Discover the East Midlands: culture, forests and waterways

In Cromford, Sir Richard Arkwright had the world’s first successful water-powered cotton mill built in 1771. From this place, the view opens onto a region where industrial history, castles, forests and waterways offer very different travel ideas. The Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site stretches for 15 miles along the River Derwent, from Matlock Bath and Cromford in the north to the city of Derby in the south. It is the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in the East Midlands.

Castles, history and landscapes

Bolsover Castle also brings together architectural history and its setting: the castle stands on a ridge high above the Vale of Scarsdale, on the site of a medieval fortress. A seven-mile walking route connects Bolsover Castle with the ruins of Sutton Scarsdale Hall, passing through the countryside between the two places. If you plan this walk, check current trail conditions beforehand.

At the Ashby Canal, a walk takes you through a setting steeped in English history. The canal touches the western edge of Bosworth Field, where Richard III was defeated by Henry Tudor in 1485. Its towpath also offers a pleasant, level walking route. Its historical significance and the character of the path are separate reasons to spend time in this part of the region.

In Sherwood Forest, the Giants Trail passes ancient oaks, including the Major Oak. It is about a 15-minute walk from the visitor centre. Sherwood Forest Country Park covers 450 acres and includes ancient areas of native woodland. Sherwood is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Special Area of Conservation for its exceptionally well-preserved oak-birch forests in the United Kingdom.

Forests, waterways and seasonal experiences

The East Midlands’ waterscapes range from fast-flowing tidal rivers to tranquil, wildlife-rich canals, offering a variety of activities on the water. The Cromford Canal adds to this picture with five miles of towpath; the canal is rich in wildlife and designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest. This means you can discover both protected natural areas and routes with a clear connection to industrial history in the region.

A seven-day family event takes place in Sherwood Forest in August, with medieval attractions and entertainment, historical stalls and Robin Hood themes. Check the dates for the current year before you travel. The event is a seasonal highlight; the forest trails and historic sites offer independent reasons to visit at other times of year.

Cycling and walking at your own pace

At Sherwood Pines, two circular routes can be compared by length, difficulty and surface. The Maid Marion Trail is 6.4 kilometres long, easy, and combines quiet forest roads with off-road paths. At 11.2 kilometres, the Robin Hood Trail is longer and moderately difficult; it is suitable for mountain bikes only. These details can help you choose a route without treating the two trails as interchangeable options.

For a longer trip, the Coal and Canopy Way is a 251-kilometre gravel route through the National Forest, designed to take two to five days. It uses forest tracks, bridleways, canal towpaths and quiet roads. Check the latest route details before planning your stages. The Conkers Circuit, by contrast, is an off-road family cycling route in the National Forest, south of Swadlincote. The Ashby Woulds Trail is also described as an off-road family cycling route: it follows a former railway line and is part of the NCN63.

Another option is the Great Northern Greenway, National Route 672. The section between northern Derby and Breadsall is complete; the connection between Derby City and Ilkeston is planned. The route is flat and suitable for beginners. When choosing a route, you can compare these details with those of the longer, multi-day trails: length, difficulty, surface and planning time differ considerably.

Plan your accommodation and transport

The East Midlands is predominantly rural; travelling around the region is easiest by car. Leicester has good rail connections, and local regional trains make it easier to visit market towns. Check current train services before your trip. Castles, stately homes and museums also provide a great setting for a weekend stay.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Northamptonshire, Leicestershire, Rutland, Leicester, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Derby, Nottingham.

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