Thursday, 18 August 2022
Our network spans far and wide, and it’s safe to say that there are a number of beautiful locations across it. From the rolling hills of Derbyshire to the exciting cityscape of London, here are some of the most Instagrammable places on the EMR network.
Lincoln Castle
A short (but steep) walk up the hill from the station, Lincoln Castle is brimming with Instagrammable options. The castle’s exterior is enough for the ‘gram, but if you head up to do the Medieval Wall walk, you’ll be met with even more opportunity to snap some great images.
One of the most dramatic features of the castle, visitors can walk the full circumference of the wall - an impressive third of a mile long, and enjoy the spectacular views of the castle and across the city itself. You’ll be struggling to drill down your photo options after a visit here!
Closest station: Lincoln - 10 minute walk
Find out more about Lincoln Castle
Newstead Abbey
Situated on the Robin Hood line, between Nottingham and Worksop, Newstead Abbey is home to beautiful grounds with lakes, waterfalls and cascades; all creating the perfect photography backdrop.
The Abbey itself is steeped in over 800 years of history, and is the former home of Romantic poet Lord Byron. Inside the Abbey there is much to discover, including Lord Byron’s private apartments, the Victorian Kitchen and room displays, plus cloisters from the monastic period. It’s a stunning location, so make sure your phones and cameras are fully charged before arriving!
The Robin Hood Line runs from Nottingham to Worksop via Newstead
Find out more about Newstead Abbey
Sheffield Peace Gardens and Winter Gardens
With Sheffield’s gothic Town Hall as your backdrop, Sheffield Peace Gardens are the perfect place to snap a photo or two. The fountains in the centre and cascades around the outside are there to represent the flowing molten steel which made Sheffield famous, but are great to capture when they’re in full flow. Find out more about Sheffield Peace Gardens.
Once you’ve finished here, head round the corner to the Winter Gardens. One of the largest temperate glasshouses to be built in the UK during the last hundred years, and the largest urban glasshouse anywhere in Europe, it is home to more than 2,000 plants from all around the world. Snap the building from the outside before heading indoors to find the perfect angle to capture the beauty of the gardens themselves. Find out more about Sheffield Winter Gardens.
Closest station: Sheffield - 10 minute walk
Nottingham Old Market Square
Situated in the heart of Nottingham, the Old Market Square is a hub of activity. A focal point for residents and visitors, it’s the largest public space in the UK after London’s Trafalgar Square.
The city council building is the focal point and offers a stunning backdrop to any photograph. The sprawling shopping streets which spread out in every direction from the square encapsulate the hustle and bustle of this metropolitan city.
Nottingham’s ‘beating heart’ is also the setting for major events and celebrations including the Riviera Beach every summer and the Christmas Winter Wonderland, so there’s always an opportunity to capture that perfect moment for the ’gram.
Closest station: Nottingham - 13 minute walk
Find out more about Nottingham Old Market Square
Cathedral Quarter, Derby
Arguably the most beautiful part of Derby city centre, the Cathedral Quarter is the epicentre of excitement in the city. With the cathedral to the north, Sadler Gate and the Old Bell Hotel to the west, and the QUAD arts centre, there are plenty of options when it comes to getting that perfect shot.
The Old Bell is a grade II listed coaching inn dating back to the 17th century, and its black and white exterior is the highlight of the Sadler Gate area. Derby Cathedral itself is a Georgian rebuilding, completed in 1725, and the cathedral tower dates right the way back to the 16th Century. You won’t struggle getting content for the grid here.
Closest station: Derby - 23 minute walk
Find out more about Cathedral Quarter Derby
Attenborough Nature Reserve
Nature photographers, rejoice. Established in 1966 and opened by Sir David Attenborough himself, Attenborough Nature Reserve is best known for its birds. But it’s not just the birds which are a photography highlight, the many nature trails around the reserve offer the perfect opportunity to capture nature at its finest.
Wheelchair friendly, the Tufted duck route, the Skylark trail and the Kingfisher trail all offer the chance to snap something beautiful all year round. Seasonal highlights include Butterflies (inc. brown argus) in Spring, Sand martins in Summer and Starling murmurations in Winter.
Closest station: Attenborough - 10 minute walk
Find out more about Attenborough Nature Reserve
St Paul's Cathedral, London
If you're looking for an extremely London-y view of London that isn't Big Ben or the London Eye, St Paul's Cathedral is the shot you're looking for.
For the best angle, head to Millennium Bridge. Standing on the bridge gives you the perfect framing and composition of the iconic dome of St Paul's, with the contemporary architecture of the City of London surrounding it.
Closest underground station: Euston - 1 minute walk
Find out more about St Paul's Cathedral
Belper Mills and River Gardens
Situated in Amber Valley and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001, Belper Mills offer the perfect picturesque capture. An arched footbridge connects the two sides of the Belper Mills complex and is an optimal place to stand and admire the mills. Find out more about Belper Mills.
The River Gardens lie adjacent to the Mills and offer beautiful shrubberies and colourful flowerbeds, together with a central bandstand. From the right angle, you can capture the gardens with the mills in the background - a shot sure to get those likes rolling in! Find out more about Belper River Gardens.
Closest station: Belper - 10 minute walk
Wherever you choose to head to on our network, you can be safe in the knowledge that there are plenty of photography opportunities along the way! Don’t forget to share your snaps with us on social - we’re always keen to see where you’ve been exploring.
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