Location Guide: Things to do in the East Midlands

If you’re thinking of buying a park or holiday home in the East Midlands or heading off on holiday, here are some of the area’s many attractions to set you thinking… The gems of Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and tiny Rutland.

Chatsworth House

One of the finest stately homes in the country, with fantastic interiors and amazing grounds, surrounded by masses of well-tended parkland. You can visit nearly a quarter of the 126 rooms in this palatial private home. Outside is just as much of a cultural feast, with 105 acres of gardens laid out by Capability Brown, the extraordinary Emperor Fountain, a garden wall nearly two miles long and, beyond that, over 1,000 acres of parkland.

Bakewell

A Bakewell tart and Bakewell pudding are not the same thing, but both originate from the town of Bakewell. Two shops in the town lay claim to the original Bakewell pudding recipe, so why not go and try some and choose your favourite? The town is on the banks of the River Wye, with quaint courtyards, old stone buildings and independent shops. 

Chesterfield

This town’s crooked spire is an unmistakeable and much-photographed landmark. Climb the 144 steps to enjoy views from the top. Also located in the historic town centre are plenty of shops and places to eat. You can also take a walk along the pretty canal.

Derwent Dam

The Upper Derwent Valley of the Peak District is known for reservoirs and three large dams that were used for practice runs for the Lancaster bombers during World War II.

Buxton Opera House

This spa town is home to an ornate opera house with a year-round programme, including panto, comedy and drama, as well as the ballet and opera that the place was built for, in 1903.

 
Images (L-R) Chatsworth House (image courtesy of Chatsworth House), Cycling at Rutland Water (VisitEngland/Discover Rutland)

Heights of Abraham

First opened to visitors in 1780 and originally only accessible if you scaled the steep slopes to 335 metres, 200 years later a taste of the Alps was brought to Britain in the form of a cable car transport to the summit. The ride affords stunning views of the Derwent Valley and surrounding countryside.

Holme Pierrepont Country Park

Just 10 minutes from Nottingham city centre, this 270-acre parkland is home of the National Water Sports Centre where you can do canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding and other watersports. The park features a climbing wall, mini golf, Segways, a sky trail and walking routes.

Oakham

The county town of Rutland is a pretty market town packed with history and heritage. Among its chief attractions are Rutland County Museum, and Oakham Castle by the Market Place, a fine example of Norman architecture. The town has a host of high street and independent shops, coupled with a mix of cafés, bars and restaurants.

Rutland Water

Known as the ‘Playground of the East Midlands’, Rutland Water stands in England’s smallest county, Rutland. Surrounding the huge reservoir, the park offers walking, cycling, watersports, fishing, a man-made beach, mini golf, pleasure cruises and several cafés. All in all, this is a top place for all ages and interests to enjoy.

Nottingham

Famous for its links with the legend of Robin Hood, this city is more than just shops and places to eat. Overlooking the city is the legendary castle, and in the rock face below you’ll find the 800-year-old Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, claimed to be England’s oldest inn. Other places of interest include the subterranean cave network and a museum dedicated to the grisly history of crime and punishment.

Want to read more?

Click here to read our article on walks in the East Midlands.

For more articles to provide you with inspiration for the location of your park home or holiday home get the latest issue of Park and Holiday Home Inspiration magazine, available in both print and digital format. If it's campsites you're after, for a break away, there's our Campsite Finder guide available as a digital download.