Things to Do in East Midlands

Once the world’s tallest building, Lincoln Cathedral remains one of England’s most significant religious landmarks, housing one of only four original Magna Carta manuscripts in the world. At the intricately detailed cathedral, visitors can pray, attend service, light a votive candle, or simply enjoy the Gothic architecture.

A celebrated example of a medieval manor house, Haddon Hall has a history dating back to the 12th century, although the majority of the current building dates from the 14th through 16th centuries, and has been owned by the Dukes of Rutland for several centuries.

The grand estate is perhaps best known for its featured roles in period films like Pride and Prejudice, Elizabeth, The Other Boleyn Girl and Jane Eyre, and visitors can step back in time as they discover the magnificent oak-panelled gallery, lavish Banqueting Hall and chapel of St Nicholas. Additional highlights include an exquisite collection of English, Flemish and French tapestries, the medieval kitchens and the Elizabethan-style gardens, which include formal landscaped gardens and terraced rose gardens.

With its imposing redbrick façade, castle-like towers and forested gardens, Kelham Hall is undoubtedly one of Nottinghamshire’s most impressive country estates, renowned for its magnificent Gothic façade and beautiful gardens. Built in the mid-19th century for the Manners-Sutton family, the lavish mansion is the design of architect Sir George Gilbert Scott and is now protected as a Grade I-listed building.

Visitors can explore Kelham Hall on a guided tour, with highlights including the magnificent Porte Cochere, the largest of its kind in England; the grand Billiards Room; the Drawing Room, with its ornate ceiling frescos and the Music Room, dedicated to Richard Wagner. Also of note are the exquisite Lady Chapel and the 42 acres of gardens stretching along the banks of the River Trent – the work of landscaper William Andrews, whose other masterpieces include London’s Kew Gardens and Regents Park.

Built in the late 16th century by Robert Smythson, Doddington Hall & Gardens is a Grade-I-listed Elizabethan mansion, complete with five acres (two hectares) of walled gardens. It also remains a beloved family home. Explore the hall and grounds at your leisure before stopping by the farm shop or grabbing lunch at the on-site café.