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5 days in the East Midlands

Photo by: VisitBritain/Jon Attenborough

Woman eating bakewell tart in front of bakery

Introduction

The culture-rich East Midlands rewards travellers who want to get off the beaten track. Multicultural Leicester is a melting pot of British and Asian influence, with a delectable restaurant scene to match. Explore Sheffield’s cool hipster hangouts, allow underrated Derbyto exceed your expectations, and in Nottingham, get beneath the surface on a tour of its underground caves. But this region is far from a concrete jungle – it’s also a gateway to the lush wilderness of the Peak District National Park.

Here’s our pick of the top things to see and do over five days in the East Midlands:

Day 1 - Nottingham

Day 1 – Nottingham

Shrouded in the legend of Robin Hood, Nottingham is a city as bold as its heroic outlaw. Follow in his footsteps in Sherwood Forest, or embark on your own adventure in the city’s vast underground cave network. Quirky Lace Market is the best spot for independent shopping and cool eateries, while the Big Track is a peaceful walking or cycling route that passes many of the city’s top attractions and beloved pubs and coffee shops.

Photo by: Visit Nottinghamshire

Location: Nottingham

Nottingham Canal

Things to do in Nottingham

With its tranquil walking trails and 1,000-year-old ‘Major Oak’ tree, this historic forest is a joy to explore.

Go wild at Sherwood Forest

Photo by: Andrew Hallsworth @ Marlow Photographic

Robin Hood pictured in Sherwood Forest.
Sherwood Forest

Did you know that Nottingham is home to Britain’s biggest network of caves? Step inside the city's hidden history on this underground tour.

Discover the City of Caves

Photo by: Sam Appa

An actor putting on a performance at Nottingham City of Caves.
City of Caves

Discover Nottingham’s LGBTQIA+ history on this self-guided walking tour, which visits locations all over the city.

More about the LGBTQIA+ Walking tour

Photo by: Claire Jones

Location: Notts

LGBT+ Walking tour
LGBTQIA+ Walking tour

Think designer fashions, bustling bistros and vintage emporiums, with a real emphasis on locally sourced pieces.

Discover The Lace Market

Photo by: Visit Nottinghamshire

Location: Notts

The Lace Market
The Lace Market

Calling all Batman fans! Welcome to ‘Wayne Manor’, where the Batman movie The Dark Knight Rises was filmed.

Explore Wollaton Hall

Photo by: tomoprice/wollatonhall

Wollaton Hall
Wollaton Hall

Take a spin on an Olympic-sized ice rink, at the home of the Nottingham Panthers ice hockey team.

Discover the National Ice Centre

Photo by: National Ice Centre, Nottingham

Location: Northumberland

 National Ice Centre, Nottingham
National Ice Centre

With its tranquil walking trails and 1,000-year-old ‘Major Oak’ tree, this historic forest is a joy to explore.

Go wild at Sherwood Forest

Photo by: Andrew Hallsworth @ Marlow Photographic

Robin Hood pictured in Sherwood Forest.
Sherwood Forest

Did you know that Nottingham is home to Britain’s biggest network of caves? Step inside the city's hidden history on this underground tour.

Discover the City of Caves

Photo by: Sam Appa

An actor putting on a performance at Nottingham City of Caves.
City of Caves

Discover Nottingham’s LGBTQIA+ history on this self-guided walking tour, which visits locations all over the city.

More about the LGBTQIA+ Walking tour

Photo by: Claire Jones

Location: Notts

LGBT+ Walking tour
LGBTQIA+ Walking tour

Think designer fashions, bustling bistros and vintage emporiums, with a real emphasis on locally sourced pieces.

Discover The Lace Market

Photo by: Visit Nottinghamshire

Location: Notts

The Lace Market
The Lace Market

Calling all Batman fans! Welcome to ‘Wayne Manor’, where the Batman movie The Dark Knight Rises was filmed.

Explore Wollaton Hall

Photo by: tomoprice/wollatonhall

Wollaton Hall
Wollaton Hall

Take a spin on an Olympic-sized ice rink, at the home of the Nottingham Panthers ice hockey team.

Discover the National Ice Centre

Photo by: National Ice Centre, Nottingham

Location: Northumberland

 National Ice Centre, Nottingham
National Ice Centre

Getting to Nottingham

Nottingham is served by East Midlands Airport, which welcomes flights from several European destinations. The Skylink bus departs from the airport to Nottingham city centre every 20 minutes, 24 hours a day (every 15 minutes during the day, hourly at night).

