East Midlands

The East Midlands, in its broadest sense, is the eastern part of central England. The region is bordered by Yorkshire to the north, the North Sea to the east, East Anglia to the south-east, South East England to the south and the West Midlands to the west.

It is made up of five counties, which share common characteristics which distinguish the region from other parts of the country whilst also having their own distinct identities. Visitors are attracted to the East Midland's diverse offerings - ranging from the beautiful Peak District and wild woodlands to cosmopolitan urban centres and fascinating history.

The heart of England, the region gives visitors a friendly welcome (don't be surprised to be greeted with a jolly "ey up me duck" from a local!) and a chance to glimpse what England is like off the typical tourist trail. But don't let anyone suggest that the East Midlands doesn't have big attractions - it includes the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, one of only four copies of the Magna Carta, a stunning National Park, beautiful country villages and world-famous food all in one region.

The East Midlands include several traditional English counties:

• Derby. (Derbyshire) - a city with a rich industrial heritage. A good base before heading into the Peak District.
• Leicester. (Leicestershire) - a vibrant, multicultural city. Home to the National Space Centre and the resting place of King Richard III.
• Lincoln. (Lincolnshire) - filled with winding streets full of traditional architecture and dominated by its cathedral and castle, which holds one of the four original copies of Magna Carta.
• Nottingham. (Nottinghamshire) - with the largest urban area in the East Midlands, Nottingham is full of history and has a famous nightlife and shopping scene.

Derby. (Derbyshire) - a city with a rich industrial heritage. A good base before heading into the Peak District.

Leicester. (Leicestershire) - a vibrant, multicultural city. Home to the National Space Centre and the resting place of King Richard III.

Lincoln. (Lincolnshire) - filled with winding streets full of traditional architecture and dominated by its cathedral and castle, which holds one of the four original copies of Magna Carta.

Nottingham. (Nottinghamshire) - with the largest urban area in the East Midlands, Nottingham is full of history and has a famous nightlife and shopping scene.

• Buxton. (Derbyshire) - picturesque ancient spa town in the Peak District.
• Matlock Bath. (Derbyshire) - pretty spa town, popular for its natural setting and views from the nearby Heights of Abraham.
• Northampton. (Northamptonshire) - county town of Northamptonshire, home to top-flight Rugby Union team Northampton Saints.
• Oakham. (Rutland) - county town of Rutland, pretty Oakham hosts an historic market once a week.
• Stamford. (Lincolnshire) - historic stone town at the southern tip of Lincolnshire, beautiful architecture and interesting buildings.

Buxton. (Derbyshire) - picturesque ancient spa town in the Peak District.

Matlock Bath. (Derbyshire) - pretty spa town, popular for its natural setting and views from the nearby Heights of Abraham.

Northampton. (Northamptonshire) - county town of Northamptonshire, home to top-flight Rugby Union team Northampton Saints.

Oakham. (Rutland) - county town of Rutland, pretty Oakham hosts an historic market once a week.

Stamford. (Lincolnshire) - historic stone town at the southern tip of Lincolnshire, beautiful architecture and interesting buildings.

• Cromford. (Derbyshire) - the region's only UNESCO World Heritage Site, preserving sites that were at the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution.
• Peak District National Park. (Derbyshire) - stunning national park with breathtaking landscape - perfect for hiking and mountain-biking.
• Sherwood Forest. (Nottinghamshire) - ancient forest, associated with the legend of Robin Hood.
• Vale of Belvoir. (Leicestershire) - picturesque collection of villages in North-East Leicestershire, with Belvoir Castle at its centre.

Cromford. (Derbyshire) - the region's only UNESCO World Heritage Site, preserving sites that were at the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution.

Peak District National Park. (Derbyshire) - stunning national park with breathtaking landscape - perfect for hiking and mountain-biking.

Sherwood Forest. (Nottinghamshire) - ancient forest, associated with the legend of Robin Hood.

Vale of Belvoir. (Leicestershire) - picturesque collection of villages in North-East Leicestershire, with Belvoir Castle at its centre.

