Things to do in East Midlands

Walk in the footsteps of the great Tudor queen and imagine the opulence and splendor of Elizabethan Kenilworth. Wander the pathways to discover the marble fountain, the ornate aviary, and the Earl of Leicester's emblem of the bear and ragged staff. Choose between a single or a family ticket. Visit the fascinating exhibition about the famous royal romance between the queen and her ambitious courtier, Robert Dudley. Explore the Elizabethan bedroom and Oak Room which contains a beautifully ornate alabaster fireplace that once stood in Elizabeth I's private rooms. Have fun with the family-friendly displays in the interactive exhibition bringing Kenilworth's past to life. Housed in the magnificent Tudor stables, see how the castle has changed throughout its 900-year history. Children can get hands-on with history as they try on dress up clothes and see and touch the mighty trebuchet balls which were hurled at Kenilworth Castle 800 years ago. Admire the mighty Castle keep - the heart of castle life for 500 years. Unwind with a visit to the Stables Tearoom, which offers a delicious selection of cakes and light lunches, made from seasonal ingredients and sourced from local suppliers.

Explore the British Motor Museum and discover the world's largest collection of historic British cars. Learn more about the British motor industry and see how cars have changed through the decades as well as their role in and impact on our society. Take a walk down the 'Time Road' and discover how both motoring and family life has changed through the decades including period music and memorable events such as the introduction of double yellow lines. Travel through 'Making British Cars' and see how influential the motor industry has been over the years and where it is heading in the future. Get 'Under The Skin' and unravel the mystery of how cars work with interactive exhibits. Experience how suspension has improved over time and compare the difference between rack and pin and power steering. The Museum's enthusiastic staff and volunteers are there to help bring the cars to life and are happy to answer any questions you may have during your visit. There is also an onsite café serving hot and cold meals and snacks.

A playful experience to discover the secrets of Sheffield, a mystery walk similar to an escape room but outdoors! You'll play a detective solving a Murder Mystery as you solve location-based clues in Sheffield. Your team will receive clues on their phones that, once deciphered, will guide them around a route that showcases it's secret sights and great pubs/bars/cafes. The routes are all walking distance and clues get you working together and interacting with the city surroundings to find the answers, no prior knowledge required. Discover fascinating and amusing facts about Sheffield's past and present as you weave your way through the city. Make the day your own as you solve clues and challenges as a team; with friends, family or colleagues. Get competitive - race to the finish and set a leader board time, or simply go at your own pace and soak it all in. With recommended refreshment stops at top-rated pubs/cafes/bars that you can choose to indulge and refresh along the way. There are three stops on this route; - Halfway; Pub with carved wooden bar, tiled floors, leafy beer garden and renowned range of real ales. - Two thirds; A cosy, traditional pub tucked away in the heart of Sheffield's Kelham Island. Boasting a large selection of hand-picked beers, ales and ciders celebrating the very best in craft beers from local and national breweries. - Finish location; Laid-back pub featuring a snug, rustic interior, plus outdoor seating & live music performances. Another pub with great pizzas and charcuterie boards! Monthly challenges are available for teams to submit pictures/videos of their experience to win cash prizes each month. Links sent in the welcome message and information available on our website. For larger group bookings we recommend splitting up into teams of up to 5-8 people - this helps keep everyone in the team immersed and interacting with the game. Corporate bookings and packages are available, please email us at hello@thesecret.city for more information. Tickets can be used on any day and we have a 'love it or your money back' guarantee, we aim to provide a fantastic day for you! The Secret City awaits.

Departing from Manchester in the morning, set off on a day trip to Derbyshire's Peak District. The first stop is in Castleton, a quaint old town that attracts visitors from all over the world for its quintessential English charm. Wander the streets, enjoy a beautiful view up a valley, and learn about the history at the fascinating information center. Proceed then to Monsal Head, a scenic viewpoint. Hear about the impressive history of the famous viaduct that emerges from green hills to create a unique view. Stop for lunch in Bakewell next. Not only is this town exciting to look at, it's also the birthplace of one of England's most famous desserts, Bakewell pudding.  Continue to Poole's Cavern. Opt for a visit to this enormous limestone cave system that has been described as one of the wonders of the Peak District. This series of caves has welcomed Mary Queen of Scots and countless other visitors, all who have marveled at its many chambers, stalagmites, and stalactites. Travel back to Manchester, arriving in the late afternoon.