Birmingham Airport is also within easy reach. One of Britain’s biggest travel hubs, it’s a better option for those arriving on long-haul flights. Direct coaches from Birmingham Airport to Nottingham take around one and a half to two hours.

Nottingham is located around 127 miles (204km) from London. Regular trains from London St Pancras to Nottingham take around one hour and 45 minutes.

While you're here...

Nottingham, England

A traffic-free trail in Nottingham, with good-quality pathways – and plenty of pubs and cafes along the way.

Photo by: Peter Sampson / Alamy Stock Photo

Location: Notts

Boats docked at Nottingham Marina
Nottingham, England

Immerse yourself in film screenings, dance workshops and candlelit concerts at this vibrant creative hub.

Photo by: VisitNottingham/Nottingham Contemporary Art Gallery

A group of children attaching drawings to a wall at the Nottingham Contemporary Art Gallery
Nottingham, England

Learn all about your beer’s journey from hops to pub, and have a go at pouring a pint.

Photo by: Castle Rock Brewery

Location: Notts

Castle Rock Brewery

Day 2 - Sheffield

Day 2 – Sheffield

Sheffield is an undeniably cool city with distinctive northern grit. From live music to digital street art, indie cafes to craft beer on a manmade island, Sheffield is hipster heaven. It has the hustle and bustle of a big city, but its easy to get up close to nature too – try paddleboarding along the river, chill out in the Botanical Gardens, or venture into the neighbouring Peak District National Park.

Photo by: Now Then Then Now (2018) by Rob Lee @roblee_art, Howard Street, Sheffield. Photo by Sam McQueen/Marketing Sheffield

An artwork adorning a building in the heart of Sheffield

Things to do in Sheffield

Dancing to the beat of its own drum, there’s indie shops, street food, bars and more at this uber-hip neighbourhood that brings pure Sheffield vibes.

Discover the charm of Kelham Island

Photo by: Marketing Sheffield

Crowds of people eating and drinking on a night out in the Peddler Market, Sheffield
Kelham Island

With over 18 gardens to explore, uncover Australian plants in the Pavilion or marvel at the colourful seasonal florals of the Victoria Garden.

Explore nature at Sheffield Botanical Gardens

Photo by: Sam McQueen/Marketing Sheffield

Groups of people exploring the art installations in Sheffield Botanical Gardens
Sheffield Botanical Gardens

Immerse yourself in over 1,000 years of history and join a guided tour for an insider look at its highlights, including the Tudor Shrewsbury Chapel.

Uncover history at Sheffield Cathedral

Photo by: Sheffield Cathedral

An exterior shot of Sheffield Cathedral
Sheffield Cathedral

Catch a performance at Sheffield Theatres: there is something for everyone across the Crucible, the Lyceum and the Playhouse.

Find out what’s on at Sheffield Theatres

Photo by: Smart Banda/Sheffield Theatres

The Lyceum Theatre and the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, part of the historic Sheffield Theatres group
Sheffield Theatres

Step into the electrifying world of science at this family-friendly attraction, travelling through earth, wind, fire and air to exhilarate your senses.

Visit Magna Science Adventure Centre

Photo by: Magna Science Adventure Centre

Groups of children running through a water feature at the Magna Science Adventure Centre
Magna Science Adventure Centre

A hotbed for creatives and art lovers, visit now for unique metalworks, minerals, quirky art pieces and ever-changing exhibitions.

Visit the Millennium Gallery

Photo by: Andy Brown/Sheffield Museums Trust

A woman carrying a child, looking at artworks in the Ruskin Collection at the Millennium Gallery in Sheffield
Millennium Gallery

Dancing to the beat of its own drum, there’s indie shops, street food, bars and more at this uber-hip neighbourhood that brings pure Sheffield vibes.

Discover the charm of Kelham Island

Photo by: Marketing Sheffield

Crowds of people eating and drinking on a night out in the Peddler Market, Sheffield
Kelham Island

With over 18 gardens to explore, uncover Australian plants in the Pavilion or marvel at the colourful seasonal florals of the Victoria Garden.

Explore nature at Sheffield Botanical Gardens

Photo by: Sam McQueen/Marketing Sheffield

Groups of people exploring the art installations in Sheffield Botanical Gardens
Sheffield Botanical Gardens

Immerse yourself in over 1,000 years of history and join a guided tour for an insider look at its highlights, including the Tudor Shrewsbury Chapel.