• Spring: Experience Spalding's annual bulb festival with floats made of tulips.
• May: Enjoy over 70 cheeses in a region famous for its culinary produce at the Artisan Cheese Fair (the UK's largest) in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire.
• June: Rock with major headliners in Donington Park, Leicestershire at Download Festival, the UK's largest rock festival.
• June-August: Enjoy Shakespeare in an open-air enchanted woodland at the Rutland Open Air Theatre.
• July: Watch the excitement of the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, Northamptonshire - the home of British motor racing.

Spring: Experience [[Spalding|Spalding's]] annual bulb festival with floats made of tulips.

May: Enjoy over 70 cheeses in a region famous for its culinary produce at the Artisan Cheese Fair (the UK's largest) in [[Melton Mowbray]], Leicestershire.

June: Rock with major headliners in [[Castle Donington|Donington Park]], Leicestershire at Download Festival, the UK's largest rock festival.

June-August: Enjoy Shakespeare in an open-air enchanted woodland at the Rutland Open Air Theatre.

July: Watch the excitement of the British Grand Prix at [[Silverstone]], Northamptonshire - the home of British motor racing.

Many people will pass through the East Midlands to reach Yorkshire or South East England without ever stopping to explore the region. This means that they are missing out on experiencing six counties with a unique yet diverse culture, stunning natural scenery and a fascinating history.

Despite being influenced by the culture of the region's northern and southern neighbours, the East Midlands has a distinct identity which also distinguishes it from the adjacent West Midlands. The historical basis for the region dates back to the 1st century AD when the territory of the Corieltauvi tribe roughly fit the boundaries of the current East Midlands. Similarly, the region corresponds with the territory of the Five Boroughs of the Danelaw from the 10th century, which significantly influenced the distinct East Midlands accents heard today. The medieval legend of Robin Hood - who was based in Nottinghamshire's Sherwood Forest - is famous worldwide and, while the outlaw's historicity is fiercely debated, many in the region are proud of its association. East Midlands history dating back centuries can be seen in historic buildings across the region, ranging from the medieval Lincoln Cathedral to traditional stately homes such as Derbyshire's Chatsworth House or Nottingham's Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, which claims to be Britain's oldest pub.

Starting in the 18th century industrial development in the region helped the East Midlands to define itself as an industrial powerhouse, when the world's first mechanised factory was established in Cromford, Derbyshire - a . The region became famous for lace produced in Nottingham's Lace Market district and steel produced in Corby while many communities were centered around the mining of coal, although the decline of industry in Britain has meant that the region has sought to redefine itself. Its location in the middle of the country and easy access to the M1 motorway means that logistics represent a growing proportion of the East Midlands economy today. As a largely agricultural region, it has also historically been known for its food, which is exported around the world. Visitors can enjoy popular produce from the region, such as red Leicester and stilton cheeses, Lincolnshire sausage, Melton Mowbray pork pie, and Bakewell tart and pudding.

Despite a fierce pride of the East Midlands identity (as distinct from being 'Northern' or 'Southern'), visitors to the region will find significant diversity. While the East Midlands English dialect is common, significant variations exist across the region - often just miles apart from each other. Dialects, along with political attitudes and outlooks, are also influenced by location within the region - with considerable differences between rural agricultural areas and industrial/mining towns. At the same time, immigration into the region in the 20th century means that the distinctive culture of the South Asian communities is apparent in the cities, particularly Leicester. Strong rivalries also exist between the different cities, particularly with regard to football (Nottingham Forest and Derby County FC have a particularly strong rivalry).

The region's geography is also diverse, covering three major landscape areas: the relatively flat coastal plain of Lincolnshire to the east, the river valley of the Trent which contains the large cities, and the southern end of the Pennine hill range in western Derbyshire that makes up the Peak District National Park. Protection by the Pennines in the west means that the East Midlands is one of the driest regions of England.

