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
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
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
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
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
Ride the Water Rail Way cycle route
Begin your ride in the city and then head out to the Wolds.
Location: Lincoln, Lincolnshire
Hire a bike for a cycle in Lincoln
Hire a bike in Lincoln and take it out for a spin on one of the picturesque routes and paths that begin in the historic city.
Location: Lincoln, Lincolnshire
Free-wheeling fun in Leicester & The National Forest
From a city full of fresh cycling ideas, to off-road biking excursions in The National Forest.
Location: Leicester, Leicestershire
Discover the birthplace of the Tank
Learn the history behind the birth of the tank - the machine that broke the stalemate of World War 1 – at the Museum of Lincolnshire Life.
Location: Lincoln, Lincolnshire
Chase the Lincoln Imp at Lincoln Cathedral
Hear the story of the mischievous Imp that has been a symbol of Lincoln for centuries.
Location: Lincoln, Lincolnshire
Follow in Roman footsteps with a free smartphone app
Looking for an immersive and cheap experience? Use mobile technology to delve into the past with Lincoln’s free digital Roman Trail app.
Location: Lincoln, Lincolnshire
Visit world-renowned artefacts on a budget break in Birmingham
Being on a budget break in Birmingham isn't a problem at all as there’s so much to see and do for free.
Location: Birmingham, West Midlands
Enjoy a fun family break in Leicestershire
Treat your children to a fun-filled short break in Leicestershire.
Location: Leicester, Leicestershire
Enjoy a weekend of free outdoor arts across Birmingham
Head to the Birmingham Weekender this September, where the city centre will be bought to life with music, dance, theatre, art, literature, food and fashion.
Location: Birmingham, West Midlands
See Nottingham’s sights on a budget this winter
Keep a tight rein on the purse strings as you explore Nottingham by tram, and discover a string of free attractions that are perfect for those on a tight budget.
Location: Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
Discover Staffordshire’s hoard of free and cheap activities and attractions
Explore Stoke-on-Trent’s free attractions and activities for a cheap weekend break in the heart of England that’s filled with family fun.
Location: Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire