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 the home of stinky cheese at Colston Bassett Dairy
If you’re a cheese connoisseur then a trip to Colston Bassett is a must when you are in Nottinghamshire.
Location: Colston Bassett, Nottinghamshire
Taste ice cream straight from the farm
Savour the delights of ice cream straight from the farm, in the pretty rural Nottinghamshire countryside.
Location: Southwell, Nottinghamshire
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
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
Medieval Banquet in Nottingham
Loosen your belt and head to the Galleries of Justice and the Sheriff of Nottingham, where you can experience your very own Medieval knees-up.
Location: Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
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
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