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
Experience the adventure and thrills of the Monsal Trail
Whizz through four former railway tunnels on your bicycle and enjoy breathtaking views on the Monsal Trail.
Location: Hassop, Derbyshire
Enjoy fresh, local produce on The Vale Trail
Have a unique horticultural experience in one of England's most fertile lands. Sample fresh produce from local food and drink producers.
Location: Evesham, Worcestershire
Get on your bike along the Mercian Way
Discover ancient woodland and the Severn Valley Railway cycling from the Wyre Forest to Bridgnorth and back again.
Location: Bridgnorth, Shropshire
Walk with Offa in the Shropshire Hills
Follow in King Offa’s footsteps with 18 way-marked pub walks taking you through border country between England & Wales and along Offa’s Dyke.
Location: Clun, Shropshire
New Ways to see Sherwood Pines Forest
Discover Sherwood Pines Forest on two wheels, with Go Ape’s Segway tours through Robin Hood country.
Location: Edwinstowe, Nottinghamshire
Head off-road on two wheels in Sherwood Forest
From family cycle trails to extreme mountain biking, Sherwood Pines Forest offers the best when it comes to getting active on two wheels.
Location: Edwinstowe, Nottinghamshire
Feel calmer whilst walking a llama
Go walkies South American-style with National Forest Llama Treks, an unusual “let’s-do-something-different” trekking experience.
Location: Barton-under-Needwood, Staffordshire
Ride the Water Rail Way cycle route
Begin your ride in the city and then head out to the Wolds.
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
Tour the 18th century Walled Gardens at the Apley Estate
Take a guided tour of the Walled Gardens on the Apley Estate, sample its produce at The Creamery Café or buy your own from Apley Farm Shop.
Location: Apley, 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
Follow in the footsteps of the real King Arthur
Discover the stories behind the sword in the stone, the Holy Grail and Camelot, and the Lady Guinevere, on the King Arthur Trail in Shropshire.
Location: Oswestry, Shropshire