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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- Seasons
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
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
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
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
A shopping weekend in Birmingham
Enjoy great shopping and cutting edge art on a break to this buzzing city.
Location: Birmingham, West Midlands
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
December events: Walk in Nottingham's magical Winter Wonderland
A traditional Christmas-card scene is recreated in Nottingham's Old Market Square every winter – the perfect place to get into the festival spirit.
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
Experience an on-stage extravaganza at the Birmingham Hippodrome
Plan a theatre trip to Birmingham and enjoy classic performances by the famous Birmingham Royal Ballet, comedy, drama, opera and fun-filled musicals.
Location: Birmingham, West Midlands
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
Birmingham's Bullring, books and boutiques
Enjoy contemporary architectural and cultural gems as well as its shopping and nightlife.
Location: Birmingham, West Midlands
Enjoy a feast of live music and sporting events in Nottingham
Prepare to rave about Nottingham’s headline music festivals and be bowled over by the city’s world-class sporting events.
Location: Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
Follow the Stoke-on-Trent Sculpture Trail
Discover a different view of Stoke-on-Trent on its inspiring Sculpture Trail this autumn.
Location: Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire
Have a VIP Royal Shakespeare Company experience
Get the full VIP experience at the Royal Shakespeare Theatres in Stratford-upon-Avon.
Location: Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire
Feel the winter glow of a city illuminated for Light Night
See Nottingham become filled with after dark illuminations and neon displays as it blinds the winter chill from the air with live music and street theatre.
Location: Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
Head to Birmingham for a summer of festivals
This summer the streets, parks, bars and squares of Birmingham will be filled with melody as the city plays host to some fantastic music festivals.
Location: Birmingham, West Midlands