Day 1: Travel to the Peak District. In the late morning, you will arrive in Castleton. This quaint old town attracts travelers from all over the world for its quintessential English charm. Nearby, there are caves, a beautiful view up a valley, and an insightful information center. Venture to the beautiful valley at Monsal Head. There’s an old rail line viaduct that emerges from the green hills. It’s a gorgeous structure with an impressive history. If you’re hungry, then you’re in luck, because you’re stopping for lunch in Bakewell. Not only is this town delicious to look at, but it’s also the home of one of England’s most famous desserts, the Bakewell Pudding. After savoring every last crumb, head over to Chatsworth House. This luxurious stately home is incredible; you can admire the architecture, get lost in a massive maze, or praise precious art. Finally, head off in the early evening to your overnight stop in York. Day 2: Full-day Tour of York Spend your morning in York. Visit a chocolate museum, find out about the Vikings, or just stroll around the ancient walls. Around midday, leave York and head to Goathland. This town was used in the Harry Potter movies and is situated in one of the largest expanses of heather moorland in the UK. Your next stop is Whitby. This is the type of town everyone dreams of retiring in. There’s a beautifully-located, ruined abbey; old stone steps curving around viewpoints; and a lovely little beach to play about on. After exploring all the nooks and crannies of Whitby, travel to Robin Hood’s Bay. They doubt if the real Robin Hood ever came here, but there are still plenty of smugglers tales dotted around this remarkable harbor village. Finally, arrive back in York in the early evening. Day 3: Touring, Lunch, and Returning to Manchester Take the road to Fountains Abbey. This is one of the largest ruined abbeys in England and part of an important UNESCO Heritage site. Then find yourself surrounded by some of England’s most lovely waterfalls at AysgarthEnjoy a delicious lunch of Wensleydale's famous cheese and crackers. After lunch, travel past the epic Ribblehead railway viaduct before having a short snoop around the old castle-topped town of Clitheroe. In the evening, arrive in Manchester.

The Explorer Pass by Shakespeare's England is an added value pass covering Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwick and the surrounding countryside. The pass includes the region’s finest attractions like Warwick Castle, Shakespeare’s Schoolroom, Stratford Butterfly Farm, Kenilworth Castle, the British Motor Museum and many more! Simple and easy to use, the pass is available as a 1, 2, or 3-day pass. Present the pass QR code at any attraction included to enter for free. It really is sightseeing made easy! The Explorer Pass comes with a live booking app where you can book your attractions, manage your admissions, and find information about all of the attractions plus any special offers included with the pass. An Example 2-Day Itinerary: Day 1 Warwick Castle Compton Verney Art Gallery and Park Day 2 Shakespeare's Schoolroom & Guildhall Stratford Butterfly Farm Avon Boating

Our bargain box tours are perfect for would be explorers, those who want to take up walking or those who want to explore new places but need a little inspiration – they also make the most perfect gift for all outdoor lovers. These personalised, self guided walking tours are tailored to your fitness levels and where you wants to go and include: • Detailed Tour Itinerary made especially for you – built around your preferences and fitness levels. The in depth route will tell you where to start (and park) and detail every stop along the way to make sure you never lose your feet. • In depth marked map outlining your route. • Bite sized, laminated maps you can wear around your neck while embarking on your walk – these include summarised directions and things to look out for en route. • Top tips to make the most of your adventures, help you prepare and keep you safe. • Lots of fun facts about the places and things you’ll see along the way. • Kit list to make sure you pack everything you need. • Support for your trip and emergency contact details as well as instructions about what to do in an emergency. • Lots of suggestions of what else to do in the area – including places to visit, other adventures and where to stop for a rest or bite to eat. • Novelty compass and ‘how to’ guide to make sure you always stay on track • Exclusive Embark whistle for any sticky situation • Embark goodies • Discount vouchers for some of your favourite outdoor brands. It all comes wonderfully wrapped in an Embark gift box for you to keep and use over and over again. Why not swap tours with your friends and explore a whole range of new and exciting places. Upon ordering your Embark Box Tour, a member of the Embark Team will be in touch to discuss your tour requirements (please do remember to check tour junk mail box.) There’s nothing quite like exploring the great outdoors – so be sure to Embark on your next adventure with us.

