10 Best Things to Do in East Midlands

If you’re looking to experience historic England, you can’t do much better than the Cathedral Quarter in Lincoln. The steep, cobbled streets lead to the impressive medieval Lincoln Cathedral on top of a hill. It can be seen from miles around. You’ll see timber-framed houses, quaint tearooms, and weekend farmers’ markets in Castle Square.

The cathedral itself, built in 1088, is one of the finest in the UK, and was the tallest building in the world for 238 years. Join a walking tour to find out more about the cathedral’s rich history.

Nottingham has a great selection of shops. While there are some large malls in Nottingham town center, we prefer shopping along leafy, pedestrianized Albert Street, and over to St Peter’s Gate. Here you’ll find classic British brands like Marks & Spenser’s and The Body Shop. You should also check out the boutique of Paul Smith, a Nottingham-native who has since built a worldwide fashion empire.

Further up the hill, the Lace Market is a particularly stylish part of the city, home to specialty arts and crafts stores. If you need a break, head to the Old Market Square, a huge, pedestrianized area in the center of Nottingham, and find a place that suits among the grand old buildings.

The Peak District National Park covers a vast area in the East Midlands and central England. You will find many walking trails through the undulating hills, with charming villages scattered throughout.

Head for Bakewell Village for a glimpse at typical village life and to explore the beautiful surroundings. The region is also renowned for its magnificent manors and grand halls, particularly Haddon Hall and the stately Chatsworth House, often referred to as “the Palace of the Peak.” These historic estates are must-see attractions for anyone visiting the Peak District.

The formidable Warwick Castle has been keeping out invaders since the 11th century. Must-sees include glittering chandeliers in the castle’s State Rooms and an intimidating collection of swords and armor in the Great Hall. Down in the dungeons, actors in period costume bring the gruesome reality of the War of the Roses to life.

The landscaped gardens were laid out by "Capability" Brown, and include topiary peacocks and brilliant fountains. On the island is a reconstructed trebuchet, a deadly medieval machine that fired huge stones through the air. Numerous historical shows held at Warwick Castle throughout the year include falconry displays, jousting tournaments, and demonstrations by the castle's resident archer.

King Richard III is a hugely significant figure in the history of England, and the King Richard III Visitor Centre commemorates his legacy. It was a huge shock when his remains were found under a Leicester parking lot in 2002. This spot has now been turned into an interactive museum all about the medieval royal and his place in the bloodiest civil war in England’s history, known as the "War of the Roses."

Located in the center of Leicester, you can visit the cathedral nearby to see King Richard III’s tomb.

Alton Towers Theme Park is the UK's closest equivalent to Disneyland, offering high-octane rollercoasters, sugary treats, and fantastical worlds to explore. Nemesis is a classic ride which twists and rolls at high speeds, and Oblivion has a vertical drop into a dark hole at almost 70 mph (113 km/h). For adrenaline seekers, these rides are unmissable.

It’s not all fast and furious rides though, and younger children will find rides such as Bugbie Go Round and Night Garden Magical Boat ride. Visit the park around the holidays for added fun. Christmas sees avenues awash with festive lights. Throughout October, Alton Towers gets into Halloween with a month-long Scarefest, featuring ghoulish characters and a generally spooky vibe.

Wollaton Hall is a grand hall on the outskirts of Nottingham. It’s less than a 20-minute drive from Nottingham train station. This grand Elizabethan manor houses a natural history museum, as well as a house tour with many rooms reverted to look as they did in the 16th century.

The grounds of Wollaton Hall are full of flowers in the summer and are well-cared for throughout the year. You can explore the botanic garden and take a stroll in the deer park. There’s a golf course within the grounds, too.

Buxton is a small town on the River Wye, and is home to one of Britain’s finest live venues, the Buxton Opera House. It hosts live theater, music, opera, stand-up comedy, and even Shakespearean drama. A full calendar of events can be found on their website.

The building itself is a beautiful example of a 19th century Baroque performance space, with gilded cherubs and frescos inside. There is the option to join a backstage tour to see behind the scenes.

Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem is an old pub bursting with character. The pub is actually built into the foundations of Nottingham Castle, and just looking at it tells you it has been around for a long, long time.

The floorboards creak, the roof is sagging, and it has a large sign above the door claiming to be "the oldest Inn in England." The menu is typical of an average boozer in the UK, think bangers and mash or steak and chips, but having a drink or a meal here is more for the cool tale you can tell when you’re back home.

Conkers Adventure Park is a children’s adventure playground set over 120 acres (49 hectares) of woodland. You can zipline through forest canopies, paddle canoes across lakes, and learn about the local ecosystem. In summer, being outside enjoying the obstacle course is most popular.

In winter, Conkers has plenty of indoor activities to enjoy too, including a 4D movie theater experience. Younger children especially love the miniature train ride. There’s a small restaurant onsite so you can refuel with a sandwich and a hot drink.