This mixture of strong local identities, different cultures, extensive history, industrial heritage and stunning scenery make the East Midlands both a unique place to visit but also a microcosm of Britain off the beaten track. Within easy reach of London, the region offers the quaint English towns, villages and countryside that many visitors seek but it also provides an accurate representation of modern Britain outside of South East England while giving a glimpse of the country's famous industrial past - often at a cheaper price than other destinations in the UK.

• The Peak District National Park: Despite what the name may suggest, this area contains only rounded hills and is in fact named after an historical tribe. This national park is dominated by bleak "Edges" of hard rock, and caves of limestone at Castleton in Derbyshire. The village of Eyam, known as the 'plague village', is famous for the villagers voluntarily quarantining themselves to prevent the spread of the black death (bubonic plague) to other villages in the mediaeval period. It also contains significant items of historical interest. There is very good walking in this area, and is the start of the Pennine Way long distance footpath.
• Nottinghamshire contains the remnant of Sherwood Forest, legendary home of Robin Hood. Although much of the forest park is a modern plantation, there is still an ancient tree known as the "Major Oak" associated with the area.
• The River Trent in Nottinghamshire has a spectacular tidal wave or "Aegier". Well worth visiting.
• On the east coast the wildlife sanctuary at Donna Nook is an excellent place to watch seals, but check they will be there when they visit. There are beaches, but they tend to be chilly.

The [[Peak District]] National Park: Despite what the name may suggest, this area contains only rounded hills and is in fact named after an historical tribe. This national park is dominated by bleak "Edges" of hard rock, and caves of limestone at [[Castleton]] in Derbyshire. The village of Eyam, known as the 'plague village', is famous for the villagers voluntarily quarantining themselves to prevent the spread of the black death (bubonic plague) to other villages in the mediaeval period. It also contains significant items of historical interest. There is very good walking in this area, and is the start of the [[Pennine Way]] long distance footpath.

Nottinghamshire contains the remnant of Sherwood Forest, legendary home of Robin Hood. Although much of the forest park is a modern plantation, there is still an ancient tree known as the "Major Oak" associated with the area.

The River Trent in Nottinghamshire has a spectacular tidal wave or "Aegier". Well worth visiting.

• Lincoln's castle, cathedral and old town are well worth a visit. The cathedral was once the largest building in the world and has been described by some as the most beautiful building in Europe. The city's castle also has one of the four surviving original copies of the Magna Carta on display. There is a fascinating old town with cobbled streets and unusual shops.
• Derwent Valley Mills is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Cromford, Derbyshire. It consists of a collection of 18th and 19th century cotton mills from the start of the Industrial Revolution, which include the world's first fully mechanised factory.
• The City of Caves in Nottingham gives visitors the chance to explore the city's network of caves and learn about their interesting history.
• The final days of the infamous King Richard III can be tracked at the Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre in Leicestershire. The King's remains were later found in Leicester and his tomb can be viewed at Leicester Cathedral.
• Leicestershire's Woolsthorpe Manor, the birthplace of Sir Isaac Newton, showcases the history of the scientists life. The highlight is being able to view the apple tree which allegedly inspired Newton's theory of gravity.
• The Workhouse in Southwall, Nottinghamshire is the best preserved institution of its kind in England. The attraction tells the sad story of how the poor and destitute suffered in the workhouses in Victorian Britain.

[[Lincoln]]'s castle, cathedral and old town are well worth a visit. The cathedral was once the largest building in the world and has been described by some as the most beautiful building in Europe. The city's castle also has one of the four surviving original copies of the Magna Carta on display. There is a fascinating old town with cobbled streets and unusual shops.

Derwent Valley Mills is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Cromford, Derbyshire. It consists of a collection of 18th and 19th century cotton mills from the start of the Industrial Revolution, which include the world's first fully mechanised factory.

The City of Caves in Nottingham gives visitors the chance to explore the city's network of caves and learn about their interesting history.

The final days of the infamous King Richard III can be tracked at the Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre in Leicestershire. The King's remains were later found in Leicester and his tomb can be viewed at Leicester Cathedral.

