Tour historic battlefields, cathedrals and lavish houses, discover enchanting medieval ruins, climb to hilltop castles and explore mysterious underground cave systems.
Spectacular countryside includes the Peak District and the Lincolnshire Wolds, whether you are walking in ancient forests, cycling across hills and wolds, or visiting one of the region’s many attractions and events, a trip to the East Midlands is full of adventure and discovery.
Derbyshire
Derbyshire, popular with holidaymakers for centuries, is the home of the UK’s first National Park, the Peak District, and is excellent walking, riding and cycling country.
It forms the beginning of the Pennine Chain, sometimes called the backbone of England, where ancient trails weave among spectacular hills and sparkling reservoirs. The gorgeous rolling landscapes hide a stunning number of beautiful country houses including the 14th century Haddon Hall, Renishaw Hall and Gardens and the National Trust’s Hardwick Estate. Chatsworth, often considered the jewel in Derbyshire’s historical crown, is another spectacular house with over 30 rooms including the magnificent Painted Hall and Sculpture Gallery to explore, set in the heart of the Peak District on the banks of the river Derwent.
Quaint villages, enchanting springs, and atmospheric cave systems all nestle among the hills and gorges. The stunningly beautiful Hope Valley stretches between Mam Tor in Castleton and the historic town of Hathersage, taking in some of the Peak District’s prettiest villages and most famous sites such as Peveril Castle and Peak Cavern. Urbanites will enjoy the elegant spa town of Buxton, one of the Peak District’s most popular tourist destinations, famed for its natural spring water and Georgian architecture. The grand Grade I listed Buxton Crescent and Thermal Spa is currently undergoing a multi-million pound conversion and the Opera House and Pavilion Arts Centre hosts internationally renowned and award-winning annual festivals.
Leicestershire & Rutland
Leicestershire is famed for its cathedral city, historic battlefields and stately houses.
Belvoir Castle in the east is a fascinating Regency period castle in picturesque gardens that commands stunning views of 16,000 acres of woodland in the Vale of Belvoir. Rockingham Castle at Market Harborough was built by William the Conqueror and stands on the edge of an escarpment giving dramatic views over five counties and the Welland Valley below.
The market towns of Hinckley and Market Bosworth are atmospheric and surrounded by beautiful rolling countryside and pretty villages. Leicestershire’s waterways including the River Soar and the Grand Union Canal wander gently through some beautiful countryside – don’t miss Foxton Locks, the largest flight of staircase locks on the English canal system with two impressive ‘staircases’ of five locks bustling with gaily painted narrowboats.
Leicester is a cathedral city with a 2000-year history, a modern university and enough theatres and live entertainment to satisfy culture vultures, while Melton Mowbray is a traditional English market town with a rich history of farming and the surrounding pastures fuel the region’s famous cheese and iconic pork pie offerings.
A smidge to the east and packed with rich history and character, Rutland is England’s smallest county - an idyllic rural destination with unspoilt villages and two charming market towns in Oakham and Uppingham. Rutland Water Nature Reserve is an internationally famous site of Scientific Interest that provides one of the most important wildfowl sanctuaries in Great Britain.
Lincolnshire
City, coast, vales, fens, wolds and gently undulating countryside, Lincolnshire has it all.
Experience nearly 1000 years of history including battles, famous hangings and ghostly tales at Lincoln Castle, home to one of only four surviving copies of Magna Carta.
Dominating Lincoln’s skyline the triple-towered Cathedral is one of Europe’s finest Gothic buildings. Lincolnshire’s Natural Coast is perfect for bird watchers and nature lovers, while Skegness was one of Britain’s first seaside resort towns.
The Lincolnshire countryside is peppered with traditional, fine Georgian stone towns and villages, castles and spectacular historic houses. Stamford is the most complete stone town in England – enjoy a walk along the River Welland, explore the speciality shops and bustling weekly market or catch a performance at the Arts Centre, then take a well earned rest with a picnic on the town’s historic meadows. It’s no secret that the Fens are flat which means that this reclaimed landscape, rich in waterways and wildlife, is perfect for walking and cycling.
The Lincolnshire Wolds, a range of hills designated an ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’ and the highest area of land in eastern England between Yorkshire and Kent, is also a great place to head outdoors.
Northamptonshire
Northampton‘s famous shoe making industry is celebrated in the Central Museum and Art Gallery, while further afield the county has several notable stately homes and historic battlefields.
Althorp was the birthplace and is now the resting place of the late Diana Princess of Wales and Rushton Triangular Lodge, a delightful folly designed by the father of one of the Gunpowder Plotters, is characterised by its celebration of the Holy Trinity with three floors, trefoil windows and three triangular gables on each side.
Castle Ashby is a haven of tranquility and beauty - take your time to explore beautiful gardens and enjoy attractions from the rare breed farmyard to the historic orangery. Haddonstone’s Show Gardens feature classic garden ornaments including planters, fountains, statuary, birdbaths, sundials and ballustrading, in a beautiful walled manor garden.
For a change of pace, Northamptonshire is home to two of the country’s foremost speed circuits - Silverstone is home to the British Grand Prix and Rockingham is Europe’s fastest banked oval racing circuit hosting a long list of race meets and track days.
Nottinghamshire
To the North, the remains of Sherwood Forest provide a welcome breathing space and there are plenty of country parks, nature reserves and wide open spaces for energetic cycling, rambling walks and leisurely picnics. Although widely known for legendary tales of Robin Hood, Sherwood Forest and historic battles, Nottinghamshire also plays host to live performances, cutting edge art, world class sporting events, excellent shopping and fine dining too.
The city of Nottingham has a castle dating from 1674 perched high on a rock with commanding views over the city and once rivalled the great Windsor Castle and visit the Lace Centre for an interesting look at the historic source of the city’s wealth.
Nottinghamshire was of particular importance during the Civil War. Charles I raised his standard at Nottingham Castle and Newark Castle was heavily besieged during the war - discover more on the Newark Civil War Trail. Further examples of Nottinghamshire’s historic past can be found on grand estates and in period houses of all shapes and ages - the National Trust’s Clumber Park, Carlton Hall, Papplewick Hall & Gardens and Mr Straw’s House, a beautifully preserved 1920’s period home, are all well worth a visit.
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