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A guide to the best places to visit in England’s East and West Midlands – brought to you by locals!
England’s central region often gets overlooked, tucked away between London and the major cities of the north.
But this is a stunning part of the country, boasting swathes of countryside, cute chocolate-box villages, historic buildings, and a scattering of major cities.
Discover the dramatic landscapes of the Peak District National Park, ancient castles, the home of the iconic Bakewell tart, Shakespere’s birthplace, Robin Hood’s one-time playground of Sherwood Forest… and much, much more!
I’ve rounded up recommendations from local bloggers, as well as my own suggestions, to create a bumper list of all the most spectacular places to explore in the Midlands (and the Peak District)! Time to get exploring…
6 Places to Visit in the Peak District, Midlands
In a hurry? There’s a map and a short version of this list at the bottom of the page – but you’ll find photos and much more inspiration in this section.
Peak District National Park
Recommended by: Maja, Away with Maja
The Peak District National Park is the oldest national park in the UK – and one of the absolute highlights of the Midlands. This is a great destination for outdoor adventures: hiking, camping, cycling, rock climbing, and more!
The Peak District is home to some picturesque and charming villages like Castleton and Bakewell (more on those below). There’s also stunning scenery to discover, like Curbar Edge, the Roaches, and the Dragon’s Back (Chrome Hill and Parkhouse Hill).
Having a car is the best way to get around, although there are some train connections and a local bus network, so it’s possible to explore by public transportation.
RECOMMENDED TOUR: Derbyshire and Peak District Day Trip from Manchester
Castleton
Recommended by: Roshni, The Wanderlust Within
The small chocolate-box village of Castleton is a must-visit in the Midlands. Situated in Hope Valley in Derbyshire, this quaint spot is a favourite for walks in the Peak District. Mam Tor and Winnats Pass are two popular hikes in the area.
Castleton is also home to the 11th-century ruins of Peveril Castle, one of England’s first Norman fortresses. Castleton village is particularly known for its show caves. There are three in close proximity which are rated some of the best in the country. A visit to Castleton isn’t complete without visiting the quaint village centre and enjoying a traditional afternoon tea at one of the tea rooms.
Bakewell
Recommended by: Tracy, Tracy’s Travels in Time
The popular market town of Bakewell is located in the beautiful Peak District in Derbyshire. Bakewell is perfect for a day out, or for a longer break. Chatsworth House is only a few miles from the town and there are some great hiking trails and walks in the area.
Monday is market day in Bakewell. Visit on the third Saturday of the month for the popular farmer’s market where you will find a large variety of local produce for sale.
Don’t miss the opportunity to sample a Bakewell Pudding when in the town. I recommend the Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop. There is a café upstairs which is great for lunch or afternoon tea.
Ashford in the Water
Recommended by: Stacy, What Stacy Did
Nestled on the banks of the River Wye, Ashford-in-the-Water is one of the most picturesque villages in the Peak District. Just two miles from Bakewell, this idyllic village is still relatively hidden from the tourist radar.
The village is made up of beautiful stone cottages surrounding a central green. My favourite time of year to visit is in late spring, when the cottages are adorned with roses and flower baskets.
The main attraction for most visitors, though, is the old Sheepwash Bridge crossing the River Wye – one of the most photographed attractions in the area.
RELATED POST: Spring Packing List for England
Pilsley and Chatsworth
Recommended by: Izzy & Phil, The Gap Decaders
Chatsworth is one of the best-known historic houses in the Midlands and a must-see in the Peak District! Several well-known movies have been filmed at the estate, most notably Pride and Prejudice.
Pilsley is a charming village on the Chatsworth Estate. It’s filled with honeyed stone cottages, many of which are lived in by Chatsworth’s estate workers, set around a traditional green.
Head to the Devonshire Arms, a traditional pub serving great food. The Chatsworth House Farm Shop is a great place to buy local and homegrown treats – perfect if you’re holidaying nearby.
RECOMMENDED TOUR: 3-Day Yorkshire Dales and Peak District Tour from Manchester
11 Places to Visit in the West Midlands
Stratford Upon Avon
Recommended by: Anuradha from Country Hopping Couple
Located in the heart of England along River Avon, Stratford Upon Avon is a perfect place to visit if you’re a fan of Shakespeare and English literature. This was the birthplace of the famous playwright, and the town has been attracting art and theatre fanatics for over 250 years.
