Key places to visit in England’s East Midlands

1.Derbyshire

In the heart of the country, Derbyshire is a wonderful destination, home to the friendly city of Derby and the spectacular Peak District National Park. The county is also prosperous with the £1bn Derby Cityscape project which will provide almost 93,000m2 of new office space and create 6,500 new jobs.

Derbyshire offers a wide variety of places to live, from the lively atmosphere of Derby to small towns that offer a slower pace of life in the countryside. Housing is highly affordable, with a surprisingly low cost of living, and everywhere within easy reach of major towns and cities, keeping travel times well below the national average.

The county offers some of the most stunning scenery in the UK, including the Peak District, the second most visited national park in the world. In contrast, Derby’s city center offers pubs, restaurants, theatres, bars, shops, museums and galleries, while world-class sporting venues include the famous Donington Park motor racing circuit.

Why not…

• enjoy the ancient practice of “dressing up” when wells are decorated in market towns and villages between May and September
• take in the panoramic view from Stanage Edge, a famous rock-climber hangout, and strike a pose like Keira Knightley in Pride and Prejudice
• Indulge in the sumptuous Bakewell Pudding, a unique delicacy completely different from Bakewell Tart.
• Visit famous filming locations, including Chatsworth and Kedleston Hall, used in the filming of the 2008 film, The Duchess.

2.Leicester

Leicestershire is a diverse county, combining cosmopolitan city life with traditional market towns and the stunning scenery of the National Forest.

As one of the most ethnically diverse communities in the UK, it enjoys a rich cultural heritage celebrated with lively and colorful carnivals. Coupled with Leicestershire’s excellent skills base, this attracts investors from all over the world.

Recent times have seen a great deal of regeneration in the main city, Leicester. The massive investment has improved the city’s businesses and communities. Now, projects including a new downtown office district, an arts center, marina development and acute health care facilities are poised to strengthen the city.

As a place to live, Leicestershire has a lot to offer. The energy of the city is combined with the calm of the countryside, so it’s easy to find a rhythm of life that suits you. Housing is affordable, communities are welcoming, and schools are excellent, adding up to a great quality of life for all.

Why not…

• explore the National Forest, with over 700 miles of trails, there are acres of opportunities for hiking, biking, and horseback riding
• enjoy a first class family day out at Twycross Zoo, Twinlakes, Conkers, Snibston or Bosworth Battlefield
• Launch into space at the National Space Center in Leicester and discover the past and future of man’s relationship with the stars and planets.

3.Lincolnshire

Lincolnshire is a wonderful mix of old and new, busy communities, tranquil countryside and long coastline.

Its central city, Lincoln, boasts an elegant cathedral and Norman castle, cobbled streets and colorful markets.

An improved road system has made Lincoln more accessible than ever and generated new investment, significant development and employment opportunities. The city’s master plan builds on this, outlining a 30-year plan to further regenerate the city center, bringing benefits to businesses and the local community.

The county has always been a popular place to live. Lincoln is a very attractive city, while historic market towns such as Boston, Grantham, Stamford, Louth, Sleaford and Gainsborough offer good public services in a traditional setting. The countryside is full of charming villages and the coast mixes quiet places with bustling seaside towns like Skegness.

Wherever you choose to live and work, housing is affordable and the economy is truly thriving.

Why not…

• Sample the county’s delicious local produce, not only the famous Lincolnshire sausage, but also traditional Lincolnshire bread washed down with local ale.
• enjoy miles of sandy coastline, from quiet beaches like Gilbraltar Point with its abundance of wildlife to Anderby Creek with its serene views
• visit Burghley House, the largest and grandest house of the early Elizabethan era
• visit Belton House, one of the best examples of Restoration domestic architecture with magnificent gardens

4. Northamptonshire

Lincolnshire is a wonderful mix of old and new, busy communities, tranquil countryside and long coastline.

Its central city, Lincoln, boasts an elegant cathedral and Norman castle, cobbled streets and colorful markets.

An improved road system has made Lincoln more accessible than ever and generated new investment, significant development and employment opportunities. The city’s master plan builds on this, outlining a 30-year plan to further regenerate the city center, bringing benefits to businesses and the local community.

The county has always been a popular place to live. Lincoln is a very attractive city, while historic market towns such as Boston, Grantham, Stamford, Louth, Sleaford and Gainsborough offer good public services in a traditional setting. The countryside is full of charming villages and the coast mixes quiet places with bustling seaside towns like Skegness.

Wherever you choose to live and work, housing is affordable and the economy is truly thriving.

Why not…

• Sample the county’s delicious local produce, not only the famous Lincolnshire sausage, but also traditional Lincolnshire bread washed down with local ale.
• enjoy miles of sandy coastline, from quiet beaches like Gilbraltar Point with its abundance of wildlife to Anderby Creek with its serene views
• visit Burghley House, the largest and grandest house of the early Elizabethan era
• visit Belton House, one of the best examples of Restoration domestic architecture with magnificent gardens

5.Nottinghamshire

Home of the legendary Robin Hood, Nottinghamshire is vibrant and diverse, offering residents an excellent quality of life.

The City of Nottingham is one of the UK Government’s top eight cities driving regional and national economic growth. Businesses here are thriving, job growth is above the national average, and there continues to be a large pool of skilled and flexible people ready to support businesses in the region.

In recent years, the city has undergone a major regeneration. Its Old Market Square has recently reopened after a major renovation, creating a cozy upscale space surrounded by shops and cafes. Ongoing development includes a massive £3.5bn project that is changing Nottingham’s landscape and increasing its prosperity.

Nottingham has a highly advanced transport system, The Big Wheel, which has been awarded UK Government Center of Excellence status for integrated transport, and includes a state-of-the-art tram network. In the years to come, the city’s Victorian railway station is set to become a world-class transport hub with even faster links to London and to Europe.

Nottingham also offers impressive leisure facilities. One of the UK’s top five shopping destinations, it boasts historic attractions such as Sherwood Forest, along with sporting facilities such as Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, the National Water Center and some of the UK’s best golf courses.

Why not…

• explore the grounds of Newstead Abbey and share the same inspiration the poet Lord Byron enjoyed during his residency here
• take a trip through the Lace Market with its cafes, bars and the Galleries of Justice
• visit Southwell Workhouse, an authentic 19th century workhouse, and while in Southwell enjoy the impressive Minster

6.Rutland

The smallest county in England offers great advantages. A fantastic place to live, it combines a charming rural environment with many activities and great accessibility.

The focal point of the county is the bustling market town of Oakham, which is home to unique shops and boutiques, as well as a twice-weekly market.

Scattered throughout the rest of the Rutland countryside are smaller towns in beautiful settings. All of this is within easy reach of major employment centers and public services, thanks to an excellent public transportation system.

The beautiful countryside and towns are only part of the county’s appeal. Walks and wildlife draw locals and visitors to the tranquil Rutland Water, Oakham Castle is steeped in history and the area has a wealth of tranquil gardens, museums and country houses.

Why not…

• stay active boating, biking, hiking and more at Rutland Water, a man-made reservoir
• Visit Grainstore Brewery, Rutland’s traditional plant brewery and public house.
• stroll through Barnsdale Gardens, the brainchild of Geoff Hamilton, Britain’s most beloved television gardener
• explore the Normanton Church Museum, Rutland’s most famous landmark.