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
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
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
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
October events: Get giddy at the Nottingham Goose Fair
The Goose Fair is one of Europe’s largest travelling fairs and is one of Nottingham’s oldest traditions, dating back more than 700 years.
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
Go chocolate crazy at Cadbury World
A must-visit destination for chocoholics of all ages, Cadbury World in Bourneville near Birmingham is full of fun indoor activities and things to do when it rains.
Location: Birmingham, West Midlands
October events: Laugh out loud at Birmingham Comedy Festival
Watch stand-up performances from some of the world’s top comedians, then learn the tricks of the trade for yourself.
Location: Birmingham, West Midlands
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
Enjoy great views from Lincoln’s Electric Bar and Restaurant
Gaze down on the picturesque city of Lincoln while sipping cocktails and enjoying a delicious meal.
Location: Lincoln, Lincolnshire
Fall in love (all over again) at Malmaison Birmingham
Topping the list as England’s fastest growing Valentine’s Day destination, where better to rekindle a romance than in Birmingham?
Location: Birmingham, West Midlands
Get clued up on healthy cooking at Harborne Food School
Learn how to cook healthy, sustainable food at Birmingham’s newest food school.
Location: Birmingham, West Midlands
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
Enjoy a taste of Lincolnshire in Lincoln’s Castle Square
Meet local food producers, try something new and take home a taste of Lincolnshire at the Farmers’ Market in Lincoln's historic Castle Square.
Location: Lincoln, Lincolnshire
Be spooked on a Lincoln Ghost Tour this Halloween
Hear the spooky tales of Lincoln’s past by foot or by open-top bus.
Location: Lincoln, Lincolnshire
Pubs, beer and Robin: Drink in Nottingham's brewing heritage
Explore the rich beer and brewing offer in Nottingham, from historic pubs to modern craft beers, and a brewery tour guided by Robin Hood himself.
Location: Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
Shop and sup in style in Nottingham's hippest neighbourhood
Base your city break in Nottingham’s Creative Quarter, buzzing with bars and restaurants, vintage shopping, quirky retailers and cultural events.
Location: Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
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