Heart of England

The heart of England comprises the areas of Birmingham, Black Country, Cheltenham, Derbyshire, Gloustershire, Herefordshire, Leistershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Rutland, Shropshire, South Nothants, Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent, Warwickshire and Worcestershire. The region has seen over 2000 years of civilisation and has a varied and beautiful landscape that includes the rolling Cotswold hills, the rugged beauty of the Derbyshire Peak District and Lincolns magnificent hill top cathedral. The history of the heart of England has been captured in the wealth of architecture from castles, to Stately Homes and museums and even the picturesque cottages overlooking the village green. There are a wealth of market towns which still put on weekly markets. The range of cultural pursuits is also second to none with world class museums, galleries, art festivals, concert halls and theatres offering none stop entertainment. There are many routes to finding information about this area, such as finding out whats on at Stratford Theatre UK, the home of the Royal Shakespeare Company, but this page will help you decide where you want to visit and what you need information about. There is also some Alton Towers info as one of the country's leading theme parks, Alton Towers Theme Park UK is based in this area of the country. Accomodation Alton Towers can be found on Bedsearcher, also, in the vacinity of Alton Towers Theme Park UK.

History

A vast number of historic castles and mansion houses give the clues to a hidden past of royal and stately connections. Rockingham was the site of the great hilltop castle built by William the Conqueror after his conquest in 1066. More recently Althorp was the family home of the late Diana, Princess of Wales. Other splendid homes owned by high profile personalities include Shugborough mansion, the ancestral home of Lord Litchfield and Hardwick Hall, the home of Bess of Hardwick reputed to be the second richest woman in England to Elizabeth I. Other interesting buildings include Sulgrave manor built at Shakespeare's time and once the home to the direct ancestors to George Washington prior to their emigration to the new world. Now a fine example of a Tudor manor house. The burial site of Katherine Parr, Henry VIII's last queen can be found at Suddley Castle in Gloustershire which is generally regarded as Englands most romantic Castle.

Literary Heritage

The literary and cultural heritage of the region that gave rise to William Shakespeare is second to none. Accommodation Stratford upon Avon can be booked so that you can learn more about the area by staying in the midst of all the history it has to offer. Stratford Theatre is the home of the RSC, the Royal Shakespeare Company, and you can find out whats on at Stratford Theatre UK by calling their box office. Stratford-upon-Avon is the centre of Shakespeare's heritage with a number of attractions including Mary Arden's House which was the home of Shakespeare's mother before she married. Other visitor attractions include Shakespeare's birthplace where you can find out about the life of William Shakespeare, Anne Hathaway's Cottage where you can also find out about the life of William Shakespeare, and the homes of Shakespeare's daughter and granddaughter, Halls Croft, Nash's House and New Place all combining to offer a fascinating insight into England's most famous playwright. Accommodation Stratford upon Avon can be booked through Bedsearcher to give you a base for touring the area. The life of William Shakespeare is really fascinating and there are many operators offering guided tours of Stratford upon Avon displaying the life of William Shakespeare, including his home and theatre. If you're really interested in William Shakespeare why not find out whats on at Stratford Theatre UK where the RSC often perform Shakespeare's works to packed out audiences. If you're interested in seeing Shakespeare it's advisable to find out whats on at Stratford Theatre UK and book early to avoid disappointment. Accommodation Stratford upon Avon can be found near the theatre so you can enjoy a relaxing theatre break without having to drive to the theatre. Poetry also has a strong footing in the area with the birthplace of Alfred Lord Tennyson at Somersby. Accommodation Stratford upon Avon can be booked near to some of the great literary attractions so you can explore them in great detail.

Industrial Heritage

Ironbridge is the home of the industrial revolution and you can find out more about this period of history at the Black Country Living Museum in Dudley where the Victorian times have been recreated. If steam trains are your thing then you can visit Britain's only main line steam railway at the Great Central Railway. Stoke-on-Trent maintains its place even today as the worlds leader in china production . There are many potteries where you can visit a factory or even have a go at throwing a pot yourself. Burton is home to the world famous Bass Brewery where you can discover the story of Bass, Brewing and Beer and even have a complimentary drink.

A Walkers Paradise

The Heart of England is home to the beautiful peak district national park with its gently rolling meadows and more dramatic peaks and spectacular moors. It also marks the start to the 250mile Pennine way which leads right up to the Scottish borders. The Cotswolds in stark contrast is most peoples idea of picture book England with its thatched stone cottages, small villages clustered around village greens and duck ponds, valleys and wooded hills. Original wealth came from Wool but now the Cotswolds are famed for their Antiques. A full range of items from every era up to the modern day can be found with Stow-on-the-Wold, Chipping Campden, Chipping Norton, and Bambury all favourite hunting grounds.

Water Sports and Family Attractions

Water sports enthusiasts should head for rutland water, which has a shop and hire facilities for a range of activities including windsurfing and canoeing. There are numerous activities for family days out for all ages. Older children will love the National Space Science centre in Leicester, a multimillion pound centre that houses a planetarium, a research centre, artefacts from space, and the only Challenger learning centre outside of North America. Wildlife fans may prefer to choose from the selection of zoo's and Wildlife centres in the area which include Twycross zoo and West Midlands Safari Park. There are also two of the UK's leading theme parks, Alton Towers and Drayton Manor Park.

Alton Towers Theme Park UK

Alton Towers Theme Park UK is a great way of entertaining the whole family for a day or more. Alton Towers info can be found by calling the booking office or visiting the Stoke on Trent Tourist Information Centre where Alton Towers info is readily available. Alton Towers Theme Park UK is a great way of entertaining the kids and accomodation Alton Towers based can be found so that you're within a short drive of the theme park. There is also som e accomodation Alton Towers within the theme park itself although it is advised to book early to avoid disappointment. Alton Towers information is readily available and accomodation Alton Towers can easily be booked through Bedsearcher.

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