Free East Midlands Travel Guide & Mobile App

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East Midlands
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Explore the East Midlands for cathedral cities, Peak District landscapes, historic estates, market towns, local food and Lincolnshire coastlines.

The East Midlands occupies a broad and varied part of central England, stretching from the industrial cities of Derby, Leicester and Nottingham to the North Sea coast of Lincolnshire and the rolling uplands of the Peak District. The region includes Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire and Rutland, each with a distinct landscape and character. Distances are considerable: the limestone dales of western Derbyshire feel very different from the flat fens and long beaches of eastern Lincolnshire, while the wooded countryside around Sherwood contrasts with Leicester's busy urban centre.
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History is particularly visible in the region's architecture. Lincoln rises dramatically above the surrounding plain, crowned by its medieval cathedral and castle, while Nottingham combines a historic cave-carved sandstone centre with a modern cultural district. Derby's museums and former railway works reflect the city's importance in engineering, and Leicester's Roman, medieval and industrial layers sit alongside major galleries, theatres and the National Space Centre. Smaller towns such as Stamford, Oakham, Bakewell, Ashbourne and Melton Mowbray provide attractive bases for exploring the countryside, historic estates and food-producing districts.
The region's landscapes invite outdoor travel. Derbyshire contains the East Midlands' most extensive upland scenery, including the limestone dales and moorland of the Peak District National Park, as well as reservoirs, wooded valleys and walking country around Matlock and Bakewell. Rutland Water is a major destination for cycling, sailing and birdwatching, while Sherwood Forest offers ancient woodland and long-distance paths in Nottinghamshire. Further east, Lincolnshire's coast combines nature reserves, seaside resorts and open agricultural landscapes, with the Lincolnshire Wolds providing gentler hills inland.
Food and craft traditions are closely tied to this productive countryside. Melton Mowbray is associated with pork pies and Stilton cheese, Bakewell with its distinctive pudding, Lincolnshire with sausages and plum bread, and Leicestershire with Red Leicester cheese. Country pubs, market-town cafés, farm shops and manor-house restaurants sit alongside the increasingly diverse dining scenes of Leicester, Nottingham and Derby. Breweries, galleries, theatres and live-music venues add a contemporary layer to the region's historic setting.
A successful visit usually combines an urban base with excursions into the surrounding counties rather than attempting to cover the whole East Midlands in a single short break. Rail links are useful between the principal cities, but a car or carefully planned bus journey offers greater access to stately homes, villages, reservoirs and rural walking areas. The result is a region of strong contrasts: engineering and agriculture, medieval stone and modern science, upland trails and expansive coastal skies.

When is the best time to visit East Midlands?

Best: June–August · 21–23°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January750
February840
March1145
April1445
May1845
June (best)2150
July (best)2350
August (best)2350
September1945
October1555
November1055
December750

Getting to and around East Midlands

How to get there

East Midlands Airport is located near Castle Donington in Leicestershire and is the principal airport serving the region, with road connections to Derby, Leicester, Nottingham and surrounding counties. Birmingham Airport is outside the region but can be useful for a wider range of international connections. Mainline rail services link London with Leicester, Nottingham, Derby and other East Midlands destinations, while Lincoln is connected by rail via Nottingham and other national routes. The M1 is the principal north-south road corridor; the A1 and A1(M) serve the eastern side, and the A46 links several major centres.

Transportation

Trains are practical between Derby, Leicester, Nottingham, Lincoln and some larger towns, while local buses provide urban and interurban connections. Rural services are less frequent, particularly in parts of Derbyshire, Lincolnshire and Rutland, so check connections carefully before planning a day around a country house or walking route. A car is useful for the Peak District, Lincolnshire Wolds, market towns and dispersed estates, although parking can be limited in historic centres and popular rural areas. Cycling is well suited to selected country lanes, converted railway routes and routes around Rutland Water, but hills and traffic require sensible route planning.

Top city travel guides in East Midlands

The cities of East Midlands, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Destinations in East Midlands

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Best attractions in East Midlands

The East Midlands offers a broad mix of urban culture, historic estates, archaeological remains and accessible countryside. Lincoln Cathedral and Castle anchor the region's most dramatic medieval cityscape, while Leicester combines Roman remains, museums, galleries and the National Space Centre. Nottingham's museums, caves and literary associations sit alongside the woodland and visitor trails of Sherwood Forest. Derby provides industrial and railway heritage, with nearby Derbyshire offering the limestone dales, reservoirs and walking country of the Peak District National Park. Country houses and landscaped estates such as Chatsworth, Hardwick Hall, Kedleston Hall, Belvoir Castle and Calke Abbey reveal different chapters of aristocratic and agricultural history. Rutland Water supports sailing, cycling and birdwatching, while the Lincolnshire Wolds and coast provide quieter walking, nature reserves and traditional seaside resorts. Family attractions, farm parks, heritage railways and galleries are distributed across the region, making it better suited to several short itineraries than one compressed tour.

