United Kingdom Hotels

Heart of England

Birmingham, a dynamic business city, offering a world class cultural scene, a diverse and lively mix of shopping, attractions, nightlife, major international events and exhibitions.

Birmingham Botanical Gardens and Glasshouses: the gardens cover 15 acres. The Tropical House has a lily pool and lush tropical vegetation. Palms, tree ferns and orchids are displayed in the Sub-tropical House. Outside there is colourful bedding on the Terrace and a tour of the Gardens includes: Rhododendron walks, Rose Garden, Rock Garden, a collection of over 200 trees, Herb and Cottage Gardens, Museum, children's adventure playground, children's discovery garden, aviaries and National Bonsai collection. Sculpture Trail, plant centre, gift shop and refreshment pavilion.

Cadbury World: a permanent exhibition devoted entirely to chocolate; where it came from, who first drank this mysterious potion, when it became eating chocolate and the part that Cadbury played in this story. Fun for all ages with Cadabra, a magical Cadbury journey, and the Cadbury fantasy factory. Also museum of Cadbury memorabilia and new attractions, including get up close and personal with liquid chocolate in the new, improved demonstration area. Free samples, self-service restaurant and shop with free parking.

National Sea Life Centre: marvel at over 3000 sea creatures displayed in a magical underwater world, complete with the world's first 360 degree transparent, tubular underwater walk-through tunnel. Amazonia exhibition.

Coventry has easy transport links, making it the ideal destination for visitors, with great shopping facilities, and a range of bars, restaurants and historical buildings.

Brandon Marsh Nature Centre: two-hundred acre nature reserve with lakes, marshes and woodland. Ideal place to see natural wildlife. Nature trail with disabled access. Nature centre with displays and shop.

Coventry Cathedral was built on the site of the abbey founded by Earl Leofric and Lady Godiva 950 years ago. The ruins of St Michael's church destroyed by aerial bombardment in 1940, contains the charred cross and modern works of art. The new cathedral is noted for Hutton's great glass screen, Piper's baptistry window, Graham Sutherland's great tapestry and St Michael and the Devil by Epstein. The visitor centre includes the treasury providing an exciting way of discovering the story of Coventry and its Cathedral.

The Herbert - Art Gallery and Museum: godiva City exhibition tells the city's story over the past 1000 years. Includes many opportunities to handle museum objects. Try new skills such as weaving and clock making and enjoy the hands-on experience. Regularly changing trails encourage children to explore other aspects of the collections. Paintings from the 16thC to the present day. Ever changing exciting programme of exhibitions and events.

Ludlow, ‘the loveliest town in England’ and the jewel amongst jewels.

Angel Gardens Situated at 1000 feet above sea level they have panoramic views of the stunning Shropshire countryside and Welsh ranges and nestle in the lee of Titterstone Clee Hill the second highest Shropshire hill which is steeped in geological and natural history.

St. Bartholomew Church, Richard's Castle: enjoys a spectacular location, high above the village, next to one of the earliest ‘marcher castles’ with views to the Black Mountains, Malvern and Shropshire Hills. The unrestored interior has a timeless quality, with a chantry chapel for the Knight Templars of St John, a superb 17th-century canopied pew for the lords of the manor and silvery-grey Georgian box pews. To the east is a detached bell tower of 1400. This is one of the most atmospheric of Trust churches.

Stratford-upon-Avon offers a magical blend of heritage and drama in and around Shakespeare’s home town. Explore five houses with Shakespeare connections including Anne Hathaway’s Cottage and Shakespeare’s Birthplace for a fascinating insight into his life and times.

Avon Boating: a range of 7 Victorian and Edwardian passenger launches operating daily. Cruises of 30 minutes duration departing from Bancroft Gardens every 20 minutes. Longer cruises available by arrangement. A 1898 coal fired steam launch is available for private charter. There are also rowing boats, punts and electric motor-boats for hire by the hour from the boathouse.

Charlecote Park (National Trust): Home of the Lucy family since 1247. The present house was built in 1550 and later visited by Queen Elizabeth I. Rich Victorian romantic interiors were created from 1820's onwards and contains important objects from William Beckford's Fonthill Abbey. The river Avon flows through the park, landscaped by 'Capability' Brown, which support a herd of Fallow deer, reputedly poached by Shakespeare, and a flock of Jacob Sheep, first introduced in 1756.

Shakespearience: a dynamic new visitor attraction based at Waterside Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon. It tells the story of William Shakespeare's life and works in a thrilling two part show.

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