In reply to ford23:
Welcome to the flatlands ! The nearest actual rock (definately discounting Cherry Hinton chalk pit) is Southern Sandstone or Leicester. Both of which are an acquired taste !
For day trips we mainly head for the Peak - easy enough drive and a very wide range of options to go for depending on weather etc. Avon gorge is also a worthwhile day trip but the options are more restricted.
In my experience the next nearest tier of crags is more like 3.5 hours drive and tend to run to weekend trips: Swanage, Portland, Wye Valley, Mid Wales, NW peak etc.
