Countryside weekend - Midlands??

[MegBusset]

Unexpectedly have the chance to grab a couple of days away without the kids. We're in Norfolk and have done East Anglia to death but as it's only two nights then the Peaks/Yorkshire seem a little far. Somewhere 2/3hrs drive from Norwich would be ideal - not London or anything involving the M25!

The Midlands are terra incognito to me but is there a little corner where we would find:

• Peace and quiet
• Quaint villages with lovely tea shops
• Lots of lovely walking and views
• Fab country pubs

?

Bakewell
Melbourne
Chatsworth

Ashbourne is central for walks etc

Cotswolds - Bourton on the Water, Cheltenham, Oxford villages?

Rutland!

OP said the Peak District is a bit far - I'd go for it though. Beautiful countryside. And at the risk of teaching my grandmother to suck eggs, take weatherproofs.
Another option could be the Cotswolds.

I've never been to Norfolk.

Bosworth is lovely. Near the battle fields and beautiful countryside

Indeed it is. Any other suggestions anyone?

Chilterns? Costwolds?

I know that you said you wanted peace and quiet, but if you have never been to the Midlands do you fancy doing Stratford or Oxford. The actual towns are busy but they are set in beautiful countryside with lots of little historic villages by the Avon/Thames.

Another vote for Rutland. Pretty countryside and villages, lovely walking, Rutland Water, lots of history, a riot of gorgeous old pubs with good food. I love The Olive Branch in Clipsham for lunch -- and it has rooms. Or the Marquess of Exeter in Lyddington. Stamford, admittedly in a bulge of of Lincolnshire rather than in Rutland, has glorious 17th and 18thc buildings and medieval churches, and The George is one of those charming, old-fashioned coaching inns on the old Great North Road.

Ah, thank you all! I have been to the Midlands a few times (family connections in Leicestershire, plus MK Ikea!) but mainly driven through so it's great to have a few ideas.

Cotswolds lovely but a good four hours from Norfolk!

Ironbridge?

I'd second Derbyshire, easy drive, pretty villages (search Hartington, Tissington, Alstonefield)Gorgeous walks, Dovedale, Ilam and the peaks. Too many pubs to mention. Lovely towns, Ashbourne, Buxton . Ashbourne and surrounding villages has lots of accommodation.

Shropshire. Stay in Ludlow or Shrewsbury (often overlooked). Walks on the Long Mynd, Stiperstones or anywhere in the Shropshire Hills.

For quaint tea shops, Much Wenlock and Ironbridge, although latter is v touristy.

Or venture into North Shropshire for Whitchurch and Oswestry.

Shropshire. Stay in Ludlow or Shrewsbury (often overlooked). Walks on the Long Mynd, Stiperstones or anywhere in the Shropshire Hills.

For quaint tea shops, Much Wenlock and Ironbridge, although latter is v touristy.

Or venture into North Shropshire for Whitchurch and Oswestry.