Which Are the Best Places to Visit in the East Midlands of England?

 

Which Are the Best Places to Visit in the East Midlands of England?: A Complete Guide

Sometimes called the overlooked area of England, the East Midlands makes a fine choice for travel in Britain. As an intermediate point between London and other parts of Britain, East Midlands is home to an assortment of untouched nature sites, literary places of interest and adrenaline-packed experiences. Featuring stunning landscapes of the Peak District, and peaceful water scenery in Lincolnshire, East Midlands is a great destination for tourists who do not want the hassle of overcrowdedness of the southern regions.

Luckily, traveling from London to East Midlands is not complicated at all. Since taking multiple trains could lead to confusion, some experienced tourists choose a faster and more convenient route by booking Heathrow Airport taxi to take them right into the countryside. After watching the metropolis of London slowly dissolve behind your back, you would be able to spend a few hours enjoying breathtaking views of Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire landscapes.

Discover the Natural Majesty of the Peak District

A tour through the East Midlands is incomplete without exploring the Peak District National Park. Even though this park spreads itself across the North West region, its southern end, especially the White Peak section in Derbyshire, remains the gem of this area. You can explore this place and discover the beautiful village of Bakewell that produces the famous Bakewell pudding and the market town of Matlock, which features cable car rides over limestone cliffs.

Hikers have an easier walk at Mam Tor, which gives them 360-degree views of the valley around. The Peak District in the south differs from its northern section, as it consists of green hills and old caves such as the Poole’s Cavern. This is the ideal destination for lovers looking for romance or families seeking camping opportunities. You can go rock climbing, canoeing, and kayaking along the rivers here.

Step Back in Time in Historic Lincoln

Situated atop a high hill and looking out over the plains of Lincolnshire, the historic city of Lincoln offers a fascinating experience for lovers of history. The city’s most impressive historical monument is the awe-inspiring Lincoln Cathedral, which, at one point in time, was believed to be the tallest man-made structure on earth. Adjacent to this is the Lincoln Castle, home to one of only four remaining copies of the famous Magna Carta. As you walk along the cobblestone streets of Steep Hill, you’ll be surrounded by independent tea shops and traditional bakers who have been serving travelers for centuries.

Visitors traveling from the southern region or arriving at any of the UK’s major airports may enjoy convenient transportation provided by a Taxi to Luton Airport as a gateway to this historic stretch of land. Trains and road connections from Luton will allow visitors to get straight to the East Midlands railway network.

The Literary Charm of Nottinghamshire

A discussion on tourism in the East Midlands would not be complete without including the mention of Sherwood Forest. The famous place where the legendary Robin Hood comes from is located in Nottinghamshire and consists of an extensive natural area boasting of a large tree called the "Major Oak," believed to be around 1,000 years old. Visitors can try their luck at archery and go for hikes at this site with guides. Not only can tourists visit the forest, but they may also explore the caves in Nottingham city through the City of Caves experience or Wollaton Hall, famously Wayne Manor.

The Industrial Heritage of Leicester and Loughborough

Whereas the North West region prides itself on initiating the industrial revolution, the East Midlands refined the art of transport. This includes the Great Central Railway in Loughborough where one can enjoy a trip down memory lane aboard a historic train. The city of Leicester, for its part, has been rejuvenated following the archaeological discovery of the remains of King Richard III in the local car park. The King Richard III Visitor Centre is an award-winning attraction that chronicles the fascinating history of the last English king to perish in battle.

Also read: 5 Non-Negotiable Things to Look for When Choosing a UK Vacation Spot

Rutland: The UK’s Smallest County

This destination may not be very well-known, but Rutland offers many surprises to those who venture there. Its main attraction is the Rutland Water, an enormous reservoir built artificially which has become popular for its bird-watching sites and water sports. This reservoir can be explored from the comfort of the bike through the flat trail running along the lake shore for about 25 miles, or the visitors can head to the Anglian Water Birdwatching Center where they can watch ospreys. Rutland’s capital, Oakham, is known for its boarding school and a unique exhibit of horseshoes gifted to the town by visiting aristocrats.

Practical Tips for Your East Midlands Itinerary

For you to get the best from the East Midlands, chances are that you would require either your own vehicle or a trusted taxi service to access some of the remote parts of the area since there may not be adequate transport services between some of the villages on a Sunday. There is a railway station by the name of East Midlands Parkway and an airport called East Midlands Airport (EMA) offering cheap air fares throughout Europe.

Final Thoughts on the East Midlands

Contrary to the belief that the only way to experience breathtaking views of Britain is by visiting Scotland or Cornwall, the East Midlands proves to be an exception to this idea. Be it enjoying the tranquil ambiance of the limestone valley in Derbyshire, being in the presence of historic monarchs in Leicester, or cruising along the placid lakes of Rutland, one would certainly experience the rarity of such slow-paced life. The East Midlands provides its visitors with everything from mythology to modernism, and even royal history. Thus, get ready to explore the real England – an outlaw country full of cathedrals and green hills lying behind the M25.