The 10 Best Hidden Gems Things to do in East Midlands, England

This is a nationally important area of countryside with some of the most beautiful, unspoilt scenery in the East Midlands. There are rolling hills and hidden valleys, gentle streams and nestling villages.The Lincolnshire Wolds is a living, working landscape, with woodland, grassland and abandoned chalk pits providing important habitats for rare flowers and wildlife.

Poole’s Cavern is the most spectacular natural cavern in the Peak District. The cavern is famous for the spectacular and unique crystal formations including the longest stalactite formation in the region. Your expert guide will accompany you on a 45 minute journey through chambers once used as shelter and worship by prehistoric to roman visitors. See the cathedral sized main chamber carved from Limestone by an ancient river and follow safe and accessible walkways through beautifully illuminated passages on a journey deep underground. Back above ground browse through our rock and gem shop and view the archaeological discoveries from the cavern in the exhibition. Due to Covid restrictions we have a reduced cafe with take away drinks and snacks for 2020, lots of picnic tables for visitors. Complete your day with a stroll on our country park woodland trails with animal sculptures to find which lead to Solomon's Temple viewpoint at 439m above sea level and views of the Peak District.

Walk in the footsteps of the Ice Age hunter and enter a world of fire and flint. Discover a legacy etched in stone with cave art 10,000 years older than the pyramids, and medieval Witch Marks as a reminder of more superstitious times. Explore life on the edge of the Ice Age world. Creswell Crags features the only authenticated Ice Age cave art in Britain. Stone tools and remains of animals found in the caves by archaeologists provide evidence for a fascinating story of life during the last Ice Age between 50,000 and 10,000 years ago. Robin Hood Cave has more apotropaic Witch Marks than anywhere else in the UK. The unique archaeology, geology, wildlife and fauna have resulted in Creswell Crags being one of the most protected sites in the UK. The beautiful natural landscape is also popular with walkers and boasts a variety of rare species. Visit the museum or book a cave tour. See website for details.

78 Derngate is the only house in England designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh. It is now a multi award-winning visitor attraction offering an unforgettable day out in Northampton. Designed and remodelled by Charles Rennie Mackintosh in 1916, the house has been meticulously restored and opened to the public. On site: a boutique restaurant, light-filled art galleries, a stylish design shop and elegant spaces that can be hired for meetings, events and functions. 78 Derngate was the architect's final major commission; his visionary patron, Northampton model engineer, W.J Bassett-Lowke. It is the only place in the world where Mackintosh's mature architectural and interior style can be seen in their original setting. As such, the house has drawn many thousands of visitors from around the globe. Now you can follow in their footsteps and see this unique work from one of Britain's most influential and celebrated designers. Please note: To post a review for The Dining Room Restaurant ( a separate business ) you should search for their separate TripAdvisor page. Thankyou!

A beautiful garden that has been revived since 2001. The large stately home was demolished in 1951 and the site abandoned. Now visitors can see the grounds that President Franklin Roosevelt described as 'a dream of Nirvana, almost too good to be true.' Work is still ongoing and the restoration and features of this 400 year garden makes a fascinating trip. We have a good tearoom and are very easy to find off the A1.

Experience the height of the fishing industry of Great Grimsby! A job often described as the 'most dangerous peacetime occupation in the UK', these men literally risked their lives in order to bring home fish to a port described as 'the world's premiere fishing port'. Come and see their story!

A collection of over 50 1950/60s microcars and scooters, archive material Plus loads of memorabilia that take you down memory lane. We also have a tearooms with homemade goodies, a gift shop with lots of toys you thought you had forgotten and a campsite. Whats not to like ?