The Cotswolds, one of England’s most rural areas, is also one of its most posh. A mere 1 1/2-hour drive from London, in the hills of south-central England, is a storybook land home to centuries-old cottages, hyper-manicured hedges and part-time residents like Kate Moss and Elizabeth Hurley. Here are five ideas for having fun in what is known as the Heart of England. From rowdy toe-wrestling competitions to refined tea times, there are plenty of ways to give your trip some character.

1. Kick a Shin
Cotswolds Olimpicks -- Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire
Each June the area hosts the Cotswolds Olimpicks (an event that dates back to 1612), and things get a bit rowdy. Come June 4, Dover’s Hill will be full of competitors and spectators ready for the cannon fire and shin-kicking (a competition that involves, well, kicking your component’s lower legs). After that, catch the fireworks, and follow the torch to Campden for dancing in the square.
www.olimpickgames.co.uk

2. Hey Good Lookin’
Brompton Cookery School -- Shrewsbury, Shropshire
Kitchen novices and master chefs flock from around the world to attend this renowned cooking school. From half-day courses to weeklong classes, there are tons of ways to bump up your cooking cred. Choose from fish-cooking, dessert prep or an entire meal. And if cooking’s not your cup of tea, just relax, and dine on some of the best food around. www.bromptoncookeryschool.co.uk

3. Regal Residence
Ludlow Castle -- Ludlow, Shropshire
At Ludlow Castle there’s no royal title needed to get in; it’s open to the public for tours, festivals and even a good night’s rest. Choose any of the three renovated apartments in the Castle House, and you’ll be welcomed with fresh breads and wine chilling in the fridge. A dining room with leaded windows overlooks the castle and provides dreamy vistas of the Corvedale Valley and the castle gardens. www.ludlowcastle.com

4. Tea Time
Northern Tea Merchants -- Chesterfield, Derbyshire
This legendary cafe, with tea and coffee trade connections dating back to 1926, serves up more than 50 million cups of tea and coffee each year. They must be doing something right. Here you’ll find a huge selection of teas from around the world and giant bins of freshly roasted coffees, too. Choose from Gunpowder Quing to Ceylon Orange Pekoe, and pair it with a traditional English afternoon snack like cucumber sandwiches, home-made cake or jam-and-cream-covered scones.
www.northern-tea.com

5. Praise the Pud
The Pudding Club -- Mickleton, Gloucestershire
Dessert time in England is no joke. If you dine with the Pudding Club, be sure to follow the rules. 1) You may eat only one pudding at a time (there are seven total). 2) You must clean your plate before going up for more. 3) The pudding buffet is by invitation only. If you don’t follow the rules, watch out. The pudding master is always watching. www.threewayshousehotel.com

For more unique ways to experience the Heart of England and access to passes and transport tickets, go to www.visitengland.com. American Airlines operates daily nonstop flights from JFK to Manchester, providing a convenient gateway to England's North Country and surrounding areas. www.aa.com.