Uncover history at Sheffield Cathedral

Photo by: Sheffield Cathedral

An exterior shot of Sheffield Cathedral
Sheffield Cathedral

Catch a performance at Sheffield Theatres: there is something for everyone across the Crucible, the Lyceum and the Playhouse.

Find out what’s on at Sheffield Theatres

Photo by: Smart Banda/Sheffield Theatres

The Lyceum Theatre and the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, part of the historic Sheffield Theatres group
Sheffield Theatres

Step into the electrifying world of science at this family-friendly attraction, travelling through earth, wind, fire and air to exhilarate your senses.

Visit Magna Science Adventure Centre

Photo by: Magna Science Adventure Centre

Groups of children running through a water feature at the Magna Science Adventure Centre
Magna Science Adventure Centre

A hotbed for creatives and art lovers, visit now for unique metalworks, minerals, quirky art pieces and ever-changing exhibitions.

Visit the Millennium Gallery

Photo by: Andy Brown/Sheffield Museums Trust

A woman carrying a child, looking at artworks in the Ruskin Collection at the Millennium Gallery in Sheffield
Millennium Gallery

Getting to Sheffield from Nottingham

Trains from Nottingham to Sheffield run up to three times an hour, and take roughly one hour. A bus from Nottingham to Sheffield takes around an hour, too.

While you're here...

Sheffield, England

Discover more than 100 playable videogames and explore unique exhibitions at the National Videogame Museum.

Photo by: The National Videogame Museum

A group of people playing a video game together at the National Video Games Museum in Sheffield
Sheffield, England

An area with bags of charm, discover indie shops, funky coffee houses, pubs and bars alongside beautiful green spaces.

Photo by: "Will

Groups of people sitting outside Handmade Doughnuts in Sheffield
Sheffield, England

Take an artsy journey through the metaverse with a free augmented reality art trail, simply download the app on your smart device and get creative!

Photo by: Marketing Sheffield/Universal Everything

An artwork being viewed through a phone using AR technology in Sheffield

Day 3 - Derby

Day 3 – Derby

Though not as well-known as its neighbours in the East Midlands, Derby can hold its own against the big hitters. With historic sites celebrating the city’s role in the industrial revolution – it was the home of the world’s first factory – as well as huge musical festivals, art galleries and stylish bars, you can expect the best of both worlds in this underrated spot.  

Photo by: Visit Peak District & Derbyshire/Tony Pleavin

Two men sat on a bench in a garden with a drink

Things to do in Derby

Delve into over 300 years of innovation and creativity with exhibitions, workshops and events.

Unlock history at the Museum of Making

Photo by: Visit Derby

A couple walking past street art outside a museum
The Museum of Making

This cathedral’s treasures include Bess of Hardwick’s ornate tomb and the wrought-iron Bakewell Screen.

Marvel at Derby Cathedral

Photo by: Visit Derby

Two people standing inside a cathedral
Derby Cathedral

Shopping, food and drink, and lively nightlife – it's all here in this popular Derby destination.

Discover Derby’s Cathedral Quarter

Photo by: Visit Derby

A couple walking through a courtyard
Derby’s Cathedral Quarter

Enjoy a huge collection of works from Derby’s very own 18th-century artist, Joseph Wright, at this free museum.

Visit Derby Museum and Art Gallery

Photo by: Visit Peak District & Derbyshire/Tony Pleavin

A man and a woman stand looking at paintings in a gallery
Derby Museum and Art Gallery

One of Britain’s grandest stately homes, the beautiful Chatsworth House sits in a 400-hectare (1,000-acre) park in the Peak District.

Visit Chatsworth House

Photo by: VisitBritain

Group of people walking down stairs under a painted ceiling
Chatsworth House

Welcome to Derby’s little corner of Spain, bringing the tastiest tapas to the Midlands.

Tuck into tapas at Lorentes

Photo by: Visit Derby

A couple dining by a river
Lorentes

Delve into over 300 years of innovation and creativity with exhibitions, workshops and events.

Unlock history at the Museum of Making

Photo by: Visit Derby

A couple walking past street art outside a museum
The Museum of Making

This cathedral’s treasures include Bess of Hardwick’s ornate tomb and the wrought-iron Bakewell Screen.

Marvel at Derby Cathedral

Photo by: Visit Derby

Two people standing inside a cathedral
Derby Cathedral

Shopping, food and drink, and lively nightlife – it's all here in this popular Derby destination.