Leicestershire's Woolsthorpe Manor, the birthplace of Sir Isaac Newton, showcases the history of the scientists life. The highlight is being able to view the apple tree which allegedly inspired Newton's theory of gravity.

The Workhouse in Southwall, Nottinghamshire is the best preserved institution of its kind in England. The attraction tells the sad story of how the poor and destitute suffered in the workhouses in Victorian Britain.

The region contains a number of well preserved stately homes that give visitors a glimpse of real-life Downton Abbey.

• Chatsworth House, Derbyshire - one of the most famous stately homes in England with a picturesque water feature in the grounds.
• Belton House, Lincolnshire - lauded as one of the best examples of an English country house. It includes formal gardens, woodland and a large adventure playground for children in the grounds.
• Belvoir Castle, Leicestershire - rebuilt in the 19th century in a gothic revival style, the castle has a central tower reminiscent of Windsor Castle and is home to the Dukes of Rutland.
• Althorp House, Northamptonshire - for over 500 years, Althorp House has been home to the Spencer family and is the resting place of Diana, Princess of Wales.

Chatsworth House, Derbyshire - one of the most famous stately homes in England with a picturesque water feature in the grounds.

Belton House, Lincolnshire - lauded as one of the best examples of an English country house. It includes formal gardens, woodland and a large adventure playground for children in the grounds.

Belvoir Castle, Leicestershire - rebuilt in the 19th century in a gothic revival style, the castle has a central tower reminiscent of Windsor Castle and is home to the Dukes of Rutland.

Althorp House, Northamptonshire - for over 500 years, Althorp House has been home to the Spencer family and is the resting place of Diana, Princess of Wales.

• National Space Centre, Leicester - fantastic museum dedicated to spaceflight and astronomy. Includes upright rocket exhibits and some of the only Soyuz spacecraft in the west.
• National Holocaust Centre and Museum, Nottinghamshire - an interesting museum dedicated to the story of the holocaust.
• National Justice Museum, Nottingham - housed in the city's old courthouse and jail, visitors follow the path of convicts as they are put on 'trial' and sent to the cells! A unique and interactive insight into harsh Victorian justice.

National Space Centre, Leicester - fantastic museum dedicated to spaceflight and astronomy. Includes upright rocket exhibits and some of the only Soyuz spacecraft in the west.

National Holocaust Centre and Museum, Nottinghamshire - an interesting museum dedicated to the story of the holocaust.

National Justice Museum, Nottingham - housed in the city's old courthouse and jail, visitors follow the path of convicts as they are put on 'trial' and sent to the cells! A unique and interactive insight into harsh Victorian justice.

• Twycross Zoo, Leicestershire - a large zoo, home to the largest collection of apes and monkeys in the western world.
• National Memorial Arboretum, Derbyshire - the UK's permanent memorial to the war dead in 150 acres of beautiful woodland.

Twycross Zoo, Leicestershire - a large zoo, home to the largest collection of apes and monkeys in the western world.

• Football - Each of the region's four major cities have football teams playing in the English Football League. Leicester City FC compete in the Premier League, which they famously won as 5000-1 outsiders in 2016. Nottingham Forest FC has a rich history as European Champions in 1979 and 1980 but today they compete in the second tier of English football, along with Derby County FC. Notts County FC and Lincoln Town FC compete in the lower leagues. It is possible to get tickets to to watch during the football season (September-May), although this is easier and cheaper for matches featuring lower league clubs.
• Cricket - Nottingham is home to the famous Trent Bridge cricket ground. Home to Nottinghamshire, who play there during the cricket season (April-September), the ground also regularly features international test matches played by the England national team.
• Rugby Union - Top-flight Premiership Rugby is played in Leicester (Leicester Tigers) and Northampton (Northampton Saints) from September-June.
• Tennis - A figure of the ATP Challenger Tour and the WTA World Tour, the Nottingham Open in June sees players compete on grass as part of the buildup to Wimbledon.

