Coombe Country Park is 500 acres of historic parkland. Founded by Cistercian monks in 1150 it has taken ten centuries of cultivation to reach its present splendour. It now features beautiful gardens, woodlands and lakeside walks.
Available :
Daily
The Friends Life T20 begins with a group format in June, before quarter finals in July and Finals Day at Southampton's Rose Bowl in August. Leicestershire Foxes play their home games at the County Ground in Leicester.
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Jun - Aug 2013 (annual)
The Imperial Cancer Research Fund's Race For Life is held over two days and incorporates a series of walks and runs for women. Starting at the city's Western Park, it's one of 100 events taking place all over the country.
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Jul 2013 (annual)
Leicester's Jewry Wall Museum houses archaeological collections dating from prehistoric times to the end of the Middle Ages. The Jewry Wall itself sits in the museum's grounds and is the second-largest piece of surviving Roman building in the UK.
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Feb - Oct 2013 (annual)
Leicester's 14th-century Guildhall is one of the oldest buildings in the city still in use and one of the best-preserved timber-framed halls in England. Today it serves as a performance venue and a distinctive local landmark.
Available :
Feb - Dec 2013; not Thu or Fri (annual)
Leicester's Darbar South Asian Music Festival, held at Curve, brings together renowned musicians. The programme ranges from the traditional to contemporary eclectic, bringing the sound of the sub-continent to the Midlands.
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Sep 2013 (annual)
Leicester's Riverside Festival is one of the city's biggest free festivals and takes place in Bede Park. The family-friendly weekend offers boat trips, illuminated boat parades, live music, stalls and activities for all ages.
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Jun 2013 (annual)
The Lanchester Gallery provides an exhibition space for both emerging and established artists whose practice relates to the work of staff and students at the Coventry School of Art and Design.
Available :
Weekdays only
Celebrating Coventry's architectural and historic importance, Heritage Open Days takes place in the city's imposing St Mary's Guildhall and around town. Music and hands-on activities bring history to life, while the building's Freeman Guild Room - usually closed to the public - opens especially for the event.
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Sep 2013 (annual)
Coventry's St Mary's Guildhall, one of the finest surviving medieval guildhalls in England, was built in the 1340s for the merchant guild of St Mary. It became the headquarters for the mayor and corporation of Coventry until the early 1900s.
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Mar - Oct 2013; not Fri or Sat (annual)
The UK's largest space attraction, the National Space Centre in Leicester combines informative exhibitions with thrilling interactive displays.
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Daily; not Mon
Every July, Coventry's War Memorial Park hosts a lavish festival of free entertainment to celebrate the city's historic connection with Lady Godiva. There's live music and a procession of a scantily clad Godiva, riding through the streets to the park.
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Jun - Jul 2013 (annual)
Coventry Canal, the only waterway in Britain to terminate in the centre of a city, is host to what has been described as the longest outdoor art gallery in the country: the Canal Art Trail.
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Daily
The Coventry Cathedral quarter is notable for being able to trace its ecclesiastical past back through three cathedrals. Four million people visited today's version in its first year. In its time it has also been voted Britain's most popular 20th-century building.
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Daily
Coventry's main art gallery and museum, the Herbert Art Gallery and Museum is in the middle of a major redevelopment which is expected to be complete by mid-2008. The cafe, shop and two gallery spaces are still open for business.
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Daily
Previously the Coventry Jazz Festival, the Coventry Rhythm Festival has been expanded to include soul, blues, funk, Latin and other world music. Performances take place at venues throughout the city, including the Belgrade Theatre and St Mary's Hall.
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May 2013 (annual)
For hundreds of years the ruins of Coventry's first Cathedral lay hidden beneath the City Centre. Coventry's millennium project gave archaeologists the opportunity to excavate this important site, and over several years the remains of many of the medieval buildings were uncovered. It's now possible to visit the fruit of all this labour at the Priory Visitors Centre.
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Daily
Coventry Transport Museum displays the largest collection of British road transport in the world and is designated as a collection of national importance. The city was the birthplace of Britain's cycle and car industries and visitors can see hundreds of cars, cycles and motorcycles.
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Daily
The Lunt Roman Fort was once inhabited by the Roman Army and now provides a fascinating snapshot of Roman military life.
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Daily; not Mon or Tue
The Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust houses more than 100 vehicles from the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Collection, with around 30-35 on display at any one time. Many of the collection are original, just as they left the factory, and fully operational.
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Daily; not Sat
Located at the heart of the University of Warwick in Coventry, the Arts Centre is the largest in the Midlands and hosts an eclectic variety of performances embracing music, drama, dance, comedy, literature, films and visual art. Presenting a wide range of acts and productions throughout the year, the centre houses a concert hall, two theatres, a cinema, a gallery, restaurants and bars.
