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
Walk the breadth of spectacular Stanage Edge
Follow in the footsteps of your literary heroes on Stanage Edge, a dramatic rocky outcrop with equally dramatic moorland views in the Peak District.
Location: Stanage Edge, Derbyshire
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
Discover the two sides of the Peak District
Two contrasting personalities, one national park... White Peak Vs Dark Peak.
Location: Peak District, Derbyshire
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
Experience the medieval romance of Haddon Hall
Grab a loved one and visit one of the oldest and most romantic Tudor houses in Britain.
Location: Bakewell, Derbyshire
Hop over stepping stones across the River Dove at Dovedale
Follow an easy walking route through Ilam Park and into the spectacular gorge of Dovedale in the southern Peak District.
Location: Ilam, Derbyshire
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
Accessible Peak District
You'll be surprise by the wheelchair-friendly trails in the Peak District.
Location: Peak District, Derbyshire
Saddle up in the Peak District and Derbyshire
View some of the area’s finest scenery on a two-day trail ride, with exhilarating gallops, quintessentially English villages and cosy pub lunches.
Location: Bakewell, Derbyshire
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
Amble in a winter wonderland
Wrap up warm, brave the elements and take a stroll around Derwent Dam in the Upper Derwent Valley, an area renowned for its dramatic scenery.
Location: Bamford, Derbyshire
Fill your belly on a gourmet break in Bakewell
Enjoy a delicious culinary experience in Bakewell, home of the world-famous Pudding, and hone your hands-on skills on a specialist cookery course.
Location: Bakewell, Derbyshire
Up, up and away...
Take a hot air balloon flight and drift along with the breeze enjoying stunning landscapes from a new perspective.
Location: Tissington, Derbyshire
Take an autumn walk along the Great Ridge
Enjoy a scenic hike along the Great Ridge walk, a Peak District classic with spectacular panoramic views.
Location: Mam Tor, Derbyshire
Take time to unwind at the Mill Wheel Spa
Shake of the winter blues and relax with a weekend of pampering at the Mill Wheel Spa.
Location: Blackshaw Moor, Staffordshire
Sleep in a Yurt in the middle of the Peak District
Wake up in a yurt in the middle of the beautiful Peak District countryside on a relaxing rural escape.
Location: Cauldon, Staffordshire