Local Gems

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The Heart of England has much to offer visitors. The rolling landscapes of the East Midlands, for example, are dotted with historic small towns. And some of their parish churches are particularly noteworthy including St Botolph's at Boston and St Mary-and-St Hardulph at Breedon-on-the-Hill (Leicestershire). Here there's a unique set of Anglo-Saxon carvings and friezes. Another attraction, well off the tourist trail, is Rufford Abbey Country Park in

Nottinghamshire. The park is home to a stunning contemporary sculpture garden and ceramics gallery. Other pretty towns you might not know are Oundle (Northamptonshire) and Stamford (Lincolnshire) both worth a detour. West of Birmingham, there are many more gems. Take the open-air Avoncroft Museum, where centuries-old building techniques and rural trades are still practised. You can see how a wattle and daub wall is constructed and even learn the traditional blacksmith's craft for yourself.