Reconnect with the places you love

Friday, 6 August 2021

It’s been some time since we were all able to get out and about, and although the past 18 months may seem like a blur, now’s the time to rediscover some of the places you may have forgotten or discover somewhere totally new!

From the pubs and clubs of Sheffield to the sights and sounds of London and the vast beauty of the Peak District, get planning your next adventure.

Nottingham Castle

Nottingham

Historically, Nottingham has been known for its lace-making, bicycles (notably Raleigh bikes), and tobacco industries, but now it’s a thriving metropolis with plenty to see and do.

Fresh from an exciting £30 million revamp, the Nottingham Castle gates have swung open once more. Discover thrilling tales of Robin Hood and rebellion, explore historic caves, and let their carefully curated art collections and exhibitions inspire you.

Unknown to some, Nottingham city centre is home to a huge network of man-made caves which snake below the streets of Nottingham. Go deep into the network using the Nottingham Caves App , which will take you on a fascinating journey into the past.

Head to Hockley to soak up some of Nottingham’s indie charm. Quirky bars and laidback eateries nestle between vintage clothing stores, the first Rough Trade Records outside of the capital, and iconic jazz club, Peggy’s Skylight .

Grab tickets for a show at the Nottingham Playhouse . Crowned Regional Theatre of the Year in 2019, the Playhouse is one of the UK’s leading producing theatres, famous for its bold and imaginative productions.

Book your ticket to Nottingham

National Space Centre

Leicester

From the 800 year old market to its independent boutiques, Leicester is well known for its shopping. Discover the arcades and eateries of The Lanes, and the multitude of stores in the Highcross shopping centre.

Head to the King Richard III Visitor Centre and unravel medieval murder plots and follow the journey of the amazing evidence gathering that led to the discovery of his long-lost grave.

Then, in a final homage to England’s last true warrior king, you can see for yourself the very spot where King Richard III lay undiscovered for so long - his original grave site.

Marvel at the National Space Centre and see where Leicester gets its ‘Space City’ nickname from. Explore the six galleries crammed full of rockets, satellites and meteorites, and take in a show at the UK’s largest domed planetarium and ascend the iconic rocket tower.

If you’re after a bite to eat, head over to OGGI Simply Italian . The chef’s 25 years experience and research into the food of Italy is evident, and you’ll feel as though you’ve found a slice of Tuscany, right in the heart of the East Midlands.

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Emirates Air Line cable car

London

It’s no secret that the UK capital is bursting at the seams with places to visit, but have you ever properly acquainted yourself with London by hopping on a boat tour?

The London Eye 40 minute river boat cruise will take you through the heart of London along the famous River Thames, where you'll see some of the city's most famous landmarks including Houses of Parliament, Big Ben (Palace of Westminster), St Paul's Cathedral, Tate Modern, Tower of London, Shakespeare’s Globe, Tower Bridge and much more!

Discover the 900-year history of the Tower of London and learn about its time as a royal palace, prison and place of execution, arsenal, jewel house, and even a zoo!

Glide high above the Thames with the Emirates Air Line cable car with views over the Royal Docks and the O2. Treat yourself to sunset views over the river and watch the city come alive after dark with an extended night flight.

Eat your way through London's most recognisable sights with the Town House at The Kensington’s London Landmarks Afternoon Tea. Indulge in carrot cake in the form of The Shard, and enjoy a red telephone box made from rhubarb mousse.

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National Emergency Services Museum

Sheffield

The Steel City has plenty on offer to ensure an enjoyable day out. Recently shortlisted for UK City of the Year , Sheffield has everything from parks and gardens, to bars, restaurants and museums.

Tour Bullion’s Chocolate Factory and see the bean-to-bar method that goes into making their award-winning chocolate, and have a taste for yourself. Spend some time at the National Emergency Services Museum - the largest combined emergency services museum in the world! Housed in a historic, combined police, fire and ambulance station, the museum houses over 600,000 objects from historic uniforms and badges to medical equipment, and even the original Victorian police cells!

The National Videogame Museum is a good choice for all ages. Here, you can explore how videogames are made, who makes them, and even why they are made. You can even attend a workshop to see how you can create one for yourself!

If you’re after somewhere to stop for a drink or a bite to eat, there are plenty of new places that have opened up in Sheffield city centre, including the city’s newest rooftop bar - ALTO which offers food, drinks and an exclusive VIP area.

Book your ticket to Sheffield

Museum of Making

Derby

Derby is one of England’s most central cities, and a great place for a cultural day out! The brand new Museum of Making, located on the banks of the River Derwent and part of the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage site, showcases the region’s 300-year history of making and celebrates its rich history of innovation.

The Derby Market Place has been transformed into a live entertainment space, with a wide range of events and festivals coming to the Derby Loves You venue.

Take a tour around the Derby Brewing Company Microbrewery , and enjoy a detailed explanation of the brewing process by one of their highly knowledgeable brewers before sampling some of the latest brews straight from the cold store.

Hidden amongst the beautiful old buildings and cobbled pavement of Friar Gate is Pickford’s House . Explore the contrast between the master and the servant from the 18th to the 20th centuries, and enjoy the grandeur of the Georgian architecture and the changes which occurred in the house over its 250 year life span.

And if you’re after somewhere great to eat, the guys at Visit Derby have put a great list of some of the best places to eat and drink in the city together.

Book your ticket to Derby

Wherever you choose to reconnect with this summer, East Midlands Railway can get you there.

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