worth checking out what is on)- they just held a very busy vegan fair. Staff are fab, facilities are great- it's not super shiny, but they are constantly working to improve it.

Rooms for public hire are what justifies a review; there's very little scope for appraising it as a…read morecivic landmark unto itself. "Rooms", though, may be a little broad; we're really talking about a range of genuine halls and suites available for weddings and wedding receptions, conferences, meetings, exhibitions and other social activities. They've even been known to hold the odd inquest. In appearance, they are very 'town hall', all a bit brass and velvet, although the formal decor must carry an attraction, especially judging by the amount of wedding guests you see milling around outside on Saturday evenings (and they're just the smokers). Versatility is the watch-word, with the venue able to cater for both a range of numbers and a range of food needs, from buffets to literal banquets. The venue has its own catering team. Menus and rates are available on the site's comprehensive website.

It is now very clear to me that The Holiday in provides better service, amenities, and cuisine here…read morein the UK than in the USA. I see no reason to stay anywhere BUT the Holiday inn Express while traveling. They just do things better here!