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
Be at one with birds of prey at Rosliston Forestry Centre
There’s something special about being close to a bird of prey; those round watchful eyes on high alert, fixing you with a dominating stare.
Location: Rosliston, Derbyshire
See The National Forest in bloom at Yoxall Lodge
Too many hours indoors during winter’s gloomy days and you’re looking to break out into spring’s fresh air and lengthening daylight hours.
Location: Yoxall, Staffordshire
Small pleasures come free at Dimminsdale Nature Reserve
Just a few small snowdrops bring cheer to the colder, shorter days of England’s winter, and seen at Dimminsdale, they’re simply breathtaking.
Location: Staunton Harold, Leicestershire
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
Explore Leicestershire’s beautiful waterways at Foxton Locks
Enjoy summer walks past the colourful narrowboats and along the unique waterways surrounded by Leicestershire’s picturesque countryside.
Location: Market Harborough, Leicestershire
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
Get back to nature at Attenborough Nature Reserve
The tranquil waters of the beautiful Attenborough Nature Reserve in Nottingham set the landscape for discovering and watching wildlife at its best.
Location: Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
Wig wam your way to Clumber Park
Camping in tents is so last year – why not try sleeping in a yurt or wigwam in the beautiful surrounds of Clumber Park?
Location: Worksop, Nottinghamshire
Enjoy a camping weekend at the National Water Sports Centre
Take advantage of a budget break in Nottingham with a camping weekend at the National Water Sports centre, just 10 minutes from the heart of the city.
Location: Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
Cycle along a disused railway line in Stratford-upon-Avon
Explore the English countryside saddle side whilst cycling the 5-mile long Stratford Greenway.
Location: Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire
Rock Climb in the Peak District
With 10,000 recorded climbs the Peak District is widely recognised as having some of the best climbing in the country.
Location: Peak District, Derbyshire
Climb Broadway Tower
Have a pre-Raphaelite holiday retreat in the Cotswolds.
Location: Broadway, Worcestershire
Ride the Water Rail Way cycle route
Begin your ride in the city and then head out to the Wolds.
Location: Lincoln, Lincolnshire
Walk, cycle or ride the Longdendale Trail
Cycle, walk or bring a horse...
Location: Glossop, Derbyshire
Free-wheeling fun in Leicester & The National Forest
From a city full of fresh cycling ideas, to off-road biking excursions in The National Forest.
Location: Leicester, Leicestershire
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
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
Discover a haven for flowers in the heart of England
Wander hand-in-hand along Worcestershire’s Spring Blossom Trail, through field after field, amongst the county’s blossoming flowers and plant life.
Location: Vale of Evesham, Worcestershire
Find riverside amusements aplenty in the Severn Valley
Stourport-on-Severn is a great inland resort to explore, with plenty of open green space for the whole family to enjoy, canal and riverside walks, riverside amusements and boat trips galore.
Location: Stourport-on-Severn, Worcestershire