The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust is a registered charity that manages all the houses relating to Shakespeare in and around Stratford Upon Avon. These include Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Anne Hathway Cottage & Gardens, Nash’s House & New Place, Mary Arden’s Farm and Hall’s Croft.
Spend the rest of your visit along the River Avon; you could even hire a traditional canal boat to make the most of this picturesque river.
Birmingham
Recommended by: Samantha, The Wandering Wanderluster
Birmingham is England’s second-biggest city and a great place to stop off if you’re looking for a fun and cultured day out. The city wins no prizes for its looks, but there’s much to see, do and explore.
Dine at one of Birmingham’s 5 Michelin-starred restaurants, break the bank by visiting the biggest shopping centre in Europe, or take a guided city centre walking tour to discover local history. You could also head to the popular attraction of Cadbury World just outside the city for a fun family trip.
For those interested in Birmingham’s industrial history, a boat ride along the city’s huge canal system or a stroll through the historic Jewellery quarter is an insightful reminder of the city’s Victorian past.
Kenilworth
Recommended by: Faith, XYU and Beyond
Kenilworth is one of those lovely English villages that dates back to the Domesday Book. The town itself makes for a perfect day out, with its boutique shops and numerous cafes.
But the most famous attraction here is Kenilworth Castle; an imposing red sandstone ruin just on the edge of Kenilworth Town. It’s famous for being the home of Robert Dudley, the Earl of Leicester, who was in love with Queen Elizabeth. CLICK HERE to check ticket prices and book.
Kenilworth is a stunningly beautiful castle, even though much of it has gone to ruin. There are walking trails, grand manor houses and exquisite gardens to visit all within easy reach of the town.
Ironbridge Gorge
Recommended by: Sally Akins, The Getaway Guide
With beautiful landscapes and fascinating history, the Ironbridge Gorge in Shropshire is a fabulous destination for a day trip or a longer visit. This UNESCO World Heritage site is known as “the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution”.
There’s something for everyone in Ironbridge. The 10 museums in the Ironbridge Gorge explain the area’s history. You’ll also find plenty of quirky shops to browse, and excellent independent bars and restaurants.
For a more active break, the surrounding Shropshire countryside is perfect for exploring on foot or by bike. Or, get a different perspective of the area from the River Severn on a raft tour or in a hired kayak.
Royal Leamington Spa
Recommended by: Vikki, Family Travel with Ellie
Like Bath in the South of England, Royal Leamington Spa is a historic riverside city known for its Regency architecture and bathhouses.
Leamington achieved its “Royal “status from Queen Victoria in 1838. A key attraction here is the Royal Pump Room and Baths, a historic bathhouse that’s now home to a cultural centre.
The spa waters were historically known for helping preserve meat and were also believed to cure rabies. A path leading into the River Leam was used by circus people to bathe their animals, including elephants; the Elephant Wash path is still there today.
Cannock Chase
Recommended by: Karen, Marvellous Middle England
Cannock Chase, located between Stafford and Cannock, is the UK’s smallest mainland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This makes it the perfect “off the beaten path” outdoor space to explore, as the crowds flock to its famous neighbours. Don’t let this title fool you; Cannock Chase is home to miles of hiking, biking and running trails. There always seems to be somewhere new to explore.
Thrill-seekers must try the Go Ape high ropes adventure located at Birches Valley Forest Centre, while history fans will love a hike around the many war memorials.
Warwick
Recommended by: Kat, Wandering Bird
Warwick is a beautiful town on the banks of the River Avon, overshadowed by the famous Warwick Castle- which was founded by William the Conqueror.
The history in this area is incredible. Atmospheric Warwick is full of cute cobbled streets and timber-framed buildings. There are also some brilliant cafes, pubs, and restaurants – as well as plenty of modern and unique shops to explore.
Warwick is also famous for its racecourse. If you’re lucky enough to visit on a motorhome trip, there’s a campsite right in the centre with great views of the racing!
RECOMMENDED TOUR: Warwick Castle Day Trip from London
Shrewsbury
Recommended by: Ania, The Travelling Twins
Shrewsbury is an ancient shire town in the West Midlands. It’s a particularly pretty town, with a higgledy-piggledy medieval street plan, narrow passages, and quirky timber frame buildings. These house a variety of pubs, local shops, restaurants, and charity shops (which always have a great selection of books).