Discover Derby’s Cathedral Quarter

Photo by: Visit Derby

A couple walking through a courtyard
Derby’s Cathedral Quarter

Enjoy a huge collection of works from Derby’s very own 18th-century artist, Joseph Wright, at this free museum.

Visit Derby Museum and Art Gallery

Photo by: Visit Peak District & Derbyshire/Tony Pleavin

A man and a woman stand looking at paintings in a gallery
Derby Museum and Art Gallery

One of Britain’s grandest stately homes, the beautiful Chatsworth House sits in a 400-hectare (1,000-acre) park in the Peak District.

Visit Chatsworth House

Photo by: VisitBritain

Group of people walking down stairs under a painted ceiling
Chatsworth House

Welcome to Derby’s little corner of Spain, bringing the tastiest tapas to the Midlands.

Tuck into tapas at Lorentes

Photo by: Visit Derby

A couple dining by a river
Lorentes

Getting to Derby from Sheffield

Regular trains from Sheffield to Derby take around 30 minutes. Alternatively, a coach journey between the two cities with Megabus takes around 45 minutes.  

While you're here...

Derby, England

There are plenty of flavours to get stuck into at this monthly street food market.

Photo by: Visit Derby

Aerial shot of a street food market
Derby, England

Escape to this urban oasis with a buzzing programme of events, open days and workshops to get stuck into.

Photo by: Visit Peak District & Derbyshire/Tony Pleavin

Two men sat on a bench in a garden with a drink
Derby, England

There are bags of family fun to be had – petting animals, a play park and plenty of ice cream! 

Photo by: Visit Derby

Woman feeding an alpaca

Day 4 - the Peak District

Day 4 – the Peak District

The vast wilderness of the Peak District is waiting to be explored, with plentiful hiking and cycling routes to suit all abilities. Visitors seeking adventures can explore dark caves, try out rock climbing, or grab a canoe or paddleboard and head out onto the water. Others can relax in luxury spas and quaint countryside towns, making sure to try local delicacies such as Bakewell puddings and Stilton cheese.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Jon Attenborough

Two women and a man walking on a country lane in autumn

Things to do in the Peak District

One of Britain’s grandest stately homes, the beautiful Chatsworth House sits in a 400-hectare (1,000-acre) park in the Peak District.

Visit Chatsworth House

Photo by: VisitBritain

Group of people walking down stairs under a painted ceiling
Chatsworth House

Explore the moorlands, woodlands and dramatic views of Derwent Valley at the National Trust’s Longshaw Estate.

Explore Longshaw Estate

Photo by: sarkadventures

A man posing on top of Higger Tor with a wide view of the Peak District behind
Longshaw Estate

A traffic-free hiking and cycling route – for 17 miles (27km) of Peak District splendour.

Follow the High Peak Trail

Photo by: Matt Smith / Alamy Stock Photo

Location: Peak District

Two girls cycling on the Tissington and High Peak trail in the Peak District, UK.
High Peak Trail

For over 50 years, this traffic-free pathway has welcomed cyclists, hikers and horse riders.

More about the Tissington Trail

Photo by: Alamy Stock Photo

Location: Peak District

View of cyclist on the Tissington Trail, Tissington, Peak District National Park, Derbyshire, England, United Kingdom, Europe
Tissington Trail

This specialist cheese shop is packed with Derbyshire Stilton, Dovedale Blue, cheddars, brie, Yorkshire Wensleydale, red Leicester and much more.

Visit Hartington Cheese Shop

Photo by: Hartington Cheese Shop

Location: Peak District

Hartington Cheese Shop
Hartington Cheese Shop

Feast on award-winning gelato, hot toasted teacakes and artisan coffees at this family-run spot.

Discover Tagg Lane Dairy

Photo by: Tagg Lane Dairy

Location: Peak District

Tagg Lane Dairy
Tagg Lane Dairy

One of Britain’s grandest stately homes, the beautiful Chatsworth House sits in a 400-hectare (1,000-acre) park in the Peak District.

Visit Chatsworth House

Photo by: VisitBritain

Group of people walking down stairs under a painted ceiling
Chatsworth House

Explore the moorlands, woodlands and dramatic views of Derwent Valley at the National Trust’s Longshaw Estate.

Explore Longshaw Estate

Photo by: sarkadventures

A man posing on top of Higger Tor with a wide view of the Peak District behind
Longshaw Estate

A traffic-free hiking and cycling route – for 17 miles (27km) of Peak District splendour.

