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
Be at one with birds of prey at Rosliston Forestry Centre
There’s something special about being close to a bird of prey; those round watchful eyes on high alert, fixing you with a dominating stare.
Location: Rosliston, Derbyshire
See The National Forest in bloom at Yoxall Lodge
Too many hours indoors during winter’s gloomy days and you’re looking to break out into spring’s fresh air and lengthening daylight hours.
Location: Yoxall, Staffordshire
Discover UNESCO World Heritage site at Masson Mills
Experience what life was like to work in an 18th-century mill at this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Location: Matlock Bath, Derbyshire
Small pleasures come free at Dimminsdale Nature Reserve
Just a few small snowdrops bring cheer to the colder, shorter days of England’s winter, and seen at Dimminsdale, they’re simply breathtaking.
Location: Staunton Harold, Leicestershire
Experience the adventure and thrills of the Monsal Trail
Whizz through four former railway tunnels on your bicycle and enjoy breathtaking views on the Monsal Trail.
Location: Hassop, 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
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
Discover the secrets to Worcester's hidden past
Visit one of the most historic and haunted cities in England and learn about the secrets of the city on a historic walking tour.
Location: Worcester, Worcestershire
Explore Leicestershire’s beautiful waterways at Foxton Locks
Enjoy summer walks past the colourful narrowboats and along the unique waterways surrounded by Leicestershire’s picturesque countryside.
Location: Market Harborough, 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
Head off-road on two wheels in Sherwood Forest
From family cycle trails to extreme mountain biking, Sherwood Pines Forest offers the best when it comes to getting active on two wheels.
Location: Edwinstowe, Nottinghamshire
Get back to nature at Attenborough Nature Reserve
The tranquil waters of the beautiful Attenborough Nature Reserve in Nottingham set the landscape for discovering and watching wildlife at its best.
Location: Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
Wig wam your way to Clumber Park
Camping in tents is so last year – why not try sleeping in a yurt or wigwam in the beautiful surrounds of Clumber Park?
Location: Worksop, 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
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
Hunt for ghosts at the National Justice Museum
Named one of the most haunted buildings in Britain, the National Justice Museum was once home to the villainous Sheriff of Nottingham.
Location: Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
Join Nottingham's famous ghost walk
The Original Nottingham Ghost Tours will take you on a spine-tingling walk around a city which is steeped in history.
Location: Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
Cycle along a disused railway line in Stratford-upon-Avon
Explore the English countryside saddle side whilst cycling the 5-mile long Stratford Greenway.
Location: Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire
Rainy Day Activities: Get spooked at Tudor World
Delve into Tudor life with a series of rainy day activities at this interactive indoor museum, found in one of England's most haunted buildings.
Location: Stratford-Upon-Avon, Warwickshire
Rock Climb in the Peak District
With 10,000 recorded climbs the Peak District is widely recognised as having some of the best climbing in the country.
Location: Peak District, Derbyshire