Shrewsbury is almost completely surrounded by a meander of the River Severn – the longest river in the UK. It wraps around both the Old Town and the Quarry; a beautiful 29-acre park which makes the perfect place to unwind after sightseeing and shopping.
Speaking of the river, you can go for a boat ride or rent a kayak to admire Shrewsbury’s skyline and the magnificent Shropshire scenery from the water.
Coventry
Recommended by: Dagney from Cultura Obscura
Despite being a major city, Coventry remains off the beaten path for tourists. This is a real shame because Coventry has much to offer! After all, it was voted the UK City of Culture for 2021, a title it most certainly deserves!
You can discover why at the city’s numerous museums, including the Coventry Transport Museum and the Herbert Art Museum.
For history enthusiasts, one of the top Coventry attractions is the Old Coventry Cathedral, which was completely destroyed by the Luftwaffe (German Air Force) during the Blitz in 1940. It was never restored, but today visitors can explore the ruins and learn more about the Blitz’s effect on the city.
Malvern Hills
Although the Peak District is the best-known countryside area in the Midlands, it’s far from the only one! Over in Worcestershire and Herefordshire, the Malvern Hills are an AONB where the numerous hills provide some of the most impressive views in the country.
This AONB is home to beautiful landscapes, quaint English countryside, and a wealth of gorgeous walks – to suit all abilities! The Malverns are also known for their idyllic towns and villages, including Malvern itself; a Victorian spa town known for its supposedly healing waters.
Hereford
The City of Hereford straddles the banks of the River Wye and amidst the stunning countryside of Herefordshire. It might be a city, but there’s certainly a slower pace of life to enjoy here. Take a stroll along the river, immerse yourself in the historic architecture, or pay a visit to the nearby cattle market for a taste of traditional country life.
Herefordshire is well known for its farm produce, so be sure to try some of the local food – such as Hereford beef, cider, perry, and potatoes. Don’t miss a trip to the Cider Museum to find out how the county’s famous “golden amber” is made!
10 Places to Visit in the East Midlands
Leicester
Recommended by: Mark at Wyld Family Travel
Leicester is a small city in the East Midlands, home to a little over 350,000 people. The city is perhaps best known for its football team The Foxes, who pulled off a miracle when winning the Premier League title in 2016.
Leicester has a long history dating back to Roman times, when the town was an important point on the road north to Lincoln. The remains of the baths of Roman Leicester can be seen at the Jewry Wall.
For more recent history, head to the National Space Museum, which is full of rockets and spaceships. While you’re in town, you can also visit the site where Richard III was found buried under a car park in Leicester city centre! Today, his remains are housed in Leicester Cathedral.
Mablethorpe
Recommended by: Suzy – Yorkshire to do with Kids
Mablethorpe is a seaside resort on the Lincolnshire coastline in the East Midlands. There’s so much to do here – and all the main attractions are close together.
One of the top thing to do is take a ride on the sand train – which goes into the sea for part of the return journey! The beach is golden, clean, and stretches for miles. You can enjoy the traditional English seaside experience here: fish and chips, donkey rides, and a mini theme park with rides, crazy golf and a boating lake.
Nottingham
Recommended by: Steph & Lewis from Book it Let’s Go!
Nottingham is a vibrant city full of history, culture, and legends. There are many things to do here, from the historic, hand-carved caves under the city (some of which are still used today) to Nottingham Castle and nearby Sherwood Forest.
Nottingham is great for couples or families and there are ample green spaces to enjoy. The most famous is Wollaton Hall, which has free-roaming red and fallow deer. This stunning property was also featured in the 2012 movie Batman Begins.
Sherwood Forest
No trip to the Midlands is complete without visiting the famous Sherwood Forest. Known for being the home of Robin Hood, this protected forest has been a “legend in the making for over 1000 years”.
The forest is filled with giant ancient oaks, such as the celebrated Major Oak. This gnarled old tree has been standing for around 800-1100 so it’s seen a lot of English history!
There are miles of walks and trails around the forest to suit all ages and abilities. They also host many events and guided walks throughout the year.
Chesterfield
Recommended by: Allison, Urbanite Diary
Chesterfield is a historic market town in Derbyshire, renowned for one of the largest open-air markets in England. Chesterfield Market has been trading for over 800 years – since the town received its market charter in 1204 from King John.
