📍 United Kingdom

MIDLANDS AND PEAK DISTRICT: HISTORIC DALES AND HERITAGE

Limestone cliffs looming over cave entrances, market squares buzzing, castles overlooking rivers. The Midlands, heritage and nature.

≈ 11
Days
624
Km
10
Stops
📖 6 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Explore the limestone caverns of Castleton and the wind-sculpted valleys of the Peak District. Stroll through Bakewell between market and thermal gentleness, then reach Shrewsbury and its medieval streets before entering the cathedral grandeur of Hereford. Follow Shakespeare's footsteps in Stratford, admire the power of Warwick Castle, then let Birmingham reveal its industrial heritage. Continue to Coventry and Leicester for a dense and cultural urban finale.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Castleton

cave mouths gape beneath limestone walls

Castleton - Photo 1Castleton - Photo 2Castleton - Photo 3Castleton - Photo 4Castleton - Photo 5Castleton - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 1
🔍

Discover

1
Peak District National Park scenic viewpoints
2
Castleton village walk
3
Mam Tor hike
4
Winnats Pass viewpoint
+5 Places visited
🎯

Activities

→
Explore Castleton show caves area
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 20.5 km
Travel time: 41min
2
Day

Bakewell

market town glows with spa elegance

Bakewell - Photo 1Bakewell - Photo 2Bakewell - Photo 3Bakewell - Photo 4Bakewell - Photo 5Bakewell - Photo 6Bakewell - Photo 7Bakewell - Photo 8Bakewell - Photo 9
9 photos
Day 2
🔍

Discover

1
Bakewell town centre and market streets
2
Bakewell traditional market area
3
Ashford-in-the-Water village walk
4
Sheepwash Bridge over the River Wye
+2 Places visited
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 119 km
Travel time: 1h59
3
Day

Shrewsbury

medieval town climbs above seven bridges

Shrewsbury - Photo 1Shrewsbury - Photo 2Shrewsbury - Photo 3Shrewsbury - Photo 4Shrewsbury - Photo 5
5 photos
Day 3
🔍

Discover

1
Ironbridge Gorge historic area
2
Iron Bridge over the River Severn
3
Shrewsbury medieval town centre
4
The Quarry park in Shrewsbury
🎯

Activities

→
Raft or kayak tour on the River Severn at Ironbridge
→
Boat ride or kayak on the River Severn in Shrewsbury
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 94.4 km
Travel time: 1h34
4
Day

Hereford

cathedral guards ancient border town heritage

Hereford - Photo 1Hereford - Photo 2Hereford - Photo 3Hereford - Photo 4Hereford - Photo 5Hereford - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 4
🔍

Discover

1
Malvern Hills ridge walk
2
Great Malvern town centre
3
Hereford riverside walk along the River Wye
4
Hereford Cathedral exterior and surroundings
+2 Places visited
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 91.6 km
Travel time: 1h32
5
Day

Stratford Upon Avon

Stratford Upon Avon - Photo 1Stratford Upon Avon - Photo 2Stratford Upon Avon - Photo 3Stratford Upon Avon - Photo 4Stratford Upon Avon - Photo 5Stratford Upon Avon - Photo 6Stratford Upon Avon - Photo 7Stratford Upon Avon - Photo 8Stratford Upon Avon - Photo 9Stratford Upon Avon - Photo 10
10 photos
Day 5
🔍

Discover

1
Stratford-upon-Avon historic town centre
2
Shakespeare’s Birthplace
3
Anne Hathaway’s Cottage and Gardens
4
Nash’s House and New Place site
+2 Places visited
🎯

Activities

→
Boat or canal trip on the River Avon
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 17 km
Travel time: 34min
6
Day

Warwick

castle walls rise majestically above river

Warwick - Photo 1Warwick - Photo 2Warwick - Photo 3Warwick - Photo 4Warwick - Photo 5Warwick - Photo 6Warwick - Photo 7
7 photos
Day 6
🔍

Discover

1
Warwick town centre and historic streets
2
Warwick Castle
3
Warwick Racecourse surroundings
4
Royal Leamington Spa town centre
+4 Places visited
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 40 km
Travel time: 1h20
7
Day

Birmingham

industrial heart beats creative rhythm eternally

Birmingham - Photo 1Birmingham - Photo 2
2 photos
Day 7
🔍

Discover

1
Birmingham city centre walking tour area
2
Gas Street Basin and central canals
3
Jewellery Quarter historic district
4
Cadbury World visitor attraction
+1 Places visited
🎯

Activities

→
Boat ride on Birmingham canal network
→
Hiking or biking trails in Cannock Chase
→
Go Ape high ropes adventure at Birches Valley
+1 Optional activities
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 35.4 km
Travel time: 1h11
8
Day

Coventry

medieval cathedral rises from modern streets

Coventry - Photo 1Coventry - Photo 2Coventry - Photo 3Coventry - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 8
🔍

Discover

1
Coventry city centre
2
Coventry Transport Museum
3
Herbert Art Gallery and Museum
4
Old Coventry Cathedral ruins
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 47.1 km
Travel time: 1h34
9
Day

Leicester

roman city hides beneath medieval surface

Leicester - Photo 1Leicester - Photo 2Leicester - Photo 3Leicester - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 9
🔍

Discover

1
Leicester city centre and Town Hall area
2
Jewry Wall and Roman baths remains
3
National Space Museum / National Space Centre
4
Richard III discovery site and visitor area
+2 Places visited
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 158.7 km
Travel time: 1h59
10
Day

Mablethorpe

seaside village faces east coast winds

Mablethorpe - Photo 1Mablethorpe - Photo 2Mablethorpe - Photo 3
3 photos
Day 10
🔍

Discover

1
Mablethorpe seafront and sandy beach
🎯

Activities

→
Ride on the Mablethorpe sand train

🗺️ Itinerary map

🗺️ Nearby itineraries

MIDLANDS AND PEAK DISTRICT: INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION AND WILD NATURE

📅 11 days 🛣️ 578.8 Km

COTSWOLDS AND OXFORD: GOLDEN STONE VILLAGES AND LEGENDARY UNIVERSITY

📅 11 days 🛣️ 381.1 Km

LAKE DISTRICT AND YORKSHIRE: ROMANTIC LAKES AND WILD DALES

📅 11 days 🛣️ 447.4 Km

🛡️ Travel advice - United Kingdom

Check official recommendations

UK Foreign Travel Advice →

❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Summer (June-August): Warmest weather, longest daylight, peak tourist season, highest prices, festival season, ideal for all regions.

Spring (April-May): Mild weather, blooming gardens, fewer crowds, moderate prices, excellent for countryside, comfortable temperatures.

Fall (September-October): Pleasant weather, autumn colors, fewer crowds, good value, comfortable for sightseeing, cozy pub atmosphere.

Winter (November-March): Cold temperatures, shortest days, Christmas markets, lowest prices, indoor attractions, cozy cultural experiences.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 9 and 13 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in United Kingdom?

Rich history with royal heritage, diverse cultures, and iconic landmarks from London to Edinburgh. Experience pub culture, literary heritage, and beautiful countryside. The country offers excellent transportation with cultural depth and historical significance. United Kingdom provides cultural richness with historical importance and modern amenities in compact island nation.