Top 10 Things to do in East Midlands, England

'I have always held and proposed against all comers to maintain that the Cathedral of Lincoln is out and out the most precious piece of architecture in the British Isles' - John Ruskin Lincoln Cathedral was for almost 300 years the tallest building in the world. Yet, in spite of its size, it is filled with intricate detail. Remigius, the Bishop who built the earliest part of the Cathedral in the Norman style, came over with William the Conqueror. Later, in Lincoln Cathedral the architects of the gothic style perhaps reached the pinnacle of their art. Everywhere you look there is the most intricate detail, walls, roofs elaborated by the finest carving. From the time of the death of the saintly Bishop of Lincoln, Hugh of Avalon who so lovingly restored the Cathedral after an earthquake in the 12th century, thousands of people have come on pilgrimage to this place of pilgrimage, holiness and prayer. In 1215 another Hugh Bishop of Lincoln, Hugh of Wells, was present at Runnymede along with Lincolnshire's Cardinal Archbishop Stephen Langton. When King John agreed to the barons' demands, copies of Magna Carta were made and distributed to sheriffs and cathedrals throughout England. Lincoln Cathedral's Magna Carta is one of only four from the original distribution still in existence. It is the only one to bear the name of its city.

Crich Tramway Village is a family visitor attraction and home to the National Tramway Museum. Take a trip back in time and ride vintage trams into the open countryside. There's an enchanting Woodland Walk and Sculpture Trail, Tearoom, gift shop, children's play area, exhibitions and Workshop Viewing Gallery. We are open Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Monday 31st August and weekends from 10am until Sunday 1st November 2020. Please check our website for opening times: www.tramway.co.uk and download the Covid-19 Crich Tramway Village Guidelines.

Derby Museums is an independent trust and organisation run for, and on behalf of, the people of Derby. We provide a museums and arts service, accessible to everyone, and are responsible for the curation of all the artefacts and works of art entrusted to us, and the buildings in which these are held. Our aim as a new organisation is to bring as many of these objects into the public domain as is practically possible and exhibit them in ways that delight and inspire. We also run education and learning programmes, and hold events and exhibitions with the purpose of sharing knowledge and inspiring creativity and making amongst the people of Derby. As well as schools and student learning, we run many events for adults and groups, as well as families. Our collections and the information we hold about them are as unique as our location and history; we are a city continually shaped and driven by creativity and innovation, located in a valley that changed the world. The services we provide are also designed to promote the city: using its rich and important past to inspire its future.

Awarded "Best Skegness Attraction in 2015" and "Best Business 2015" by the Skegness Partnership in November 2015, Natureland is well known for rescuing and rehabilitating orphaned and injured seal pups that are stranded on Lincolnshire beaches. Our visitors can see the seals and lots of other wonderful animals including penguins, meerkats, alpacas, tropical birds/butterflies, pets corner, aquarium, tropical house, koi carp pool, animal brass rubbing, gift shop and refreshments available.

Wollaton Hall is one of the country's finest Grade One listed Elizabethan mansions, set within 500 acres of beautiful parkland. Experience stunning architecture, exhibitions, a packed events program and an array of wildlife. Go behind the scenes on a variety of guided tours available throughout the year and on demand for groups. Other special events include costumed tours, puppet shows, craft fairs, Segway tours and our popular spooky Ghost Nights (not for the faint hearted!). Visit the Cafe in the Courtyard for light refreshments including freshly ground coffee, specialty teas and home made cakes.

Darley Park is a large, picturesque and popular park situated within walking distance of the city centre. It is located on the River Derwent at the gateway to the World Heritage Site. The park is popular with visitors from across the County and is a peaceful place to escape city life. It hosts many events throughout the year, including the classical Darley Park Concert.

Markeaton Park is Derby’s most visited park and is one of the most popular attractions in the East Midlands. It offers a place to escape from day to day living and city life and experience a little bit of countryside on Derby’s doorstep. But behind the modern day park lays a fascinating history that is waiting to be discovered. The park as we know it today can be traced back to the medieval period, when the first park was laid out. Over the following centuries the park went through many changes, from arable fields to an enclosed designed 18th century park and hall and finally at the beginning of the 20th century into the public park of today. The park has many features that mark this history: ancient veteran trees, historic lost roads, old arable field patterns, the 18th century park and buildings and the remains of a Second World War army camp.

The award-winning King Richard III Visitor Centre is in Leicester city centre, opposite Leicester Cathedral. It has been created around the location where King Richard III's remains were buried for more than 500 years. Using storytelling, design and 21st century technology, visitors can discover the incredible story of the King's life and death, and one of the greatest archaeological detective stories ever told

The National Space Centre really is a visit that is out of this world. Take a journey through our themed galleries, stopping at over 150 interactive experiences! Sit back in awe in the UK’s largest planetarium as we take you on a voyage of discovery in this 360° fulldome experience. The National Space Centre is an all weather attraction for all the family. On site we have over 400 parking spaces, restaurant, shop and all the facilities you would expect from a world class attraction. The National Space Centre hosts many exciting weekend events, including astronomy evenings, movie themed events, astronaut visits, even special Star Wars, LEGO and Time Lord weekends and many more… see the website for full details Opening Times: School Holidays Monday – Sunday 10:00 – 17:00 School Term Time Monday – Friday 10:00– 16:00 Saturday and Sunday 10:00– 17:00 (please check the website before visiting to ensure we are open). We suggest you allow a minimum of 4 hours for your visit