Central England has the wow-factor when it comes to dramatic countryside. Clamber craggy peaks and moors in the Peak District National Park, bike deep through the National Forest or turn back the clock to the industrial age on the Grand Union Canal. Step into the West Midlands’ cities in style in shoppers' paradise Birmingham and cathedral city Coventry. Enjoy Shakespearean plays at the theatres, discover the Bard’s quaint family homes in Stratford-upon-Avon, and head to Sherwood Forest for adventures with England’s favourite outlaw. Be prepared for a culinary adventure too. Central England has a mouth-watering plethora of specialities from sticky Bakewell tart to sizzling balti curries and Stilton cheese.
Central England
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Explore the city delights of Derby’s Cathedral Quarter
Meander through Derby’s Cathedral Quarter, with arcades and hidden entrances, luxury hotel, specialist stores and independent retailers.
Location: Derby, Derbyshire
Tour the tower of Lincoln Cathedral
For 300 years Lincoln Cathedral was the tallest building in the world. Take a tour of the iconic building for an unforgettable experience.
Location: Lincoln, Lincolnshire
Spend a weekend on the Waterfront in Lincoln
Lincoln’s unique city-centre waterfront is the ideal base for a vibrant, exciting weekend city break.
Location: Lincoln, Lincolnshire
Enjoy a romantic escape to a secret corner of Lincoln
Escape with your special someone to a medieval palace hidden beside Lincoln Cathedral and Lincoln’s Medieval Bishop’s Palace.
Location: Lincoln, Lincolnshire
October events: Experience Leicester's Festival of Light
Wrap up warm for Leicester’s spectacular Diwali lights switch on, or join in with a wealth of activities and celebrations leading up to the epic finale on Diwali Day.
Location: Leicester, Leicestershire
Blast off to the National Space Centre
From astronauts to rocket towers, satellites and meteorites, there is plenty of space to explore at this fun, family-friendly attraction.
Location: Leicester, Leicestershire
Saris and jewellery to spices and dining on the Golden Mile
A trip to Leicester isn’t complete without a visit to the Golden Mile.
Location: Leicester, Leicestershire
See where Richard III's remains were discovered
The ‘Richard III: Leicester’s Search for a King’ exhibition is a must-see for history fans and provides an opportunity to learn more about the King’s life and death.
Location: Leicester, Leicestershire
August events: Leicester's Caribbean Carnival
Join the annual Leicester Caribbean Carnival in August for a celebration of culture and tradition full of music, colour and dance.
Location: Leicester, Leicestershire
Visit Europe's largest library
The Library of Birmingham houses a million printed volumes, the largest number held by any public library in the UK.
Location: Birmingham, West Midlands
Discover green Birmingham
Birmingham has more than 8,000 acres of award-winning green spaces and parks – more than any other European city.
Location: Birmingham, West Midlands
Uncover hidden treasures in the historic Jewellery Quarter
Explore this creative industrial hub in Birmingham and admire Georgian and Victorian architecture.
Location: Birmingham, West Midlands
Rainy Day Activities: Watch films in style at The Electric Birmingham
Lounge on a sofa with a drink in hand and watch the latest blockbusters at the UK's oldest working cinema.
Location: Birmingham, West Midlands
Enjoy a romantic escape in Shakespeare’s England
Shakespeare’s England, home to Romeo and Juliet - the greatest love story of all time, is the perfect place for a romantic escape.
Location: Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire
Enjoy an indulgent weekend at The Ardencote Manor Hotel
Spend quality time together and treat yourselves to a relaxing spa weekend at the Ardencote Manor Hotel and Spa.
Location: Warwick, Warwickshire
Spring into action on a family adventure break near Nottingham
From picnics to paddles, Nottinghamshire is ideal for a springtime family adventure break, with an abundance of things to do and places to explore.
Location: Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
Enjoy a camping weekend at the National Water Sports Centre
Take advantage of a budget break in Nottingham with a camping weekend at the National Water Sports centre, just 10 minutes from the heart of the city.
Location: Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
Unlace Nottingham’s lacemaking heritage
Nottinghamshire was once the heart of the world’s lace making industry, and it has a proud industrial heritage still strong today.
Location: Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
Find yourself on a farm in the heart of Nottingham
Stonebridge City Farm is a slice of the countryside in the heart of a city centre.
Location: Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
Stay in a secret chalet in rural Nottinghamshire
Enjoy a romantic stay in a beautiful chalet in the grounds of Langar Hall, and explore the surrounding area including country walks and walled gardens.
Location: Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
Lose yourself in Neverland at Nottingham Arboretum
The Arboretum just outside Nottingham’s city centre is said to be the inspiration behind J.M. Barrie’s classic children’s tale ‘Peter Pan’.
Location: Nottingham, Nottinghamshire