The heart and soul of England
When you think of central England, this is what I imagine to be typically English. Quaint villages, miles of rolling, flat countryside and cornfields, winding roads, quiet waterways and traditional English country pubs where you can enjoy real pub food. Yet, aside from the Cotswolds, there’s a diversity here, which can appeal to all pleasure seekers. Cities rich in culture, heritage and history. Central England is a hub of fabulous shops, theatres and galleries - plenty to stir your mind.
You’ll find dreamy Oxford and bard inspired Stratford-upon-Avon, enjoy a slice of historic Warwick or elegant Cheltenham. What’s great about Central England is the road network. Wherever you decide to stay, you’ll be able to get to all the area’s fabulous attractions really easily.
Where to stay
Our Central England Hotels
Definitely worth a visit:
1. For a leisurely family day out, visit Blenheim Palace and its beautiful parkland grounds. Just eight miles outside Oxford, the Palace is a World Heritage Site and home to the 11th Duke of Marlborough.
2. Silverstone Racing Circuit in Northamptonshire is the place to catch the Formula 1 action in July. Alternatively, try a Ferrari or Supercar experience and spend the day here.
3. For long walks, breathtaking views or simply picnics in the countryside, you’re on the edge of the Cotswolds.
4. Just outside Cheltenham, explore the home to a variety of rare and exotic plant species at Westonbirt Arboretum.
5. For jousting at dawn and a taste of Britain’s best medieval heritage, take the family to Warwick Castle.
6. Take a tour through Shakespeare’s history in Stratford-upon-Avon. Visit Ann Hathaway’s House, see where Shakespeare was born and where his first performances came alive in the Globe Theatre.
7. Fancy a flutter? Regular horse racing meetings are held at Cheltenham Racecourse, not to mention the prestigious four-day Cheltenham Gold Cup Festival in March.
8. Oxford Botanical Gardens The UK’s oldest botanical garden with an array of over 8,000 plant species in the idyllic setting next to the River Cherwell.
9. Famous for its primates, Twycross Zoo will be loved by all the smaller guests. It first opened in 1963 and has grown into one of the UK’s largest zoos.
10. Home to the Spencer family for over 500 years, Princess Diana grew up in Althorp House in Northamptonshire. You can visit the manor all year round and entry includes an exhibition, to celebrate the life of the late Princess.
Paramount Hotels Group has an outstanding Central England Collection of Warwickshire Hotels, Northamptonshire Hotels, Leicestershire Hotels, Cheltenham Hotels, Oxford Hotels, Broadway,Cotswold Hotels & Stratford-Upon-Avon Hotels.