Nuneaton

Nuneaton, in north Warwickshire, lies at the very heart of England. The Royal Geological Survey and the Ordnance Survey have pinpointed the exact centre of the country to be on the Watling Street, about a mile away from the town. Nuneaton is therefore a natural choice when choosing a base to explore the area.

The town is famous as the birthplace of the Victorian novelist George Eliot, who lived there from 1819 to 1841. Many visitors make pilgrimages to the ancient churchyards of Nuneaton and Chilvers Coton, where monuments to people immortalised in her novels can be found. It is even possible to stay in George Elliot’s house – which is now a Premier Inn, with a heritage of which it is very proud.

The town is blessed with a splendid public park which was laid out in 1907. Situated right in the town centre, the park is the result of an endowment by local businessman and colliery owner – Edward Ferdinand Melly. Edward Melly left money, not only to landscape the park but to create an art gallery and museum.

One feature of Nuneaton not to be missed is the bustling street market, which dates back to the 13^th century. The market operates on Wednesdays and Fridays and continues to attract people from across the Midlands with its fresh produce and array of goods for sale.