Available :
Daily
Visitors immerse themselves in 2000 years of England's past during the Festival of History at Kelmarsh Hall, Northamptonshire, presented by English Heritage. The event features everything from falconry, jousting displays and battle re-enactments to music, dance and ale.
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Jul 2013 (annual)
Set in the beautiful Althorp Estate, the Battle Proms concert in August comprises traditional fairground stalls, impressive Napoleonic Cavalry and infantry displays, but most importantly, a quality classical musical programme. The magical evening culminates in a fireworks display.
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Aug 2013 (annual)
A stone's throw away from Warwick Castle, Warwick International School of Riding is situated in the heart of Shakespeare country and offers some of the most impressive horse riding in England. Avid riders can trot or canter through many miles of unspoilt country lanes and peaceful leafy bridleways, or gallop across expanses of open grassland and through ancient oak woods.
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Daily
Are you looking for some inspiration? The Times presents Destinations: The Holiday & Travel Show at the NEC Birmingham. Globetrotters can meet writers, explorers and travel experts to find out about everything from Amazonian adventures to Caribbean cruises.
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Mar 2012 (annual)
Birmingham NEC's Spring Memorabilia Show is a haven for collectors. Thousands of collectable TV, film, comic and sports items are up for grabs, and celebrities are in attendance to sign your treasures. This time round it's Britt Ekland.
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Mar 2013 (annual)
Committed collectors, hobbyists and children love the Birmingham NEC's Miniatura - International Dolls' House Show exhibition. Tiny houses, perfect little shops and incredibly detailed pubs and schools are all available to buy alongside all manner of furnishings.
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Mar 2013 (annual)
The British Ski & Board Show at Birmingham NEC attracts outdoor sports enthusiasts from across the country to try out the ski ramps, quarter pipe and ice rink. Enjoy talks by pros and shop for all the latest gear.
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Oct 2013 (annual)
The UK's most attractive felines give new meaning to the word catwalk as they battle it out during the Supreme Cat Show at Birmingham's NEC. Owners can shop, join clubs, and get advice from breeders and exhibitors.
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Nov 2013 (annual)
It may be slightly harder to keep up with the Joneses since the credit crunch took hold, but Grand Designs Live promises homeowners a solution. Pick up tips and inspiration to improve your home at Birmingham's NEC.
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Oct 2013 (annual)
BPM has quickly become one of Europe's biggest events dedicated to DJing. Housed in Birmingham's NEC, it brings together DJs, producers and promoters for a weekend dedicated to the best of dance.
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Oct 2013 (annual)
DIVE at the NEC in Birmingham gives experienced and wannabe divers the chance to see what's hot, what's new and where to go for the best diving in the coming season. You'll find hundreds of exhibitors taking part this year.
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Oct 2013 (annual)
Birmingham NEC's Winter Memorabilia Show is a haven for collectors and the nostalgic. With collectable TV, film, comic, music and sports items up for grabs - and celebrities signing your treasures - it offers a weekend trip down memory lane.
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Nov 2013 (annual)
The rise of celebrity chefs has led to a number of major exhibitions exploring the best in food and drink. Here at Birmingham's NEC, the BBC Summer Good Food Show is the only one that dedicates itself to summer gastronomy.
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Jun 2013 (annual)
Recreate the childhood magic of the festive season at Crafts for Christmas in Birmingham's NEC. Featuring over 200 talented artists and craftspeople, it offers both modern and traditional gifts and crafts, as well as all the festive inspiration you can handle.
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Nov 2013 (annual)
Are the joys of parenthood looming? Faced with them already? Either way, don't miss The Baby Show at Birmingham's NEC - a one-stop shop for everything you need to know about looking after your little darling. Ear-plugs might be required.
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May 2013 (annual)
Birmingham's NEC Arena hosts a top event for all motor vehicle enthusiasts. The Classic Motor Show presents a huge line-up of vintage, Edwardian, veteran, classic, prestige and rare vehicles.
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Nov 2013 (annual)
Brush up on your cake-making and decorating skills at the NEC's Cake International - The Sugarcraft & Cake Decoration Show. Suppliers offer cutters, moulds, boards, books, stencils, ribbons and more - ideal for both expert sugarcraft artists and beginners.
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Nov 2013 (annual)
Crufts is probably the greatest dog show on earth. More than 28,000 top pedigree canines compete at Birmingham's National Exhibition Centre. A celebration of the relationship between dogs and their owners, the programme again showcases the diverse roles dogs play in society.
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Mar 2013 (annual)
The Horse of the Year Show is Britain's largest indoor equestrian event. Held at Birmingham's NEC, it includes more than 120 hours of competition and entertainmentincluding show jumping and showing classes, packed into five exciting days.
Available :
Oct 2013 (annual)
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