Derbyshire · Landscape
Peak District
Limestone dales, gritstone edges, villages and some of England's most rewarding walking country.
Explore the Peak District →Peak landscapes, historic cities and stories built into the land
Explore a region of limestone valleys, old market towns, castles, cathedrals and industrial heritage. From the Peak District and Derbyshire Dales to Nottingham, Lincoln and Rutland Water, the East Midlands rewards curious detours.
More than a route between north and south
The East Midlands is full of places worth stopping for
Big landscapes sit close to cathedral cities, industrial stories, country estates and towns that still feel rooted in their surroundings.
Explore the East Midlands
Choose somewhere to begin
Use the map to explore cities, market towns, countryside and heritage across the East Midlands. Choose a place that suits the trip you want, then see what else fits naturally nearby.
Featured places
Where to go in the East Midlands
Start with a city, town or landscape, then use the local guide to connect it with nearby heritage, countryside and days out.
Nottinghamshire · City
Nottingham
Castle history, caves, independent streets and easy access to Sherwood country.
Explore Nottingham →
Lincolnshire · City
Lincoln
A cathedral and castle city with steep historic streets and broad views from the old quarter.
Explore Lincoln →
Derbyshire · Town
Bakewell
A riverside market town that makes an easy base for Chatsworth, the dales and central Peak District.
Explore Bakewell →
Derbyshire · Heritage
Chatsworth & the Derwent Valley
Grand-house heritage, landscaped parkland and a valley shaped by villages and industry.
Explore Chatsworth & the Derwent Valley →
Leicestershire · City
Leicester
Roman roots, medieval stories, museums and a diverse city centre with countryside nearby.
Explore Leicester →
Nottinghamshire · Heritage
Sherwood Forest
Ancient woodland, legendary associations and easy walking in the heart of Nottinghamshire.
Explore Sherwood Forest →
Rutland · Water
Rutland Water
Reservoir views, cycling, waterside walking and villages in one of England's smallest counties.
Explore Rutland Water →
Northamptonshire · Heritage
Northamptonshire Estates
Historic houses, country parks and market towns across a quieter corner of the region.
Explore Northamptonshire →
Choose your kind of day
What is the East Midlands best for?
Edges, dales & footpathsWalking & Landscapes
Castles, cathedrals & estatesHistory & Heritage
Craft, railways & industryIndustrial Stories
Markets, villages & country roadsTowns & Countryside
Easy combinations
Places that work well together
The East Midlands works best when a main destination is paired with nearby countryside, heritage or a second town.
Bakewell, Chatsworth & Monsal Head
A classic central-Peak day combining market-town atmosphere, estate heritage and big views.
- Bakewell for the town and river
- Chatsworth for house and parkland
- Monsal Head for landscape and walking
Nottingham & Sherwood
City stories and countryside legend fit naturally into the same short break.
- Nottingham for castle, caves and city culture
- Sherwood Forest for ancient woodland
- Newark or Southwell for an extra heritage stop
Lincoln & the Lincolnshire Wolds
Combine one of the region's strongest historic cities with gentler countryside beyond it.
- Lincoln for cathedral and castle
- Wolds villages for quieter roads
- Market towns for a slower final stop
Build the day around one area, not the whole region
The East Midlands stretches from the Peak District to Lincolnshire and Rutland, so the best days are usually local ones. Choose a strong base and connect nearby places rather than spending the day crossing counties.
For a dayPick one city, town or landscape and add one nearby stop.
For a weekendCombine a city with countryside or heritage close by.
For walkingAllow extra time in the Peak District for parking and slower rural roads.
By railNottingham, Leicester, Derby and Lincoln all make practical car-free starting points.
When you know where you are going
Stay · Do · Explore
Once you have chosen a destination, the local guide will help you turn it into a complete trip.
Keep exploring
There is more just beyond the East Midlands
Yorkshire, the West Midlands and the East of England all make natural additions to a longer journey.