Places to visit in the Heart of England
Heart of England
Acton Scott Historic Working Farm
Wenlock Lodge, Church Stretton
Tel: 01694 781306
www.actonscottmuseum.co.uk
This historic working farm demonstrates farming and rural life in south Shropshire at the close of the 19th century.
Alton Towers Theme Park
Alton, Stoke-on-Trent
Tel: 0870 520 4060
www.altontowers.com
Theme park with over 125 rides and attractions such as Air, Oblivion, Nemesis, Congo River Rapids, Log Flume and many children's attractions including 'Blobmaster' live show.
The American Adventure
Ilkeston
Tel: 0845 330 2929
www.americanadventure.co.uk
Action and entertainment for all ages, with The Missile white-knuckle rollercoaster, Europe's tallest skycoaster and the world's wettest log flume.
Belton House, Park & Gardens (National Trust)
Belton, Grantham
Tel: 01476 566116
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
The crowning achievement of restoration country house architecture, built in 1685-88 for Sir John Brownlow with alterations by James Wyatt in 1777.
Belvoir Castle
Belvoir, Grantham
Tel: 01476 871002
www.belvoircastle.com
The present castle is the 4th to be built on this site and dates from 1816. Art treasures include works by Poussin, Rubens, Holbein and Reynolds. Queens Royal Lancers display.
Birmingham Botanical Gardens & Glasshouses
Westbourne Road, Edgbaston
Tel: 0121 454 1860
www.birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk
15 acres of ornamental gardens and glasshouses. Widest range of plants in the Midlands from tropical rainforest to arid desert. Aviaries with exotic birds, child's play area.
Black Country Living Museum
Tipton Road, Dudley
Tel: 0121 557 9643
www.bclm.co.uk
A warm welcome awaits you at Britain's friendliest open-air museum. Wander around original shops and houses, or ride on fair attractions and take a look down the mine.
Museum of British Road Transport
Hales Street, Coventry
Tel: 024 7683 2425
www.mbrt.co.uk
Two hundred cars and commercial vehicles from 1896 to date, 200 cycles from 1818 to date, 90 motorcycles from 1920 to date and 'Thrust 2' and 'Thrust SSC' land speed record cars.
Cadbury World
Bournville, Birmingham
Tel: 0121 451 4180
www.cadburyworld.co.uk
The story of Cadbury's chocolate includes chocolate-making demonstration and attractions for all ages, with free samples, free parking, shop and restaurant.
Chatsworth House, Garden, Farmyard & Adventure Playground
Chatsworth, Bakewell
Tel: 01246 582204
www.chatsworth.org
Visitors to Chatsworth see more than 30 richly decorated rooms; the garden with fountains, a cascade and maze and the Farmyard and Adventure Playground.
Cotswold Farm Park
Guiting Power, Cheltenham
Tel: 01451 850307
www.cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk
Collection of rare breeds of British farm animals. Pet's corner, adventure playground, Tractor School, picnic area, gift shop and café and seasonal farming displays.
Crich Tramway Village
Crich, Matlock
Tel: 01773 852565
www.tramway.co.uk
A collection of over 70 trams from Britain and overseas from 1873-1969 with tram rides on a 1-mile route, a period street scene, depots, a power station, workshops and exhibitions.
Drayton Manor Family Theme Park
Tamworth
Tel: 01827 287979
www.draytonmanor.co.uk
A major theme park with over 100 rides and attractions, plus children's rides, Zoo, farm, museums and the new live 'Popeye Show'.
The Elgar Birthplace Museum
Lower Broadheath, Worcester
Tel: 01905 333224
www.elgar.org
Country cottage birthplace of Sir Edward Elgar and the new Elgar Centre, giving a fascinating insight into his life, music, family, friends and inspirations.
The Galleries of Justice
Shire Hall, Nottingham
Tel: 0115 952 0555
www.galleriesofjustice.org.uk
An atmospheric experience of justice over the ages located in and around 19th century courthouse and county gaol, brought to life by live actors.
The Heights of Abraham Cable Cars, Caverns & Hilltop Park
Matlock Bath, Matlock
Tel: 01629 582365
www.heights-of-abraham.co.uk
A spectacular cable car ride takes you to the summit where, within the grounds, there are a wide variety of attractions for young and old alike. Gift shop and coffee shop.