Football - Each of the region's four major cities have football teams playing in the English Football League. Leicester City FC compete in the Premier League, which they famously won as 5000-1 outsiders in 2016. Nottingham Forest FC has a rich history as European Champions in 1979 and 1980 but today they compete in the second tier of English football, along with Derby County FC. Notts County FC and Lincoln Town FC compete in the lower leagues. It is possible to get tickets to to watch during the football season (September-May), although this is easier and cheaper for matches featuring lower league clubs.

Cricket - Nottingham is home to the famous Trent Bridge cricket ground. Home to Nottinghamshire, who play there during the cricket season (April-September), the ground also regularly features international test matches played by the England national team.

Rugby Union - Top-flight Premiership Rugby is played in Leicester (Leicester Tigers) and Northampton (Northampton Saints) from September-June.

Tennis - A figure of the ATP Challenger Tour and the WTA World Tour, the Nottingham Open in June sees players compete on grass as part of the buildup to Wimbledon.

A region rich in beautiful outdoors landscapes and varied terrain, the East Midlands offers a range of options for hiking. A selection of options include:

• Peak District National Park. Offers a range of hikes and walks with stunning views for walkers of varing abilities. Popular starting points include the villages of Bakewell and Castleton. Mountain biking is also popular.
• Lincolnshire Wolds. An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the hills of the Wolds are popular with walkers. Many trails start in the town of Louth, including the 76 mile Lincs Wolds Way which takes in the best of the area.
• The Viking Way. A 147 mile long trail which spans the length of the East Midlands, starting on the banks of the Humber in the north of Lincolnshire and ending at Rutland Water.

Peak District National Park. Offers a range of hikes and walks with stunning views for walkers of varing abilities. Popular starting points include the villages of Bakewell and Castleton. Mountain biking is also popular.

Lincolnshire Wolds. An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the hills of the Wolds are popular with walkers. Many trails start in the town of Louth, including the 76 mile Lincs Wolds Way which takes in the best of the area.

The Viking Way. A 147 mile long trail which spans the length of the East Midlands, starting on the banks of the Humber in the north of Lincolnshire and ending at Rutland Water.

• In the summer months, a number of stately country homes put on a range of evening outdoor concerts - including Belvoir Castle (Leicestershire), Burleigh House (Lincolnshire) and Holme Pierrepont Hall (Nottinghamshire).
• The major cities all have large theatres, which host performances throughout the year and all put on a traditional pantomime at Christmas. Nottingham's Theatre Royal and Playhouse in particular offer a range of renowned productions.
• The region includes a number of woodland and nature venues for cinema and theatre, offering a special way to experience productions. These include the Kilworth House Theatre (Leicestershire), Rutland Open Air Theatre (Rutland) and Kinema in the Woods (Lincolnshire).

The major cities all have large theatres, which host performances throughout the year and all put on a traditional pantomime at Christmas. Nottingham's Theatre Royal and Playhouse in particular offer a range of renowned productions.

The region includes a number of woodland and nature venues for cinema and theatre, offering a special way to experience productions. These include the Kilworth House Theatre (Leicestershire), Rutland Open Air Theatre (Rutland) and Kinema in the Woods (Lincolnshire).

Generally, the food available in the East Midlands is typical of food served across much of the UK with classic British fare available universally, alongside a myriad international and fusion options. However, the region is renowned for some of its local produce, which is exported across the world. Classics include:

• Melton Mowbray pork pies - chopped pork and pork fat, surrounded by a layer of jellied pork stock in a hot water crust pastry eaten cold. From Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire.
• Stilton cheese - produced in blue and white varieties. Can only be called Stilton if it is produced in Derbyshire, Leicestershire or Nottinghamshire.
• Red Leicester cheese - a reddish-orange cheese with a nutty taste from Leicestershire.
• Bakewell tart and Bakewell pudding - associated with the town of Bakewell, Derbyshire. Shortcrust pastry with layers of jam, frangipane and almond.
• Bramley apple - a cooking apple variety which originated in Southwell, Nottinghamshire.
• Lincolnshire sausage - a distinctive variety of pork sausage, which includes the herb sage.