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Best landmarks in East Midlands

Lincoln Cathedral is the East Midlands' most commanding architectural landmark, rising above the historic city and visible across much of the surrounding plain. Lincoln Castle, with its medieval walls and Victorian prison, adds a powerful defensive presence. In Derbyshire, Chatsworth House and its landscaped park represent the region's grand country-estate tradition, while Hardwick Hall is notable for its Elizabethan architecture and prominent glass-filled elevations. Belvoir Castle occupies a hilltop position overlooking the Vale of Belvoir, and Nottingham Castle stands above the historic sandstone caves and city centre. Leicester's Roman Jewry Wall is one of the most substantial surviving Roman structures in Britain, while the medieval Guildhall and cathedral contribute to the city's older identity. In Nottinghamshire, the Major Oak and ancient woodland at Sherwood Forest have strong cultural associations. Rutland Water and the open Lincolnshire coast provide geographical landmarks of a different kind, defined by reservoirs, shoreline, sky and expansive views.

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Explore East Midlands on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top cities, national parks and sights are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in East Midlands

East Midlands food reflects its agricultural plain, livestock country, market towns and growing multicultural cities. Melton Mowbray is associated with its pastry-encased pork pie, while Stilton cheese is produced within the designated area that includes parts of Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire. Lincolnshire is known for its sausages, plum bread and locally grown produce; Derbyshire contributes Bakewell pudding and substantial country cooking, while Red Leicester remains a familiar regional cheese. Traditional pubs, village inns and farm shops are especially useful for tasting local products, and farmers' markets bring together meat, cheese, baked goods, preserves and seasonal vegetables. Leicester's dining scene is notable for South Asian cuisines alongside contemporary British and global restaurants, while Nottingham and Derby offer a wide range of independent cafés, modern dining rooms, breweries and established pubs. In rural areas, booking ahead is wise for well-regarded restaurants and destination inns, particularly at weekends.

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Best bars in East Midlands

Nightlife is concentrated in Leicester, Nottingham and Derby, with smaller but active evening scenes in Lincoln, Northampton and the larger market towns. Nottingham has a broad choice of pubs, cocktail bars, live-music venues and clubs around its central streets, while Leicester combines student-oriented venues with independent bars, restaurants and cultural events. Derby and Lincoln offer traditional pubs, breweries, wine bars, theatres and live music, although their scale is more compact. Outside the cities, evening life generally centres on village pubs, historic inns, restaurants and occasional community or music events rather than extensive clubbing. The region's rural breweries and taprooms can provide an alternative to late-night venues, but opening arrangements vary and should be checked before travelling. In coastal Lincolnshire, nightlife is more seasonal and often linked to seaside entertainment and resort restaurants.

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Best nightclubs in East Midlands

Nightlife is concentrated in Leicester, Nottingham and Derby, with smaller but active evening scenes in Lincoln, Northampton and the larger market towns. Nottingham has a broad choice of pubs, cocktail bars, live-music venues and clubs around its central streets, while Leicester combines student-oriented venues with independent bars, restaurants and cultural events. Derby and Lincoln offer traditional pubs, breweries, wine bars, theatres and live music, although their scale is more compact. Outside the cities, evening life generally centres on village pubs, historic inns, restaurants and occasional community or music events rather than extensive clubbing. The region's rural breweries and taprooms can provide an alternative to late-night venues, but opening arrangements vary and should be checked before travelling. In coastal Lincolnshire, nightlife is more seasonal and often linked to seaside entertainment and resort restaurants.

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Best shops in East Midlands

Shopping in the East Midlands ranges from major city centres to independent market towns and rural food producers. Leicester offers large-scale retail, independent businesses and specialist South Asian shops, with food, textiles, jewellery and clothing reflecting the city's diverse communities. Nottingham and Derby combine high-street stores with boutiques, arcades, cafés and makers' shops, while Lincoln's historic uphill quarter is suited to antiques, books, art, gifts and locally produced goods. Market towns including Stamford, Oakham, Bakewell and Melton Mowbray are good places to browse delicatessens, independent retailers, galleries and traditional markets, though market days vary. Farm shops and food halls sell regional cheeses, pork pies, sausages, preserves, chocolates and baked products. Visitors seeking crafts will find pottery, artwork, textiles and handmade gifts in towns and heritage areas, while larger shopping centres are concentrated in the principal cities rather than scattered throughout the countryside.