Ikon Gallery
1 Oozells Square, Birmingham
Tel: 0121 248 0708
www.ikon-gallery.co.uk
One of Europe's foremost galleries, presenting the work of national and international artists within an innovative educational framework.
Ironbridge Gorge Museum
Coalbrookdale, Telford
Tel: 01952 433522
www.ironbridge.org.uk
World's first cast-iron bridge, Museum of the Gorge, Tar Tunnel, Jackfield Tile Museum, Coalport China Museum, Rosehill House, Blists Hill and Iron and Enginuity Museum.
Lincoln Castle
Castle Hill, Lincoln
Tel: 01522 511068
www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/section.asp?catId=2710
A medieval castle including towers and ramparts with a Magna Carta exhibition, a prison chapel experience, reconstructed Westgate and popular events throughout the summer.
Midland Railway Centre
Butterley Station, Derby
Tel: 01773 747674
www.midlandrailwaycentre.co.uk
Over 50 locomotives and over 100 items of historic rolling stock of Midland and LMS origin with a steam-hauled passenger service, a museum site, country and farm park.
National Sea Life Centre
The Water's Edge, Birmingham
Tel: 0121 633 4700
www.sealife.co.uk
Over 55 fascinating displays. The opportunity to come face-to-face with literally 100's of fascinating sea creatures from sharks to shrimps. Now also includes otters.
Nottingham Industrial Museum
Courtyard Buildings, Nottingham
Tel: 0115 915 3910
www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk
An 18th century stables presenting the history of Nottingham's industries: printing, pharmacy, hosiery and lace. There is also a Victorian beam engine, a horse gin and transport.
Peak District Mining Museum
The Pavilion, Matlock Bath
Tel: 01629 583834
www.peakmines.co.uk
A large exhibition on 3500 years of lead mining with displays on geology, mines and miners, tools and engines. The climbing shafts make it suitable for children as well.
Rockingham Castle
Rockingham, Market Harborough
Tel: 01536 770240
www.rockinghamcastle.com
An Elizabethan house within the walls of a Norman castle with fine pictures, extensive views and gardens with roses and an ancient yew hedge.
Rugby School Museum
10 Little Church Street, Rugby
Tel: 01788 556109
www.rugbyschool.net/bt/museum_intro.htm
Rugby School Museum tells the story of the school, scene of 'Tom Brown's Schooldays', and contains the earlier memorabilia of the game invented on the school close.
Severn Valley Railway
The Railway Station, Bewdley
Tel: 01299 403816
www.svr.co.uk
Preserved standard gauge steam railway running 16 miles between Kidderminster, Bewdley and Bridgnorth. Collection of locomotives and passenger coaches.
Shakespeare's Birthplace
Henley Street, Stratford-upon-Avon
Tel: 01789 201822
www.shakespeare.org.uk
The world famous house where William Shakespeare was born in 1564 and where he grew up. See the highly acclaimed Shakespeare Exhibition.
Shugborough Estate (National Trust)
Milford, Stafford
Tel: 01889 881388
www.staffordshire.gov.uk/shugborough
18th century mansion house with fine collection of furniture. Gardens and park contain beautiful neo-classical monuments.
Skegness Natureland Seal Sanctury
The Promenade, Skegness
Tel: 01754 764345
www.skegnessnatureland.co.uk
Collection of performing seals, baby seals, penguins, aquarium, crocodiles, snakes, terrapins, scorpions, tropical birds, butterflies (April-October) and pets.
Snibston Discovery Park
Coalville, Leicester
Tel: 01530 278444
www.leics.gov.uk/museums
Award-winning science and industrial heritage museum. Over 90 indoor and outdoor hands-on displays, plus exhibits from Leicestershire's industrial past.
Spode Visitor Centre
Church Street, Stoke-on-Trent
Tel: 01782 744011
www.spode.co.uk
Visitors are shown the various processes in the making of bone china. Visitors can 'have a go' themselves in the craft demonstration area.
The Tales of Robin Hood
30-38 Maid Marian Way, Nottingham
Tel: 0115 948 3284
www.robinhood.uk.com
Join the world's greatest medieval adventure. Ride through the magical green wood and play the Silver Arrow game, in the search for Robin Hood.
Twycross Zoo
Twycross, Atherstone
Tel: 01827 880250
www.twycrosszoo.com
A zoo with gorillas, orang-utans, chimpanzees, a modern gibbon complex, elephants, lions, giraffes, a reptile house, pets' corner and rides.