Many towns still hold a weekly market and farmers markets are common across the region. These are a good place to buy local produce at reasonable prices, including many of the regional delicacies. Many of the dairies (such as Cropwell Bishop Creamery, based in Nottinghamshire) have online stores from which you can buy regional cheese directly.

Large towns and cities will contain the usual chain restaurants found across the rest of the UK but there will always be quality independent restaurants to discover as well and there are at least 5 Michelin Star restaurants in the region. Smaller towns might have a more limited range of restaurants available. In rural areas, traditional pubs now often offer food which is sometimes of very good quality and the venues are often attractive.

The large South Asian population in Leicester means that is has a great range of Indian restaurants and food quality vegetarian options are widespread in the city.

Melton Mowbray pork pies - chopped pork and pork fat, surrounded by a layer of jellied pork stock in a hot water crust pastry eaten cold. From Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire.

Stilton cheese - produced in blue and white varieties. Can only be called Stilton if it is produced in Derbyshire, Leicestershire or Nottinghamshire.

Red Leicester cheese - a reddish-orange cheese with a nutty taste from Leicestershire.

Bakewell tart and Bakewell pudding - associated with the town of Bakewell, Derbyshire. Shortcrust pastry with layers of jam, frangipane and almond.

Bramley apple - a cooking apple variety which originated in Southwell, Nottinghamshire.

Lincolnshire sausage - a distinctive variety of pork sausage, which includes the herb sage.

The East Midlands is dotted with numerous traditional pubs, particularly in rural areas. In some cases, these can be hundreds of years old and Nottingham is one of many cities which claims to be home to the country's oldest pub (Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem was allegedly established in 1189). As with anywhere in the UK, the quality of pubs can vary greatly with some being particularly unpleasant while others could be mistaken for posh restaurants at the other end of the spectrum. Locals should be able to provide you with advice on which pubs are the best nearby, although bear in mind that a good pub for one person might mean a quiet place to enjoy a pint with friends while someone else wouldn't be happy if there wasn't loud music and a big crowd.

Pubs will often serve some local beers brewed in the East Midlands. Real ale is brewed across the region and some brands are exported internationally. While lager will typically remain consistent in a pub, the real ale often changes and many establishments have a different 'guest ale' each month. You can often ask for a small taste of an ale before committing to buying a full pint.

In recent years, pubs in the region have improved their food offering and many now offer a full menu in order to stay in business. While the quality of pub food will vary, in many places the village pub might be the best place around for a meal. This can range from a simple menu offering sandwiches chips to meals that wouldn't go amiss in a high quality restaurant.

Bars and nightclubs can be found in the cities and large towns. Although the 'clubbing' scene in some towns will consist of some fairly low quality nightclubs, the major cities are destinations in themselves for a night out with dancing and drinks. Nottingham is a particularly well known destination for those looking to frequent nightclubs, which are in abundant supply due to the two large universities in the city.

• Continue your adventure through the Midlands with a trip to England's second city Birmingham and the West Midlands, home of Shakespeare. Direct trains to Birmingham are available regularly from each of the big East Midlands cities.
• Head north into Yorkshire, visiting Sheffield just over the border from Derbyshire or travel over the iconic Humber Bridge to Hull, the most recent UK Capital of Culture.
• Direct trains to London mean that the capital is in easy reach for a day trip or to continue your travels.

Continue your adventure through the Midlands with a trip to England's second city [[Birmingham (England)|Birmingham]] and the [[West Midlands]], home of Shakespeare. Direct trains to Birmingham are available regularly from each of the big East Midlands cities.

Head north into [[Yorkshire]], visiting [[Sheffield]] just over the border from Derbyshire or travel over the iconic Humber Bridge to [[Kingston-upon-Hull|Hull]], the most recent UK Capital of Culture.

Direct trains to [[London]] mean that the capital is in easy reach for a day trip or to continue your travels.