All about East Midlands
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.
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People Also Ask
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.