Follow the High Peak Trail

Photo by: Matt Smith / Alamy Stock Photo

Location: Peak District

Two girls cycling on the Tissington and High Peak trail in the Peak District, UK.
High Peak Trail

For over 50 years, this traffic-free pathway has welcomed cyclists, hikers and horse riders.

More about the Tissington Trail

Photo by: Alamy Stock Photo

Location: Peak District

View of cyclist on the Tissington Trail, Tissington, Peak District National Park, Derbyshire, England, United Kingdom, Europe
Tissington Trail

This specialist cheese shop is packed with Derbyshire Stilton, Dovedale Blue, cheddars, brie, Yorkshire Wensleydale, red Leicester and much more.

Visit Hartington Cheese Shop

Photo by: Hartington Cheese Shop

Location: Peak District

Hartington Cheese Shop
Hartington Cheese Shop

Feast on award-winning gelato, hot toasted teacakes and artisan coffees at this family-run spot.

Discover Tagg Lane Dairy

Photo by: Tagg Lane Dairy

Location: Peak District

Tagg Lane Dairy
Tagg Lane Dairy

Getting to the Peak District from Derby

Derby is a gateway to the Peak District. The Sixes bus departs from Derby city centre every 15 minutes, calling at several destinations in the Peak District.

While you're here...

Peak District, England

Enjoy a peaceful meander through the Peak District National Park on the Monsal Trail, a flat route along a disused railway.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Jon Attenborough

Two women and a man walking on a country lane in autumn
Bakewell, England

Sink your spoon into a traditional Bakewell pudding at this famous bakery and tea room.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Jon Attenborough

Hand holding Bakewell tart in front of bakery
Bamford, England

This wheelchair-accessible trail loops around the Derwent and Ladybower reservoirs, with glorious views throughout.

Photo by: Harry Horton / Alamy Stock Photo

Location: Peak District

Ladybower Reservoir, plughole overflow, Upper Derwent Valley Peak District, Derbyshire, England, UK, Europe

Day 5 - Leicester

Day 5 – Leicester

Leicester is a vibrant, multicultural city. The influence of its diverse population can be felt all around, but nowhere stronger than in the Golden Mile, a street lined with Indian jewellery and saree shops, south Asian and east African restaurants. It hosts one of the world’s biggest Diwali celebrations outside of India, with thousands coming to light candles and admire fireworks. Discover the best things to do in Leicester.

Photo by: Visit Leicester

Location: Leicester, England

Street art on a wall in Leicester

Things to do in Leicester

Home to the largest Diwali celebrations outside of Asia, Leicester’s multicultural society shines brightly along this street.

Take a walk down the Golden Mile

Photo by: Beth Walsh Photography

Location: Leicester, England

Golden Mile.JPG
The Golden Mile

Experience the journey from Bosworth Battlefield to King Richard III's final resting place, discovered under a Leicester car park 527 years later.

See King Richard III's final resting place

Photo by: Matt Short Photography

Location: Leicester, England

The King Richard III statue in Leicester
King Richard III Visitor Centre

Grab your picnic blanket and enjoy this green space in this medieval city.

Relax in the Leicester Castle Gardens

Photo by: Beth Walsh photography

Location: Leicester, England

People browsing food stalls in Leicester's Castle Gardens
Leicester Castle Gardens

Did you know that Leicester is home to the tallest piece of street art in Europe? Visit the bi-annual ‘Bring the Paint’ festival, attracting artists from all over the world.

Snap a picture with Leicester’s street art

Photo by: Visit Leicester

Location: Leicester, England

Street art on a wall in Leicester
Leicester street art

Take a tour of one of the few cathedrals outside of Westminster with a tomb of a former monarch.

Explore Leicester Cathedral

Photo by: Beth Walsh

Location: Leicester, England

An outdoor view of Leicester Cathedral
Leicester Cathedral

From the arboretum to the herb garden, glass houses, rock gardens and more, take a guided tour to get the most from a visit to these botanic gardens in Leicester.

Explore Leicester’s Botanic Gardens and Arboretum

Photo by: Visit Leicester

Location: Leicester, England

A couple sitting by a water fountain in Leicester's Botanic Gardens
Botanic Garden and Attenborough Arboretum

The turrets, battlement walls and gardens at this castle will be a familiar sight to fans of the television show The Crown and The Da Vinci Code movie.