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East Midlands essentials

Currency and Payment
The currency is the pound sterling, written as GBP or £, as throughout the United Kingdom. Contactless cards and mobile payments are widely accepted in cities, larger attractions, hotels and most shops and restaurants. Carry some cash for small rural cafés, traditional market stalls, car parks and occasional community events, particularly in less densely populated parts of Lincolnshire, Derbyshire and Rutland. Foreign visitors should check whether their card issuer adds overseas transaction fees, and cash machines may be less common in small villages.
Safety
The region is generally straightforward for visitors, but ordinary precautions are sensible in busy city centres, railway stations and nightlife areas. On rural walks, prepare for rapidly changing weather, muddy paths, exposed moorland and livestock; keep dogs under control and follow waymarked routes and access guidance. Take care on narrow country roads and avoid assuming that all lanes are suitable for large vehicles. On the Lincolnshire coast, observe local warnings, coastal erosion notices and tide information, especially near estuaries and sea defences.
Emergency Situations
Call 999 or 112 for police, fire, ambulance or other immediate emergencies anywhere in the East Midlands. On the Lincolnshire coast, ask for the Coastguard where a coastal or tidal incident is involved. In upland Derbyshire, give rescuers a precise location, grid reference or what3words address if available, and do not rely solely on a mobile signal. For non-urgent medical advice, NHS 111 is the appropriate national service; travel insurance and a European Health Insurance Card or UK Global Health Insurance Card may be relevant depending on nationality and circumstances.
Do's and Don'ts
Do queue patiently, respect local public-transport rules and ask permission before photographing people or private property. In churches, cathedrals and historic houses, follow guidance on photography, silence and restricted areas. Do keep to permitted paths in the countryside, close gates and leave no litter. Do not climb walls, disturb wildlife or enter farm fields without authorised access. Tipping is discretionary rather than compulsory in the United Kingdom, but a modest amount is customary when service in a restaurant has been good; check whether a service charge is already included.
Local Tips
Combine a city visit with one carefully chosen rural district rather than trying to cross the whole region in a day. Lincoln is best appreciated by allowing time for both the cathedral quarter and the lower historic city, while Derbyshire walking plans should account for steep gradients and limited rural buses. Market towns such as Bakewell, Melton Mowbray, Oakham and Stamford are useful places to buy regional food and understand local trading traditions. Autumn and winter can bring atmospheric landscapes but shorter daylight, while summer weekends are often busiest at major estates, reservoirs and the Lincolnshire coast.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloAlright[aw-reet]
GoodbyeTa-ra[ta-rah]
YesAye[eye]
NoNah[nah]
Please/You’re welcomeCheers[cheers]
Thank youThanks[thanks]
Excuse me/SorrySorry[sorry]
How are you?How's it going?[how's it goin']
Fine. And you?Reyt. An thee?[rait. an thee?]
Do you speak English?D'ya speak English?[d'ya speak English?]
I don't understandI don’t get it[I don't get it]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I see the menu, please?[can I see th' menu, please?]
I don't eat meatI'm a veggie[I'm a veggie]
Cheers!Cheers![cheers!]
I would like to pay, pleaseCan I pay, please?[can I pay, please?]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Help![help!]
Go away!Clear off![clear off!]
Call the Police!Ring the coppers![ring the coppers!]
Call a doctor!Get a doc![get a doc!]
I'm lostI'm a bit lost[I'm a bit lost]
I'm illI'm poorly[I'm poorly]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...I want to buy...[I want to buy...]
I'm just lookingJust having a gander[just havin' a gander]
How much is it?How much's this?[how much's this?]
That's too expensiveThat's a bit steep[that's a bit steep]
Can you lower the price?Can ya do it cheaper?[can ya do it cheaper?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?What time is it?[what time is it?]
It's one o'clockIt's one[it's one]
Half past (10)Half ten[half ten]
MorningMorning[morning]
AfternoonAfternoon[afternoon]
EveningEvening[evening]
YesterdayYesterday[yesterday]
TodayToday[today]
TomorrowTomorrow[tomorrow]
1One[one]
2Two[two]
3Three[three]
4Four[four]
5Five[five]
6Six[six]
7Seven[seven]
8Eight[eight]
9Nine[nine]
10Ten[ten]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Where's the...?[where's th'...?]
What's the address?What's the address?[what's th' address?]
Can you show me (on the map)?Can you show me on the map?[can you show me on th' map?]
When's the next (bus)?When's the next bus?[when's th' next bus?]
A ticket (to ....)A ticket to...[a ticket to...]

