If long walks, picturesque villages and sipping pots of tea sounds like your ideal break, come visit the Midlands and enjoy all that the traditional British countryside has to offer. This region is well-known by walkers but less known as a holiday destination. Here are some of the hidden treasures that mark this region as one that is well worth a visit!

Rutland is a landlocked county situated in the Midlands. It holds two towns; Oakham and Uppingham and a selection of beautiful unspoilt villages, make sure you get a walking guide as there a walks aplenty to be enjoyed! Oakham is an idyllic, traditional English market town and currently holds the prestigious Britain in Bloom Award. This town offers a whole host of activities, including its very own castle, and a selection of markets. Uppingham is a picturesque town which holds an array of fascinating architectural styles; with remains that date back as early as the 13^th Century through to the Victorian period. This town is a place of tea rooms, pubs, antique and second hand book shops; it is also renowned for its school, which is a highly achieving and spectacular structure. Some of the Harry Potter filming took place here.

Rutland Water is an internationally famous nature reserve, which boasts one of largest artificial lakes in Europe. Holding a 25 Mile circular track for walkers and cyclists with a varied and exciting terrain. Bike hire is available as are a selection of water sports, including a sailing club and a Watersports Centre which offers day sailing and windsurfing.

Situated just above Rutland’s border Stamford is a town breathtaking in beauty. The majority of the buildings are made from old Lincolnshire limestone, giving the town a notably distinguished appearance. Take a calm stroll around these streets and fall into fantastic second hand book shops, filled with forgotten treasures that reach back a number of centuries. This is a town that is brimming with history and culture. Holding only a modest population, Stamford has twelve churches, including the notorious All Saints Church which dates back to the 13^th Century, a strikingly sculptured framework that demands a visit. Foodies are in for a treat as Stamford carries a number of delectable establishments, The George Hotel is a firm favourite, take lunch in the garden room or afternoon tea in the lounge or courtyard, either way you will not be disappointed! If Ale is a better match for your taste buds, know that most of the pubs serve real ale and are situated at a convenient walking distance from the town centre. Stamford also holds its own brewery; The All Saints Brewery which is open for tours and tastings. If you plan to visit in March try and catch the Mid-Lent fair a huge funfair that fills most of the centre, this annual event runs back over a thousand years.

Bradgate Park is a historic mediaeval deer park, situated in Charnwood Forest, in Leicestershire. It has maintained most of its original landscape with grassy slopes, small woods and rocky outgrowths. Originally created as a deer park, Bradgate Park is Leicestershire’s largest and most visited country park. A noted part of the parks history are the ruins of Bradgate House, home to Lady Jane Grey, a notorious regal figure who’s reign lasted only days before she was beheaded in 1554!

Anne Davies is a freelance writer and blogger, writing on a range of topics from fashion favourites; belle etoile to travel destinations