Walk within historic walls at Belvoir Castle

Photo by: Visit Leicester

Location: Leicestershire, England

A long distance outdoor shot of Belvoir Castle
Belvoir Castle

Home to the largest Diwali celebrations outside of Asia, Leicester’s multicultural society shines brightly along this street.

Take a walk down the Golden Mile

Photo by: Beth Walsh Photography

Location: Leicester, England

Golden Mile.JPG
The Golden Mile

Experience the journey from Bosworth Battlefield to King Richard III's final resting place, discovered under a Leicester car park 527 years later.

See King Richard III's final resting place

Photo by: Matt Short Photography

Location: Leicester, England

The King Richard III statue in Leicester
King Richard III Visitor Centre

Grab your picnic blanket and enjoy this green space in this medieval city.

Relax in the Leicester Castle Gardens

Photo by: Beth Walsh photography

Location: Leicester, England

People browsing food stalls in Leicester's Castle Gardens
Leicester Castle Gardens

Did you know that Leicester is home to the tallest piece of street art in Europe? Visit the bi-annual ‘Bring the Paint’ festival, attracting artists from all over the world.

Snap a picture with Leicester’s street art

Photo by: Visit Leicester

Location: Leicester, England

Street art on a wall in Leicester
Leicester street art

Take a tour of one of the few cathedrals outside of Westminster with a tomb of a former monarch.

Explore Leicester Cathedral

Photo by: Beth Walsh

Location: Leicester, England

An outdoor view of Leicester Cathedral
Leicester Cathedral

From the arboretum to the herb garden, glass houses, rock gardens and more, take a guided tour to get the most from a visit to these botanic gardens in Leicester.

Explore Leicester’s Botanic Gardens and Arboretum

Photo by: Visit Leicester

Location: Leicester, England

A couple sitting by a water fountain in Leicester's Botanic Gardens
Botanic Garden and Attenborough Arboretum

The turrets, battlement walls and gardens at this castle will be a familiar sight to fans of the television show The Crown and The Da Vinci Code movie.

Walk within historic walls at Belvoir Castle

Photo by: Visit Leicester

Location: Leicestershire, England

A long distance outdoor shot of Belvoir Castle
Belvoir Castle

Getting to Leicester from the Peak District

To reach Leicester from the Peak District, transfer in travel hub Derby. There are several direct trains from Derby to Leicester every day, with journeys taking 20-30 minutes.

While you're here...

Leicester, England

Dance along with this parade though the city streets, culminating at Abbey Park for an afternoon of great food, music and fun.

Photo by: Visit Leicester

Location: Leicester, England

A performer on the street as part of Leicester Caribbean Festival
Leicester, England

Feel what it's like to step out onto the pitch at this internationally recognised football club stadium.

Photo by: Visit Leicester

Location: Leicester, England

A nighttime outdoor view of the King Power Stadium, home to Leicester City Football Club
Leicester, England

In the historic New Walk area of Leicester, this free museum and gallery opens up a world of curiosities from dinosaurs to Picasso ceramics.

Photo by: Visit Leicester

Location: Leicester, England

A set of dinosaur fossils on display at Leicester Museum

Ready to discover the East Midlands?

Find out about passport requirements, what to expect at customs and immigration, as well as tips on travelling to Britain, getting around and some handy ways to save money while you’re here.

Photo by: Getty Images/SolStock

A multiracial family of four, a mother, father and their two little boys standing Newcastle railway station platform waiting for their train.

Steeped in the legends that surround Robin Hood, Nottingham is home to literary greats and a thriving independent arts scene.

Photo by: projecthoop

A performer in front of Nottingham Castle

Sitting on the edge of the Peak District National Park, Sheffield is made for outdoor lovers and creatives. Find the best things to do in our guide.

Photo by: Salt St for The Outdoor City

People riding bikes on the inner city mountain bike trails at Parkwood Springs, Sheffield

For hikers, cyclists, horse riders and thrill seekers, the Peak District offers adventures galore.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Jon Attenborough

Location: The Peak District, England

Woman skipping on rocks at edge of hill. Landscape view

From a medieval monarch found under a car park to the city’s celebration of multicultural modern life, Leicester has it all.

Photo by: Visit Leicester

Location: Leicester, England

An outdoor view of Leicester's historic Guild Hall

A gateway to the Peak District, Derby is drenched in industrial heritage – yet nature is never far away.

Photo by: Visit Derby

A group of people riding in a riverboat