History of East Midlands

Prehistoric Landscapes and Roman Settlement

The East Midlands contains evidence of settlement from prehistory onwards, including barrows, earthworks and ancient trackways across the Wolds, limestone country and river valleys. Roman influence became especially strong after the conquest of Britain. Roads connected settlements such as Ratae Corieltauvorum, the predecessor of Leicester, and Lindum Colonia, the Roman city at Lincoln. Forts, villas, pottery production and road networks tied the region to wider imperial trade. Leicester's Jewry Wall, Lincoln's Roman remains and sites around the Trent and Nene valleys provide visible reminders of an era when the region was an important agricultural and administrative zone.

The Medieval Rise of Lincoln and Nottingham

After the Norman Conquest, the East Midlands became a strategically important area of royal government, ecclesiastical power and trade. Lincoln Castle and cathedral symbolised the city's status, while Nottingham Castle and the town's position near the River Trent supported royal and commercial interests. Abbeys, parish churches and planned market towns spread across the countryside, and wool, grain and livestock shaped local wealth. Stamford, Newark and other settlements prospered through commerce and their positions on major routes. Medieval stone buildings, town plans and church towers remain among the region's most durable historical features.

The English Civil War and Regional Fortifications

The East Midlands was closely involved in the political and military struggles of the seventeenth century. Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire contained important estates and fortified towns whose loyalties were divided between Parliament and the Crown. Newark was a major Royalist stronghold and endured sieges during the Civil War, while nearby Belvoir Castle also became involved in the conflict. The war altered the fortunes of landowning families and left surviving defensive earthworks, castles and country houses with layered political histories. Its legacy can still be read in the fortified landscapes of the Trent and Witham corridors.

Agricultural Improvement and Country Estates

From the eighteenth century, improved farming transformed much of the East Midlands. Enclosure, drainage, new planting and more systematic estate management reshaped fields and villages, particularly in Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and Lincolnshire. Wealth from agriculture supported substantial houses, landscaped parks and model villages associated with families such as the Cavendishes, Manners and Fitzherberts. Estates including Chatsworth, Belvoir, Kedleston and Burghley, the latter just outside the modern East Midlands region in Cambridgeshire, reflect changing ideas about architecture, landscape and rural organisation. Many of the region's lanes, hedges and parklands date from this period.

Industrialisation, Coal and Engineering

Industrial growth gave the East Midlands a major role in Britain's modern economy. Coal mining expanded across Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire, while Derby became a centre of railway engineering and locomotive production. Leicester developed important hosiery and manufacturing industries, and Nottingham became internationally associated with lace and later engineering and pharmaceuticals. Canals, turnpike roads and railways connected mines, factories, market towns and ports. Although many collieries and traditional factories have disappeared, museums, restored industrial buildings, railway heritage and former mining landscapes preserve the region's working history.

The Railways and the Modern City

The nineteenth-century railway revolution altered the geography of the East Midlands. Derby became a major railway centre, Leicester benefited from connections between London, the Midlands and the north, and Nottingham's railway infrastructure supported expanding industry and trade. New stations, warehouses and dense worker neighbourhoods accompanied urban growth. Railways also encouraged seaside tourism on the Lincolnshire coast and made country towns more accessible. The surviving station architecture, viaducts, railway workshops and transport museums illustrate how the region moved from an agricultural economy towards an urban and industrial one.

Twentieth-Century Change and Cultural Renewal

The twentieth century brought both expansion and disruption. Coal mining declined, manufacturing changed, and many traditional industries contracted, while universities, logistics, science, healthcare and cultural institutions grew in the cities. Leicester's post-war communities added new languages, faiths and cuisines to its civic life, and Nottingham and Derby developed major universities and arts venues. Former factories, railway sites and industrial districts have been adapted for museums, galleries and creative uses. The region today retains strong manufacturing and agricultural connections while presenting a more diverse urban and economic identity.

East Midlands in Photos

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Neighbouring regions of East Midlands

The closest regions to East Midlands, if you have time for more than one.

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to East Midlands

Discover East Midlands with Evendo, a 100% free app-based travel guide that covers attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more to make your trip unforgettable.

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More about the Evendo app

Explore East Midlands like never before with Evendo, your ultimate free travel guide app. Discover top attractions, hidden gems, and local favorites all in one place.

  • History of East Midlands and travel essentials
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Welcome to Evendo, the ultimate travel guide to East Midlands, United Kingdom. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, our app is designed to help you make the most of your trip. East Midlands is a treasure trove of attractions and landmarks, from the historical Nottingham Castle to the scenic Peak District National Park. With Evendo, you can easily explore these iconic sites and more. Our app features detailed information on the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities. Imagine dining at the award-winning Restaurant Sat Bains in Nottingham or exploring the fascinating history at the Derby Museum and Art Gallery. With our rich set of information, including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details, planning your trip has never been easier.

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In addition to East Midlands, Evendo covers over 7,000 other destinations worldwide. So, once you download the app, you have the world in your pocket. Download Evendo today and start your journey to explore East Midlands and beyond.

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