Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings

You can see the architecture typical of the region at this 15-acre open-air museum, which has rescued more than 25 structures from destruction. Alongside the half-timber buildings are Victorian chimneys, a collection of phone booths, a three-seater "earth closet" (lavatory), a 1946 prefabricated house, and a working windmill. Avoncroft is 17 miles southwest of Birmingham. School groups usually arrive at the museum in the morning, making afternoon a less crowded time to visit. Wear sensible shoes. £7.70. Apr.–June, Sept., and Oct., Tues.–Sun. 10:30–5; July and Aug., daily 10:30–5; Nov.–Mar., weekends 10:30–4.