Rare Species Conservation Centre Planning a visit?

[Brum]

Hi all, I'm currently trying to work out the quickest way to get to the RSCC from New Street station. Unfortunately it looks like it will be a good three and a half hours there and over four hours back, I've looked into doing it in a day but it would leave me with a couple of hours (maximum) at the centre.
Ideally I'd like to do it in a day but if worst comes to the worst then I may have to resort to staying overnight (which I don't really have the money for) but if that is the case then what other collection should I visit on the second day? I know Kent has a few decent collections but which is more worthwhile?

If anyone has any travel tips, accommodation ideas or back-up collection ideas then I'd be extremely grateful!

 

[TeaLovingDave]

Looks like on weekdays and weekends there are plenty of train journeys available which would get you to RSCC for mid to late morning, and get you back to Birmingham by about 9 or 10 at night, giving you about six hours at the collection.

More to the point, as soon as this Saturday there are still quite a few advance fares available, though the on the day return ticket is cheaper on weekends anyway.

 

[Jordan-Jaguar97]

I am also looking into a visit, however was wondering which hotel is nearest to the collection. I should be visiting around July time however not confirmed date yet.

 

[Brum]

Looks like on weekdays and weekends there are plenty of train journeys available which would get you to RSCC for mid to late morning, and get you back to Birmingham by about 9 or 10 at night, giving you about six hours at the collection.

More to the point, as soon as this Saturday there are still quite a few advance fares available, though the on the day return ticket is cheaper on weekends anyway.

I'm looking at doing it in June, it's definitely going to be a weekend as I'll be damned if I'm paying peak-time fares to and from London!

I've also been looking into paying advance return to London and booking a ticket to Sandwich but that seems to be even more expensive. Hopefully in five or six hours I will get to see everything that's on-show but let's be honest, small mammals aren't always known for their visibility!