The most iconic landmark of Chesterfield is The Church of St Mary and All Saints, also known as the Crooked Spire, made famous for its twisted and leaning spire, an architectural phenomenon built over 657 years ago in 1362. Although science has since explained this twisting, some folklores still believe that it was caused by the Devil!
Silverstone
Recommended by: Darek, Darek and Gosia
Home to the iconic British Grand Prix, Silverstone Circuit has to be visited by any Formula 1 fan. Watch an F1 race, visit the Silverstone Experience, or try your driving skills in a single-seater. The track is located 30 miles northeast of Oxford, near the town of Silverstone.
Silverstone Circuit is one of the oldest racing facilities not only in Europe but also in the world. Many drivers call it the “Temple of Motorsport”.
Lincoln
Although not as well known as some of the other cities in the Midlands, Lincoln is one of the best places to visit in the area. This historic city is known for its medieval cathedral, which towers over the red brick houses of the surrounding historic quarter. From 1311-1549 this was the tallest building in the world!
During the Second World War, Lincoln was the heart of “bomber country”. The city was home to numerous air bases and Lincoln Cathedral was a popular navigational beacon. You can explore this history at various museums, as well as the new International Bomber Command Centre which opened in 2018.
Stamford
Recommended by: Angharad, This Bristol Brood
Visiting the impossibly picturesque market town of Stamford in Lincolnshire is a bit like walking into a Pride and Prejudice movie! Incidentally, the 2005 Keira Knightley version was filmed here.
Cobbled streets, narrow alleyways, a meandering river, 600 listed buildings and a spire-filled skyline (there are a total of 11 churches) imbue the town with an olde worlde charm that has remained unchanged for centuries.
No first-time visit is complete without a visit to Burghley House, which hosts the annual Burghley Horse Trials. Vast grounds surround the mansion and the magical Sculpture Garden is well worth paying to explore.
You should also make sure to pay a visit to The George Hotel – an atmospheric old coaching inn – for afternoon tea, grand ice creams or impossibly festive decorations and roaring log fires at Christmas.
Cromford
Recommended by: Helen on her Holidays
Cromford is a small village in Derbyshire, only a few miles from the Peak District. These days it’s a tranquil place, but 250 years ago it was a busy hub of innovation. The inventor and entrepreneur Richard Arkwright chose Cromford for his revolutionary spinning mill – the first water-powered mill anywhere in the world.
Today, Arkwright’s Cromford Mills form part of the Derwent Valley Mills UNESCO World Heritage Site. The mills are open for visitors and you can also take a guided tour.
When you visit Cromford Mills, don’t miss visiting the village centre. The old mill pond in the middle of the village is really pretty – you might even see a kingfisher.
Lincolnshire Wolds
Last, but by no means least, the Lincolnshire Wolds AONB is one of the best places to visit in the East Midlands. This is a sprawling area of quaint English countryside, boasting some of the most beautiful and unspoilt scenery in the East Midlands.
With rolling hills, hidden valleys, gentle streams and picturesque villages, there’s a lot of beauty to explore.
This is also the highest land in eastern England between Kent and Yorkshire, so there are some fabulous views of the coast in the east and the Pennines in the west! Perfect for hiking, rambling, cycling, horse riding, or simply village-hopping… don’t miss this gorgeous AONB in the East Midlands.
Map & Short List
Quicklist: Peak District
- Peak District National Park
- Castleton
- Bakewell
- Ashford in the Water
- Pisley and Chatsworth
West Midlands
- Stratford Upon Avon
- Birmingham
- Kenilworth
- Ironbridge Gorge
- Royal Leamington Spa
- Cannock Chase
- Warwick
- Shrewsbury
- Coventry
- Malvern Hills
- Hereford
East Midlands
- Leicester
- Mablethorpe
- Nottingham
- Sherwood Forest
- Chesterfield
- Silverstone
- Lincoln
- Stamford
- Cromford
- Lincolnshire Wolds
More in England
33 of the Best Places to Visit in the South of England
40 of the Most Romantic Places in Britain
30 Places to Visit in the North of England
Are there any more places to visit in the Midlands of England that you would add to this list? Let us know in the comments!
Stunning Photos.
Thank you :)