Heart of England essentials Coventry City of Culture Coventry is UK City of Culture 2021, and there's a lively programme of cultural events planned, from the prestigious Turner Prize exhibition to a city-wide street art festival. All year Buxton International Festival One of the UK’s leading art festivals, BIF in Derbyshire celebrates the best in opera, music and literature. 8-25 July Ludlow Food Festival Held at Ludlow Castle, this is the oldest food festival in the UK and attracts foodies from around the world. 10-12 September Christmas at Chatsworth The festive season is a big deal at Chatsworth House in Derbyshire. Warm and inviting scenes enliven this magnificent house, beautifully dressed for Christmas. November to early January Shakespeare's wife, Anne Hathaway's cottage in Stratfordupon-Avon
HIGHLIGHTS LINCOLN CATHEDRAL Once described by a smitten John Ruskin as "out and out the most precious piece of architecture in the British Isles”, the 11th-century Lincoln Cathedral is a sight to behold. CHATSWORTH HOUSE Home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, this elegant Elizabethan stately pile sits in a 35,000-acre estate in Derbyshire. As well as 30 beautifully decorated rooms to explore, it also houses the Devonshire Collection, one of Europe’s most significant art collections. PEAK DISTRICT The first national park in England, the Peak District covers 550 miles of rolling hills, ancient stone villages, farmland and moorland: perfect terrain for hiking, cycling and wildlife-watching.
DON'T MISS
LUDLOW This medieval market town on a cliff overlooking the River Teme is known for its beautiful architecture, including the stunning 11th-century Ludlow Castle and an array of attractive timbered buildings in the centre. The town is also famous for its food: gourmands from all over the country descend for the annual food festival in September. STRATFORD-UPON-AVON The birthplace of William Shakespeare, this medieval market town located on the River Avon is a vibrant cultural hub for theatregoers. WORCESTER CATHEDRAL Rising above the River Severn, this handsome cathedral is a glorious sight, with highlights including the tomb of King John, medieval cloisters and stunning Victorian stained glass.
IRONBRIDGE GORGE Named after the world’s first iron bridge spanning the River Severn, dramatic Ironbridge Gorge in Shropshire was the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its ten absorbing museums tell the story of the Industrial Revolution. STAMFORD Doubling as Meryton in the 2005 TV adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, this charming Georgian town with its cobbled lanes and limestone buildings is regarded as the finest stone town in England. HIDDEN GEM The Mappa Mundi, a fascinating antique map dating to around 1000 AD, resides in Hereford Cathedral. A permanent exhibition interprets this extraordinary relic and provides an insight into the medieval mind.
Buxton is a beautiful Georgian spa town in the Peak District. Book a spa stay at the historic Buxton Crescent hotel, just opened after a 17-year restoration
PHOTOS: © ADRIAN CHANDLER/ALAMY
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