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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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
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
Swing through the treetops in Sherwood Forest
Connect with your inner monkey as you swing through the trees at Go Ape in Sherwood Forest.
Location: Edwinstowe, Nottinghamshire
Visit a cinematic favourite at Eastnor
Eastnor’s typical castle architecture has made it the star of many a movie and TV programme over the years.
Location: Ledbury, Herefordshire
Have a medieval sleepover at Warwick Castle
For a family holiday with a difference, grab your sleeping bag and head to Warwick Castle to spend the night within the castle's historic grounds.
Location: Warwick, Warwickshire
Full steam ahead on a loco driven by you
Many would love the chance to drive a steam engine, well now's your chance: become a train driver for the day at Telford Steam Railway.
Location: Telford, Shropshire
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
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
Ride a unicorn at Robin Hood’s Wheelgate Park
From ball pits to soak zones and plenty of furry friends, Robin Hood's Wheelgate Park is a must-visit for fun-loving families.
Location: Mansfield, Nottinghamshire
Make Christmas a family time with Forest Holidays
Gather your friends and family and start planning a memorable Christmas in one of Forest Holiday’s luxurious log cabins in Sherwood Forest.
Location: Edwinstowe, Nottinghamshire
Take a flight to the Heights of Abraham
Discover famous show caverns beneath a 60-acre hilltop park overlooking a deep, dramatic limestone gorge in the Peak District.
Location: Matlock, Derbyshire
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
Join in the adventures of Nottingham’s legendary son, Robin Hood
Discover the tales of Nottinghamshire’s most legendary son and the world's favourite folk hero, Robin Hood.
Location: Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire
Explore Blue John Cavern
Take your own journey to the centre of the earth in search of the mysterious Blue John - originally discovered by the Romans.
Location: Castleton, Derbyshire
Walk barefoot through the woods at CONKERS
From teddy-bear picnics to jumping on crunchy leaves, England’s woodland is brimming with things to do with toddlers - and award-winning CONKERS, in the heart of The National Forest, is no different.
Location: Swadlincote, Derbyshire
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
Midland Railway - Butterley
The Railway’s Footplate Experience provides big kids with all the necessary know-how to drive a steam train.
Location: Ripley, Derbyshire
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
Say hello to pampered pups in Skegness
Visit Natureland to see how washed-up seal pups are nursed back to health and prepared for a life back in the wild.
Location: Skegness, Lincolnshire
Enjoy the outdoors and its culinary delights at Talton Lodge
Surely there’s nowhere other than Talton Lodge where you could combine canoeing, Tug O’ War and sausage-making courses?
Location: Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire
See a host of military aircraft at Newark Air Museum
Located on a former Second World War airfield, Newark Air Museum is the ideal place to find out about the history of aviation.
Location: Newark, Nottinghamshire
