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
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
September events: Enjoy good food at Ludlow Food Festival
Take one historic town, an enviable food culture, passionate local chefs and food producers and you get the perfect recipe for Ludlow Food Festival.
Location: Ludlow, Shropshire
October events: Get merry on local brews at the Robin Hood Beer Festival
With its fine selection of beer and cider stalls, many of which offer local produce, Nottingham's Robin Hood Beer and Cider Festival is a great place for drink connoisseurs.
Location: Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
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
Enjoy great views from Lincoln’s Electric Bar and Restaurant
Gaze down on the picturesque city of Lincoln while sipping cocktails and enjoying a delicious meal.
Location: Lincoln, Lincolnshire
Get clued up on healthy cooking at Harborne Food School
Learn how to cook healthy, sustainable food at Birmingham’s newest food school.
Location: Birmingham, West Midlands
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
Forage for fungi in Sherwood Pines Forest Park
Plunge the depths of the Sherwood Forest and discover penny bun mushrooms and oyster fungus at their best.
Location: Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire
Baking courses down on the farm at Manor Farm Tea Shoppe
In the picturesque village of Bleasby in Nottinghamshire is Manor Farm, where you can enjoy a tranquil break whilst perfecting your baking skills.
Location: Southwell, Nottinghamshire
Enjoy a taste of Lincolnshire in Lincoln’s Castle Square
Meet local food producers, try something new and take home a taste of Lincolnshire at the Farmers’ Market in Lincoln's historic Castle Square.
Location: Lincoln, Lincolnshire
Indulge in a foodie break in Shakespeare's England
Indulge at quintessentially English tearooms, Michelin starred restaurants and traditional coaching inns set amidst glorious Warwickshire countryside
Location: Warwickshire
Visit the home of the Bramley Apple in Nottinghamshire
Discover the apple of Nottinghamshire's eye: The Bramley Apple. Visit its home in Southwell for a mouth-watering apple escape this autumn.
Location: Southwell, 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
October events: Sample local delights at the East Midlands Food Festival
The East Midlands Food Festival in Melton Mowbray is one of the largest regional food festivals in the country. Running for over 15 years, lots of loyal and new visitors can enjoy edible delights from some of the country’s finest producers, many from the East Midlands.
Location: Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire
Get stuck into cooking lessons at Brompton Cookery School
Learn the tricks of the trade with an award-winning chef at a cookery school housed in a beautiful barn conversion near Shrewsbury.
Location: Near Shrewsbury, Shropshire
October events: Taste the best of the Peak District this autumn
Eat, drink and be merry as you make your way around the stalls at the Great Peak District Fair and Buxton Beer Festival.
Location: Buxton, Derbyshire
