Explore the East Midlands
From Nottingham’s historic lace markets and Robin Hood legends to Leicester’s King Richard III story, Derby’s industrial heritage and the wild edges of the Peak District, this region blends buzzing cities with big countryside – ideal for short breaks, family adventures and hassle-free UK road trips.
Why you’ll love the East Midlands
- Culture & history: Nottingham’s Lace Market, Nottingham Castle and a thriving food-and-bar scene around Hockley. Leicester’s King Richard III Visitor Centre, Leicester Cathedral and match days with Leicester City. Derby is home to the Museum of Making and Cathedral Quarter.
- Great outdoors: Peak District National Park gives easy access to hiking and cycling trails, dramatic edges around Stanage, and pretty towns like Bakewell and Castleton. The National Forest offers woodland walks, outdoor adventure centres and family-friendly trails between Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Staffordshire. Waterside escapes like Carsington Water and Rutland Water for sailing, SUP and cycling loops.
- Sports & events: With top-tier football and cricket at City Ground, King Power Stadium and Trent Bridge, summer test matches draw great crowds. Festivals and Christmas markets across the cities.
Getting there & around
- Flights: Direct with Ryanair from Ireland West Airport to East Midlands all year round. Typical flight time: 1h 15m.
- Transfers: Skylink bus services connect East Midlands Airport with Nottingham, Leicester, Derby and Loughborough – frequent, good value, and contactless-friendly. East Midlands Parkway is the nearest mainline rail station, short taxi or pre-booked shuttle from the airport links you to fast trains for Nottingham, Derby, Leicester, Sheffield and beyond.
- In the region: Trams, local buses and plentiful bikes/scooters make centre-to-sight runs easy. In Peak District, a car gives maximum flexibility. Alternatively, combine trains to hubs like Chesterfield or Sheffield with local buses to trailheads.
When to visit
Spring (Mar–May) gives longer hiking days and quieter city sights. Summer (Jun–Aug) is peak festival season, cricket at Trent Bridge, warm evenings along Nottingham’s canal-side bars. Autumn (Sep–Nov) is cooler but great for walking weekends and foodie markets. Winter (Dec–Feb) hosts Christmas markets and cosy pub stays – good for value city breaks.
Ready to fly? Book direct Ryanair flights from Ireland West Airport to East Midlands today and plan a short city hop, a countryside escape – or both – in one easy trip.
