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Midlands and Central England Holiday Guide 2024
Thinking of taking a break in the Midlands and Central England and want to discover some of the best places to visit? From the cities of the Midlands to the unspoilt countryside, read our guide to what the Midlands and Central England has to offer for holidays.
So What Do the Midlands and Central England Offer Visitors?
The area’s main attractions include:
• The Cities of the Midlands,
• Fascinating Places to Visit,
• The Midlands and Central England’s Countryside,
• Country Houses and Castles in the Midlands and Central England
Cities to Visit in the Midlands and Central England
If you’re thinking of taking a city break, then there are 4 main cities/towns to choose from:
Birmingham, The West Midlands
Birmingham is perfect for any day (or night!) on town, with its thriving high street and great choice of museums and events.
Explore the Birmingham Museum and art gallery or take a look around the national sea life centre. Any chocoholics can even enjoy a day in Cadbury world! With so many attractions, Birmingham is well worth a visit.
Coventry, The West Midlands
Coventry is well known for its cathedral, a stunning piece of architecture that fuses the modern with antiquity in it’s rebuilt gothic church. Anyone who visits is sure to be blown away by the stunning stained-glass windows! Beyond the Cathedral, Coventry is an excellent place to go if you like to visit museums – the Coventry transport museum is a highlight, as is the Coventry music museum. There’s even a Midland Air Museum if you fancy a look at some flashy jets!
Wherever you find yourself, the Midlands and Central England encompass several beautiful areas all with their own unique offerings for your next break away. You’ll be spoilt for choice on your next escape!
Leicester, Leicestershire
Leicester itself is well worth a visit as a beautiful Cathedral City, as well as the famous home of King Richard III (you can even see the ruins of his castle, as well as his original burial site). From gardens and museums to the National Space Centre, Leicestershire offers all you could want and more!
Lincoln, Lincolnshire
Lincoln is a quaint city with charming streets and a fantastic view of the medieval cathedral, as well as its own castle. It’s the perfect place to discover the intriguing history of England as you wander through its beautiful architecture and Roman roads. Lincoln Castle is almost 1000 years old, offering a wealth of history at your fingertips, and the International Bomber Command Centre is perfect for any aviation enthusiasts.
If history isn’t really your thing, then you might prefer an afternoon shopping in Lincoln. There’s a seemingly endless array of thriving independent retailers you won’t find anywhere else, whether you’re after gifts to take home or some yummy locally made chocolates. Look out for the monthly markets during your stay!
Top 10 Places to Visit in the Midlands
Here is our selection of some of the best known and top rated tourist attractions in the Midlands:
- Alton Towers,
- Birmingham Botanical Gardens,
- Black Country Living Museum,
- Cadbury World,
- Coventry Transport Museum,
- Dudley Zoo and Castle,
- Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World,
- Midland Air Museum,
- Trentham Monkey Forest,
- West Midlands Safari Park,
The Midlands and Central England’s Countryside
If you are after beautiful places to discover in the Midlands, the countryside has to be high up the list.
From charming villages to National Trust properties and enchanting green forests and reservoirs with surrounding parkland, the Midlands and Central England are home to some beautiful places that nature lovers in particular, will appreciate.
Some of the Best Attractions within the Midlands and Central England’s Countryside include:
• Rutland Water
• Sherwood Forest
Rutland Water, Rutland
Another adventure in the great outdoors, Rutland Water covers 4,200 acres of countryside perfect for anything you fancy, whether you want to enjoy long walks, a peaceful bike ride or exciting water sports. The nature reserve is also certainly worth a visit, and any bird lovers can enjoy a day at the Rutland Osprey project.
All the parks at Rutland Water have a maintained Green Flag Status, so it’s really a treat looking around these stunning parks. There’s plenty to see and do, and make sure to keep an eye on their calendar for all the local events.
Sherwood Forest in Nottinghamshire
Sherwood forest is a beautiful destination, where you can explore the ancient oaks at home in the forest, including the iconic Major Oak, which has been standing throughout the lives of over 50 monarchs. And of course, a visit to Sherwood wouldn’t be complete without a mention to the other iconic story – Robin Hood! The legend of Robin Hood centres around the forest, and you can enjoy festivals and experiences dedicated to Robin Hood across the year.
Explore the glorious scenery of Sherwood if you’re staying in and around Nottinghamshire and reconnect with nature – it’s the ideal way to spend a country break away!
Aside from the above, the countryside of the Midlands and Central England is dotted with footpaths, allowing you to explore fields and farmlands to your heart’s delight.
Historical Country Houses and Castles in the Midlands and Central England
The Midlands and Central England have a vast array of grand country houses to explore, including:
Althorp Estate in Northamptonshire
Northamptonshire is the perfect destination if you’re looking to explore some breathtaking estates. A highlight is Althorp Estate, the 500-year-old ancestral home of the Spencer family. Open in the summer period, Althrop’s estate boasts 13000 acres of land as well as a stunningly designed interior. Princess Diana’s grave is on an island in the Oval Lake at Althorp, making this a very special place to visit.
Belton House, Lincolnshire
Belton House in Grantham, Lincolnshire is an interesting place to visit. This estate was carefully designed by renowned craftsmen in the 17th century, offering stunning views inside and out. Explore the interiors of the house, from it’s regal furnishings to its famous library.
Any nature lovers will love a picnic on the grounds and a look around the ancient deer park. It’s the ideal escape for the whole family to enjoy, especially with the inclusion of the National Trust’s largest outdoor adventure playground.
Dudley Castle
The ruins of Dudley castle are a sight to see as you explore Dudley and its surroundings. The castle itself is almost 1000 years old, making it a historic landmark that you won’t want to miss out on. Not only is it a beautiful place to experience, but there’s plenty to do during your stay as well – take advantage of all that’s on offer, from the amazing birds of prey displays to the hauntingly chilling ghost walks (some say Dudley Castle is the most haunted in England, so watch out!)
While you’re at the castle, don’t forget to check out the zoo – there’s everything to fuzzy artic foxes to towering giraffes. What could be a better day out than a day trip with a zoo and a castle combined?
Have your Best Holiday Yet in the Midlands and Central England
Whether you opt to visit a Midlands city, discover the area’s top attractions, enjoy outdoor pursuits in the area’s countryside or visit places of interest such as castles and country houses, we hope you have your best cottage holiday yet in the Midlands and Central England.
