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
Climb Broadway Tower
Have a pre-Raphaelite holiday retreat in the Cotswolds.
Location: Broadway, Worcestershire
Ride the Water Rail Way cycle route
Begin your ride in the city and then head out to the Wolds.
Location: Lincoln, Lincolnshire
Walk, cycle or ride the Longdendale Trail
Cycle, walk or bring a horse...
Location: Glossop, Derbyshire
Visit Battlefield 1403, site of the Battle of Shrewsbury
Visit the site of the Battle of Shrewsbury in Shropshire and discover how it changed the course of English and French history.
Location: Shrewsbury, Shropshire
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
Follow King Arthur’s trail in Shropshire
King Arthur (the real one!) was born, lived and died in Shropshire. No, really. And his Queen Guinevere was a Shropshire lass too.
Location: Oswestry, Shropshire
Enjoy sculptures and breathtaking views on the Spa Trail
Enjoy a family friendly cycling route following an old section of the Horncastle to Woodhall Spa railway route.
Location: Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire
Marvel at the view from one of Nottinghamshire’s highest points
Stroll along a network of landscaped trails before climbing to one of Nottinghamshire's highest points, where a view of Hardwick Hall awaits you.
Location: Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire
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
Discover a haven for flowers in the heart of England
Wander hand-in-hand along Worcestershire’s Spring Blossom Trail, through field after field, amongst the county’s blossoming flowers and plant life.
Location: Vale of Evesham, Worcestershire
Find riverside amusements aplenty in the Severn Valley
Stourport-on-Severn is a great inland resort to explore, with plenty of open green space for the whole family to enjoy, canal and riverside walks, riverside amusements and boat trips galore.
Location: Stourport-on-Severn, Worcestershire
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
