The East Midlands is the often overlooked birthplace of some of England’s most famous foods, including Melton Mowbray pork pies. The area also boasts a rich history, several grandiose cathedrals, and the rolling green hills of the Peak District National Park. Comprising the cities of Derby, Nottingham, and Lincoln, the region artfully combines countryside and culture—and you’ll always have things to do here, thanks to an eclectic mix of attractions ranging from Alton Towers Theme Park to Warwick Castle and the Gothic Lincoln Cathedral.

When to visit

If you visit the East Midlands via the south of England, you’ll likely find that the East Midlands feels chillier than London, regardless of season. The spring months of Mar–May are a beautiful time to explore Peak District National Park, which bursts into bloom with bluebells and daffodils, while summer is when the famous Download Festival takes place—a significant event for fans of rock and heavy metal music.

Getting around

Public transport networks within each of the East Midlands’ major cities are robust and well-connected—travel within or between the cities by bus or trains (most lines are operated by EMR). If you’re looking to explore more rural areas of the countryside, hiring a car or opting for a sightseeing tour is recommended, as buses are few and far between.

Traveler tips

If you’ve got a penchant for the paranormal, spend some time exploring the historic center of Derby, reputed to be one of the most haunted cities in England—there’s an abundance of ghost walks on offer. If you prefer to shop until you drop, Nottingham is home to vintage boutiques, specialist shops, and high-street favorites, while in Leicester you can visit the burial place of King Richard III.

Tourism in East Midlands

Attractions in East Midlands

Lincoln Cathedral

Once the world’s tallest building, Lincoln Cathedral remains one of England’s most significant religious landmarks, housing one of only four original Magna Carta manuscripts in the world. At the intricately detailed cathedral, visitors can pray, attend service, light a votive candle, or simply enjoy the Gothic architecture.

Attractions in East Midlands

Haddon Hall

Nearly nine centuries old and the home of one of the country’s most beautiful Elizabethan walled gardens, Haddon Hall brims with well-preserved 14th–16th century interiors. Step back in time here as you explore England’s oldest medieval kitchens, marvel over the notable tapestry collection, and stroll through the Long Gallery.

Getting Around East Midlands

Kelham Hall & Country Park

Situated amid 42 acres (17 hectares of parkland, this redbrick mansion—designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott, the architect behind the landmark hotel at London’s St. Pancras Station—is a Victorian Gothic masterpiece. Once a private home, it later served as a theological school for Anglican monks, and now functions as an events venue.

Attractions in East Midlands

Doddington Hall & Gardens

Built in the late 16th century by Robert Smythson, Doddington Hall & Gardens is a Grade-I-listed Elizabethan mansion, complete with five acres (two hectares) of walled gardens. It also remains a beloved family home. Explore the hall and grounds at your leisure before stopping by the farm shop or grabbing lunch at the on-site café.

Tourism Attraction Tours in East Midlands, England

Photography Tours in East Midlands

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What Photography Tours in East Midlands are taking additional safety precautions?

These East Midlands experiences are providing additional COVID-19 safety measures:

What Photography Tours in East Midlands are good for avoiding crowds?

These hidden gems in East Midlands may have limited interaction with crowds:

Art Tours in East Midlands

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What Art Tours in East Midlands are taking additional safety precautions?

These East Midlands experiences are providing additional COVID-19 safety measures:

How to Get Around in East Midlands

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These East Midlands experiences are providing additional COVID-19 safety measures:

Motorcycle Tours in East Midlands

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These hidden gems in East Midlands may have limited interaction with crowds:

Self-guided Tours in East Midlands

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These East Midlands experiences are providing additional COVID-19 safety measures:

Walking Tours in East Midlands

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These hidden gems in East Midlands may have limited interaction with crowds:

Sightseeing Tours in East Midlands

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What are the best Sightseeing Tours in East Midlands?

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These hidden gems in East Midlands may have limited interaction with crowds:

Archery Classes in East Midlands

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Extreme Sports in East Midlands

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What Extreme Sports in East Midlands are 1 hour or less?

What Extreme Sports in East Midlands are taking additional safety precautions?

These East Midlands experiences are providing additional COVID-19 safety measures:

What Extreme Sports in East Midlands are good for avoiding crowds?

These hidden gems in East Midlands may have limited interaction with crowds:

 Fun & Games in East Midlands

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These East Midlands experiences are providing additional COVID-19 safety measures:

Motor Sports in East Midlands

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What Motor Sports in East Midlands are good for avoiding crowds?

These hidden gems in East Midlands may have limited interaction with crowds:

Nature and Wildlife Tours in East Midlands

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What are the best Nature and Wildlife Tours in East Midlands?

What Nature and Wildlife Tours in East Midlands are 1 hour or less?

What Nature and Wildlife Tours in East Midlands are taking additional safety precautions?

These East Midlands experiences are providing additional COVID-19 safety measures:

What Nature and Wildlife Tours in East Midlands are good for avoiding crowds?

These hidden gems in East Midlands may have limited interaction with crowds:

Nature and Wildlife Tours in East Midlands

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What are the best Nature and Wildlife Tours in East Midlands?

What Nature and Wildlife Tours in East Midlands are 1 hour or less?

What Nature and Wildlife Tours in East Midlands are taking additional safety precautions?

These East Midlands experiences are providing additional COVID-19 safety measures:

What Nature and Wildlife Tours in East Midlands are good for avoiding crowds?

These hidden gems in East Midlands may have limited interaction with crowds:

Horseback Riding in East Midlands

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 Spas in East Midlands

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What are the best Spas in East Midlands?

Frequently Asked Questions about the East Midlands, England.

Q:Which cities are in the East Midlands?

A:The East Midlands is made up of five major cities: Derby, Nottingham, Northampton, Lincoln, and Leicester, as well as large towns such Buxton, Mansfield, Loughborough, and Chesterfield. As the largest city in the county, Nottingham is generally recognised as the “capital” of the East Midlands.

Q:What are the most visited places in the East Midlands?

A:One of the most-visited places in the East Midlands is the Peak District National Park, where you can climb rugged peaks and explore traditional grey-stone villages. Also popular are Alton Towers Theme Park and Resort, the UK’s largest white-knuckle theme park, and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Cromford Mills.

Q:What is the East Midlands known for?

A:The East Midlands is best known for the Peak District National Park, which offers some of the best hiking in central England. It’s also famous for the burial site of Richard III in Leicester; the grand, Gothic-style Lincoln Cathedral; and the stately halls in Chatsworth, Hardwick, and Peveril.

Q:What food is the East Midlands famous for?

A:The East Midlands has a rich culinary culture that dates back hundreds of years. Famous foods include the sweet bakewell tart that’s typically topped with a cherry; Melton Mowbray pork pies; Branston Pickle Relish; and Marmite, the viscous yeast paste that’s made in Burton-on-Trent.

Q:How do you get from London to the East Midlands?

A:It’s a quick and easy train trip to get from London to the East Midlands–expect it to take between one and two hours, depending on the city you’re visiting. Trains depart from Euston or Kings Cross St. Pancras. It’s between three and five hours by coach or car via the M1 motorway.

Q:How many days should I spend in the East Midlands?

A:To enjoy the East Midlands at a relaxed pace, spend three days exploring the area. That gives you enough time to go hiking in Peak District National Park, explore the quaint cathedral quarters of Derby and Lincoln, and discover a grand, stately home such as Chatsworth House or Hardwick Hall.