Discover the Heart of England on a scenic 5-day tour that also crosses the border into North Wales, where you’ll see the magnificent mountains of Snowdonia. Visit some of England’s oldest cities, including the cathedral city of York, the university city of Cambridge, and the medieval town of Chester. Go to Shakespeare’s birthplace, and vist Anne Hathaway’s tudor cottage. Travel by small minicoach, with accommodations in characterful bed and breakfasts for a more intimate experience. Day 1: Depart London and head north to Stratford-upon-Avon, birthplace of William Shakespeare and home to the Tudor thatched cottage and gardens of his wife, Anne Hathaway. There will be time to explore the quaint town center, and enjoy lunch at leisure, before driving to the World Heritage Site of Ironbridge close to the Welsh border. Set in a stunning gorge of the River Severn, the historic valley boasts the world’s first bridge made of iron, as well as a host of other attractions. Then, travel to the beautiful town of Shrewsbury to check in to your accommodation for the next 2 nights. Day 2: Today, you will head into the heart of North Wales and visit the picture book castle of Conwy, built by Edward I in the late 13th century. Marvel at the mountain scenery of Snowdonia National Park, including the huge Dinorwic slate quarries and the dramatic Pass of Llanberis in the shadows of the highest mountain peak in Wales. Hear tales of Owain Glyndwr and the Welsh struggles for independence before traveling back through the borderlands into England. Day 3: Leave Shrewsbury and drive to the hills of the Peak District National Park, where you will discover a mix of beautiful villages and rolling moors. Take a scenic route through the park to the village of Castleton. In the afternoon, visit the famous grouds and mansion house of Chatsworth, home to the Duke of Devonshire and often named the UK’s favourite country house. Inside, you’ll find one of the finest collections of furniture and paintings by Old Masters, as well as Neoclassical sculptures. Continue to the historic City of York, your base for the next 2 nights. Day 4: Today you have the option to spend the day at leisure exploring the medieval heart of York. Wander the streets of a city with a rich history that dates back to the time of the Romans, Vikings, and Normans. Visit some of York’s fascinating museums, and the stunning York Minster, or just lose yourself in the maze of narrow streets. Alternatively, join your guide on a half-day excursion into the Yorkshire Dales to visit the pretty market towns of Knaresborough or Ripon. Continue your scenic drive of the remote valleys and rugged scenery of the Eastern Dales, before returning to York for a free afternoon. Day 5: Depart the fair city of York in the morning, stopping in the town of Lincoln, famed for its beautiful historic center and delicious Lincolnshire sausages. Continue to the university City of Cambridge, where you can stroll the medieval streets in the shadow of the dreamy spires of historic colleges, including the famous Kings College Chapel. Walk along the banks of the River Cam, where you might see punters out for the day. Continue to London for an estimated arrival time of approximately 19:30.

Embark on a self-guided treasure hunt for a fun and unique way to explore Sheffield. Captain Bess will send messages to your phone. She’s a snarky pirate who’s testing out new recruits to join her ship. She’ll direct you on a carefully designed route through the city. Follow the treasure maps to get to the right place, then try to decipher the clue. Search high and low for the answer. You’ll spot things you’d never normally notice. Don’t worry, if you get stuck you can ask for a hint to help you on your way. Start at Tudor Square and stroll along the peaceful canal, the Georgian Jewelry Quarter, and the Grand Business district. Learn interesting facts and stories along the way about the things you’re spotting and dive into the history of Sheffield.