The Midlands
The Heart Of England

The Midlands or Heart of England covers the middle of England. The counties that are featured in this cottage holiday guide are Worcestershire, Herefordshire, Warwickshire, Northamptonshire, Leicestershire, Rutland, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.

The Midlands

This region boasts some of England’s finest lowlands and rolling hills, beautiful canals and great walking country. Once a primeval forest, the Heart of England’s landscape is the perfect place to find Tudor timber frame cottages and timeless countryside.

The area is famous for the beautiful Malvern Hills and quintessential English countryside. This is the homeland of Shakespeare and Elgar, and was the scene of past battles, intrigue and revolt.

The Heart was the bread basket of England and once home to acres of Victorian and heritage apple orchards, now trying to make a come back…and rightfully so ;)

Discover for yourself what makes this area the Heart of England, you may be surprised how much of England’s past connects to it’s heart.

Cottage Tour Of England

Cottage Counties...

ECL will cover these counties listed below in more detail. Each county guide will include local attractions, picturesque towns and villages, Inns and pubs, restaurants, farmers markets, local food, festivals, artisans and cottage architecture.

Worcestershire

Herefordshire

Warwickshire

Northamptonshire

Leicestershire

Rutland

Shropshire

Staffordshire

Derbyshire

Nottinghamshire

English Countryside...

Areas of outstanding natural beauty in this region: AONB. There are thirty-three areas of outstanding natural beauty in England, the Midlands have four AONB listed below.

These areas have been protected because they are an area of distinctive character and natural beauty and have been protected for the nation and visitors to enjoy. They all have something unique either history, culture, fauna, flora and are all gorgeous and well worth a visit.

Cannock Chase: Once a great mediaeval royal hunting forest where the deer still roam. With nature trails and an Iron age fort, this AONB encloses the last oak remnant of the ancient Cannock forest.

Malvern Hills: The inspiration of Edward Elgar’s Enigma Variations. Or ‘take the waters’ as tourist have done since the 1800s. Wonderful walking country and home to the Morgan motor car.

Shropshire Hills: A landscape of small hedged fields, oak woods and traditionally farmed land popular with walkers.

Wyre Valley (and the Welsh boarder): One of the finest lowland landscapes in Britain. Picturesque Ross-On-Wye and Tinturn sit on the riverside.

Walkies…

For you and your dog if you have one. Lets get those walking boots on. These are tales of my walking experiences. I will let you know which areas are dog and horse friendly.

National Parks...

Peak District: Known as walking country, this dramatic landscape is rich in limestone dales and high moorlands.

National Trails...

Pennine Way: 268 miles of fantastic walking country that starts in the Peak District and goes into the Yorkshire Dales, over Hadrian’s wall to the Cheviots.

Pennine Bridleway: 205 mile stretch on the old packhorse routes, drovers and new bridle paths great for walking, horse riding and mountain biking.

Offa’s Dyke Path (Anglo/Welsh Boarder): Explore the history and landscape of the Anglo-Welsh boarder.

Country Life and Food Festivals...

The Midlands and the Heart of England is perfect for foodies with many top chefs moving here because of the quality of ingredients, the town of Ludlow in Shropshire is getting a reputation as one of Britain’s best food and drink destinations.

The county of Hereford is famous for cider and perry and the Midlands region is enjoying a revival in real ale production from micro breweries and once again we can see hops and apples rising up from the Midlands.

Famous for the Melton Mowbray pork pie, Worcester sauce, faggots, beef, gingerbread, and the bakewell tart. Cheeses such as the world famous stilton, Shropshire blue and Derby pair up nicely with wonderful heritage apples.

Plum bread, pies and cakes can be especially enjoyed in the Vale of Evesham at the famous Pershore Plum Festival. The Vale is also the home of the annual British Asparagus Festival.

Cottage Living...

Shops and resources for living the English Cottage Lifestyle. The Midlands or the Heart of England is a great place to stock up on treasures for your cottage with all manner of local artisan crafts I will find them and let you know.

Each ‘cottage county’ guide will give you more information. Click on the links to each county Worcestershire, Herefordshire, Warwickshire, Northamptonshire, Leicestershire, Rutland, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.