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
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
Uncover hidden treasures in the historic Jewellery Quarter
Explore this creative industrial hub in Birmingham and admire Georgian and Victorian architecture.
Location: Birmingham, West Midlands
Step into the magical world of JRR Tolkien
Celebrate this great literary mind by exploring his childhood haunts, the inspiration for literary classics Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit.
Location: Birmingham, West Midlands
Discover where the 18th century’s greatest minds would meet
This lavish Georgian house in Birmingham was once the home of the industrialist and entrepreneur Matthew Boulton, leading member of the Lunar Society.
Location: Birmingham, West Midlands