The Best Central England Attractions & Activities

Recommended places to visit and things to do in Central England


 

Alton Towers

Alton

  • theme park
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  • family-friendly
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  • all-weather attraction
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  • open year round
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  • café
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  • shop

the most visited theme park in the UK with thrilling rides, an indoor and outdoor waterpark, 2 nine hole themed crazy golf courses and much more

  • art gallery
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  • museum
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  • family-friendly
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  • open year round
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  • limited opening
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  • café
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  • virtual tours
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  • shop
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  • art
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  • history
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  • local history

Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery houses world-class collections of fine art, archaeology and decorative arts. Highlights include Pre-Raphaelite masterpieces, ancient artefacts and exhibitions exploring Birmingham’s rich cultural heritage.

Cadbury World

Birmingham

  • family-friendly
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  • all-weather attraction
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  • open year round
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  • pre-booking advised
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  • café
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  • guided tours
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  • history

Cadbury World in Birmingham offers a fun, interactive journey through the story of chocolate and the Cadbury brand. With themed zones, tastings and family-friendly attractions, it’s a sweet experience for all ages.

  • place of worship
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  • all-weather attraction
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  • free admission
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  • open year round
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  • guided tours
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  • virtual tours
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  • shop
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  • architecture
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  • history
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  • religion

Hereford Cathedral is a stunning Gothic landmark on the River Wye, famed for the medieval Mappa Mundi and Chained Library. Its soaring architecture, intricate stonework, and rich history make it a centrepiece of Herefordshire’s heritage.

  • memorial
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  • park
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  • free admission
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  • open year round
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  • restaurant
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  • shop
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  • history
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  • military history
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  • social history
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  • walking
  • film/tv location
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  • tourist railway
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  • family-friendly
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  • all-weather attraction
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  • open year round
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  • café
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  • shop
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  • visitor centre
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  • film
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  • history
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  • transport
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  • trains
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  • TV

The Severn Valley Railway offers a nostalgic steam train journey through stunning countryside between Kidderminster and Bridgnorth. With heritage stations, vintage carriages and scenic views, it’s a classic West Midlands attraction.

  • garden
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  • family-friendly
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  • seasonal opening
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  • café
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  • shop
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  • visitor centre
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  • nature
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  • walking
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  • wildlife

herbaceous borders, over 80 heritage pear and apple trees, over 100 varieties of snowdrops, display of antique garden equipment, children's garden and a garden trail for younger visitors. Truly, something for everyone

Shakespeare's Birthplace

Stratford-upon-Avon

  • historic house
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  • all-weather attraction
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  • open year round
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  • guided tours
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  • antiques
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  • furniture
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  • history
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  • literature
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  • poetry
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  • Shakespeare

explore the birthplace and family home of William Shakespeare, hear tales of contemporary family life, with rare artefacts from the Trust

  • film/tv location
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  • museum
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  • family-friendly
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  • all-weather attraction
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  • seasonal opening
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  • World Heritage Site
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  • café
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  • shop
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  • film
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  • history
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  • TV

part of the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust, where all the staff dress in period costume, with a host of restored Victorian buildings including shops, factories and schools

  • place of worship
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  • family-friendly
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  • all-weather attraction
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  • free admission
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  • café
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  • shop
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  • architecture
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  • history
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  • religion

visit this modern masterpiece designed by Sir Basil Spence with the iconic tapestry by Graham Sutherland and the magnificent stained glass windows by John Piper

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