Mercia Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do in Mercia, including where to stay, what to eat, and must-see attractions. Explore Mercia's rich cultural, natural, and historical sites in this comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Mercia

Mercia is a historic region in England, stretching across the midlands from north to south. It has a rich history, as it was once one of the most powerful kingdoms of Anglo-Saxon England. Today, Mercia is known for its beautiful landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant cities. This travel guide will help you explore the best that Mercia has to offer, including its must-see attractions, natural wonders, and local cuisine.

List of Places to Visit in Mercia

Here are some of the top places to visit in Mercia.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Coventry Cathedral
  • Warwick Castle
  • Leicester Cathedral
  • Shakespeare’s Birthplace
  • Derby Museums
  • The National Memorial Arboretum

Natural Attractions of Mercia: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Peak District National Park
  • Cannock Chase
  • Sherwood Forest
  • The Malvern Hills
  • The Cotswolds
  • Ironbridge Gorge

Hiking/Biking Routes of Mercia

Mercia has plenty of beautiful hiking and biking trails, where you can explore the scenic landscapes of the region. Here are some popular routes:

  • The Pennine Way
  • The Monsal Trail
  • The Tissington Trail
  • The South Downs Way
  • The Wye Valley Walk

Best Things to Do in Mercia: Activities and Tours

Mercia has plenty of exciting activities and tours to offer, including:

  • Visit local breweries and vineyards in the West Midlands
  • Take a canal boat tour in Birmingham
  • Explore the caves of Nottingham
  • Go rock climbing in the Peak District
  • Visit the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford-upon-Avon

Week-Long Itinerary for Mercia

Here is a sample itinerary for a week-long trip to Mercia:

Day Activities
Day 1 Visit Warwick Castle and stroll around the old town
Day 2 Explore the Peak District National Park
Day 3 Take a walking tour of Birmingham, including the Bullring shopping center
Day 4 Visit Coventry Cathedral and the Coventry Transport Museum
Day 5 Go on a brewery tour in Burton-on-Trent and visit Lichfield Cathedral
Day 6 Explore Sherwood Forest and the nearby Rufford Abbey
Day 7 Visit the historical city of Leicester and its museums

Food and Drink Scene of Mercia

Mercia has a vibrant food and drink scene, with plenty of local specialties to try. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Bakewell Tart
  • Melton Mowbray Pork Pies
  • Staffordshire Oatcakes
  • Black Country Faggots and Peas

Local Beverages

  • Real Ale
  • Staffordshire Ale
  • Malvern Water
  • Leicestershire Red Fox Cider

Where to Stay in Mercia: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Mercia has plenty of accommodation options, ranging from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels. Here are some of the top options:

  • The Belfry Hotel & Resort (Sutton Coldfield)
  • The Arden Hotel (Stratford-upon-Avon)
  • The Bank House Hotel & Spa (Worcester)
  • YHA National Forest (near Burton-on-Trent)
  • Premier Inn Nottingham (City Centre)
  • Days Inn Corley (Coventry)

What to Buy in Mercia: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

When in Mercia, make sure to bring back some unique souvenirs and local products, such as:

  • Blue John jewelry (from the Peak District)
  • Red Leicester cheese
  • Ceramic Royal Doulton figurines (from Stoke-on-Trent)
  • Melton Mowbray Pork Pies

Local Culture and Customs of Mercia

Mercia has a rich cultural heritage and many unique customs. The people of Mercia are known for their friendliness and hospitality. English is the primary language spoken, and the local currency is the pound sterling.

Best Time to Visit Mercia

The best time to visit Mercia is during the summer months (June-August), when the weather is warm and sunny. Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) are also good times to visit, as the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller.

Do’s and Don’ts of Mercia

Here are some dos and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting Mercia:

Do:

  • Dress appropriately for cultural sites and museums
  • Respect local customs and traditions
  • Try local cuisine and drinks
  • Plan your itinerary in advance

Don’t:

  • Drink and drive
  • Litter or damage natural sites
  • Ignore local customs and traditions
  • Rely solely on public transportation

Safety and Health

Safety in Mercia

Mercia is generally a safe place to visit, with low crime rates. However, it’s always important to be vigilant and take basic safety precautions, such as keeping valuables out of sight and sticking to well-lit areas at night.

Health in Mercia

Healthcare in Mercia is generally of high quality. The region has many hospitals and clinics, and visitors can access emergency medical care through the national health service (NHS) or private healthcare providers.

Getting to Mercia: Transportation Options and Logistics

Here are the most popular ways to get to Mercia:

Airports Near Mercia

  • Birmingham airport
  • East Midlands airport
  • Manchester airport
  • London Heathrow airport

Bus Stations Near Mercia

  • Birmingham Coach Station
  • Derby Bus Station
  • Leicester Bus Station

Other Options

  • Train - Mercia is well-connected to the national rail network
  • Car Rental - Renting a car is a great option for exploring the region at your own pace

How to Get Around in Mercia

Mercia has a good public transportation network, including buses and trains. Taxis and car rentals are also available, although driving in the cities can be challenging.

Where to Go Next from Mercia: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you’re looking to explore more of England, here are some nearby destinations and excursions to consider:

  • London (2 hours by train)
  • Oxford (1.5 hours by train)
  • Bath (2 hours by car)
  • Cambridge (2.5 hours by car)

Conclusion

Mercia is a beautiful region of England, with plenty to offer visitors of all interests. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or a foodie, you’re sure to find something to enjoy in Mercia. Use this guide to plan your trip and make the most of your time in this fascinating region.