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
Spring into action on a family adventure break near Nottingham
From picnics to paddles, Nottinghamshire is ideal for a springtime family adventure break, with an abundance of things to do and places to explore.
Location: Nottingham, 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
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
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
Enjoy a drink at England’s oldest pub
Built into a cave system underneath Nottingham Castle, Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem (or ‘The Trip’ as locals call it) is a legend among English inns.
Location: Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
Visit the real Wayne Manor in Nottingham
Wollaton Hall took on a very special role in when it appeared as ‘Wayne Manor’ in The Dark Knight Trilogy.
Location: Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
Woo your loved one on the Lord Byron trail
Discover the romantic escapes of poet Lord Byron, England's most notorious romantic poet, on a visit to his ancestral heartland in Nottinghamshire.
Location: Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
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
Escape to a romantic penthouse
Book a room at the penthouse at the St James Hotel in Nottingham for the ultimate luxurious and romantic getaway.
Location: Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
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
March with your band of merry men along the Robin Hood Way
Admire city attractions, magnificent country parks and magical forests as you walk the legendary 105-mile Robin Hood Way through Nottinghamshire.
Location: Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
Discover Nottingham's hidden heritage in this city of caves
Venture beneath the streets to discover a hidden world beneath your feet in the city of Nottingham.
Location: Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
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
Revel in Nottingham’s romantic park life
Stay in Nottingham’s newest luxury hotel and enjoy a relaxing weekend taking in beautiful parks and outdoor cinema.
Location: Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
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
