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
Murder Mystery Weekend
Elaborate plots, professional actors and the chance to play detective.
Location: Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire
Take the cultural quarter trail in Leicester
Absorb yourself in rich performances and visual arts in Leicester’s cultural quarter and enjoy architectural splendour and fine dining.
Location: Leicester, Leicestershire
Experience life the Shakespearian way
Visit the historic attractions of Shakespeare’s England and see the places that played a role in the playwright’s life.
Location: Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire
Enjoy a romantic escape in Shakespeare’s England
Shakespeare’s England, home to Romeo and Juliet - the greatest love story of all time, is the perfect place for a romantic escape.
Location: Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire
See open-air Shakespeare plays in Lincolnshire
If your only experience of Shakespeare is being bored rigid in a school classroom, then it’s about time you gave the great Bard another chance.
Location: Stamford, Lincolnshire
October events: Laugh out loud at Birmingham Comedy Festival
Watch stand-up performances from some of the world’s top comedians, then learn the tricks of the trade for yourself.
Location: Birmingham, West Midlands
Enjoy dinner and a show at Kilworth House Hotel & Theatre
Not many luxurious English hotels come complete with their own open-air theatre, but Kilworth House has always been a little bit special.
Location: Kilworth, Leicestershire
Experience an on-stage extravaganza at the Birmingham Hippodrome
Plan a theatre trip to Birmingham and enjoy classic performances by the famous Birmingham Royal Ballet, comedy, drama, opera and fun-filled musicals.
Location: Birmingham, West Midlands
Have a VIP Royal Shakespeare Company experience
Get the full VIP experience at the Royal Shakespeare Theatres in Stratford-upon-Avon.
Location: Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire