Activities in The Midlands
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Monsal Trail
On the northern edge of Bakewell, a former railway line has been converted to a walking and cycling track called the Monsal Trail. From Bakewell you can cycle about 3 miles north and 1 mile south on the old railway itself, and there are numerous other tracks and country lanes nearby. The nearest bike hire is near Buxton. Walkers on the Monsal Trail follow alternate sections of the old railway and pretty footpaths through fields and beside rivers.
From Bakewell, an excellent out-and-back walk (3 miles each way) goes to the dramatic viewpoint at Monsal Head, where a good pub, Stables Bar at the Monsal Head Hotel, provides welcome refreshment. Allow three hours for the round…
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National Sealife Centre
The National Sealife Centre , a state-of-the-art facility designed by Sir Norman Foster, is the largest inland aquarium in England; it swarms with exotic marine life. There's a sea-horse breeding facility - if you're lucky you might get a rare glimpse of a male sea horse delivering his thousand babies. The otter sanctuary is also a favourite with kids.
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Birmingham City University
At Birmingham City University the emphasis is firmly on getting its graduates into work. From health care to music, via media, acting and art, students study highly vocational degrees. Its eight campuses are dotted around Birmingham, providing mini-enclaves of specialist learning, each with strong faculty atmospheres.
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Birmingham Back to Backs
This is a cluster of restored working people’s houses, the only survivor of 20,000 courts of similar homes built during the 19th century for the city’s rapidly expanding working class. The tour winds through four houses, revealing the interesting stories of those who lived here between the 1840s and the 1970s.
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Aston University
Aston University may be small, but you could say it’s perfectly formed. Its relatively small number of students creates a friendly, community feel, while its tree-dotted campus is in the city centre, no more than 10 minutes walk from all of the city’s major facilities.
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Buxton Festival
This renowned festival takes place in July and is one of the largest of its kind in the country. As well as opera, literary notables such as Louis de Bernières hold sway. All the big events in Buxton revolve around its beautifully restored Opera House.
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Opera House
Buxton's gorgeously restored Opera House enjoys a full programme of drama, dance, concerts and comedy as well as staging some renowned festivals and events. Tours of the auditorium and backstage areas are available at 11:00 most Saturday mornings.
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University College Birmingham
With 7400 students, this friendly, city-centre university college specialises in vocational degree and postgraduate programmes and practical FE qualifications. Within six months of graduating 92% of students are employed or in full time education.
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Guided Walks
Two-hour guided walks depart from Swan fountain just by the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. An alternative walk is run by the Royal Shakespeare Company on Saturday mornings, and leaves outside the Swan Theatre on Waterside.
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Four Four Time
An annual live-music festival staged in February each year, including a medley of jazz, blues, folk and world music acts. All the big events in Buxton revolve around its beautifully restored Opera House.
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Stratford-upon-Avon Hop-on Hop-off Tour
1 day (Departs Stratford-upon-Avon, United Kingdom)
by Viator
Explore Stratford-Upon-Avon with this 24 hour ticket aboard an open-top double-decker bus. See all the main sights as you hop on and hop off 14 conveniently loc…Not LP reviewed
from USD$18.81 -
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City Sightseeing
Open-top, hop-on/hop-off bus tours leave from the tourist office and go to each of the Shakespeare properties. Tickets are valid for 24 hours.
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walking routes
Other walking routes go to the stately homes of Haddon Hall and Chatsworth House. You could take a bus or taxi there and walk back, so you don't muddy the duke's carpet.
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International Gilbert & Sullivan Festival
This very popular festival is held at the end of July/beginning of August. All the big events in Buxton revolve around its beautifully restored Opera House.
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Buxton Fringe
In July the more contemporary Buxton Fringe is gathering popularity. All the big events in Buxton revolve around its beautifully restored Opera House.
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Aston Villa Stadium Tour
On the Aston Villa Stadium Tour you get to nosey around the dressing rooms, sit on the manager’s bench and see a slice of life pitch-side.
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Newman University College
At just 2800 students, Newman has an intimate feel. Lecturers and students debate and discuss issues – essential for true insight.
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West Midlands Waterways
Provides information on hiring canal boats; a short walk along the canal from the National Indoor Arena.
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Parsley Cycle Hire
Parsley Cycle Hire, at the junction of the High Peak and Tissington Trails, is the nearest place to rent bicycles.
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Warwick Boats
A fine view of the castle is from the river itself. Head to Warwick Boats .
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Second City Canal Cruises
Narrow-boat tours of Birmingham's canals lasting anything from one hour to two days, leaving from the Gas St Basin.
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Monsal Trail
Monsal Trail, beginning 3 miles east of the town, leads all the way to Bakewell.
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Sherborne Wharf
Nostalgic narrow-boat cruises from the quayside by the International Convention Centre.
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