Situated in the heart of England, the Middle England staycation explores the cultural and historical characteristics of the area, from castles and cathedrals to magnificent stately homes. To keep some outdoor adventure in the mix, we've included two famous national parks
Nottingham city is buzzing with activity, culture, and heritage (including the Robin Hood Legend), all just a short walk from Nottingham Station, which provides transport links into the city and beyond. Nottingham's central hub pivots around the Old Market Square, with stores expanding out across the city and a plethora of restaurants, bars, and entertainment bursting out of the Lace Market area and 'Hockley village'. Try something new at one of Nottingham's many local breweries and Real Ale pubs, catch a show at the Theatre Royal, Royal Concert Hall, or Capital FM Arena, peruse stores at intu Victoria Centre, discover Nottingham castle and city caves, or enjoy a cocktail at Brass Monkey - explore more attractions and plan a visit at: https://www.jurysinns.com/hotels/nottingham/city-guide
Grand, beautiful and bursting with history, Chatsworth House offers a fantastic day out for all. This incredible stately home has over 30 rooms to explore, an impressive and 'significant art collection', 105 acres of grounds, which include sculptures, an 'Emperor' fountain, and a large maze. Chatsworth also runs a farmyard and a range of incredible events from regency balls to concerts. Read more and plan a trip at: http://www.chatsworth.org/
From light to dark landscapes, the Peak District National Park offers a great range of natural beauty, with crags, rivers, valleys, dales and more. Whether strolling the wild moorlands for breath-taking views, or partaking in a adrenaline inducing activity, the Peak District is a staycation 'must' for country adventurers. Learn more about the area and the many activities available at: http://www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/
For almost 300 years, Lincoln Cathedral was the tallest building in the world and 'arguably the finest gothic building in Europe'. Overlooking Lincoln and at the heart of the Cathedral Quarter, there is something for everyone, from intricate detailing and beautiful architecture to funny carvings and heritage. It is place of pilgrimage, a place of holiness and of prayer, but also a place to explore and learn. Read more and plan a visit at:http://lincolncathedral.com/
Home to one of the tallest church towers in England, Derby Cathedral offers a beautiful interior, bookshop, café, and tower tours. Learn more at: http://derbycathedral.org/Weekdays closure due to refurbishment until Sept 2015
Derby is a lively hub of English history intertwined with bustling modern life and full of city excitement. Discover the Cathedral Quarter, bursting at the seams with heritage and culture, peruse the Market Place and Market Hall (housed in stunning Victorian architecture), immerse in a vibrant café culture, shop until you drop at St Peters Quarter and intu Derby, or explore a range of museums and galleries. Great food can be found nestled in St Peters Quarter or at the Moonsha restaurant, and a drink should be enjoyed at Ye Olde Dolphin, Derby's oldest pub. Derby station is a short walk from the centre, offering easy transport links to and from the city. Learn more about what's on offer at: https://www.jurysinns.com/hotels/derby/city-guide
As the home of the legend of Robin Hood, Nottingham has much to offer around this iconic figure in English history. From the Robin Hood Festival and Sherwood Forest to the Robin Hood Town Tour and Nottingham Castle, this city offers the perfect opportunity to embark on a family adventure of intrigue, outlaws and justice. Learn more at: https://www.visit-nottinghamshire.co.uk/ideas-and-inspiration/robin-hood
Sherwood Forest National Nature Reserve is home to a myriad of veteran oaks five centuries old, with the world-famous Major Oak standing at the heart of the forest for roughly 800 years! The 450 acre country park is renowned as the legendary home of the outlaw Robin Hood - explore the forest, its ancient history, iconic legend, unique natural heritage, and more. Plan a visit at: https://www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/culture-leisure/country-parks/sherwood-forest
Magnificently situated on a hill, Belvoir Castle overlooks 16,000 acres of woodland and farmland. Visitors from all over the world are welcomed to the many events and attractions, from tours of the Castle and its art collection to the recently renovated gardens. Learn more at: http://www.belvoircastle.com/
Lincoln Castle is situated in the centre of beautiful, historic Lincoln, and offers a myriad of fantastic attractions. Explore the towers and dungeons on the 'Medieval Wall Walk', see a document that changed the course of history, the Magna Carta, and discover the inside of a Victorian Prison. Plan a trip at: http://www.lincolncastle.com/
With peeling paintwork and overgrown courtyards, Calke Abbey tells the story of the dramatic decline of a country house estate. Although a little run down, there are still many treasures to discover, beautiful walled gardens to explore, as well as Calke Park and a deer enclosure to visit. Plan a visit at: http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/calke-abbey/
Discover this spectacular Neo-classical mansion designed by architect Robert Adam and framed by historic parkland. Displaying an extensive collection of paintings, sculpture and original furnishings, Kedleston is a stunning example of an 18th century home and was used as a key filming location for 'The Duchess'. Read more and plan a visit at: http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/kedleston-hall/
Our Derby and Nottingham hotels sit central to many of the attractions in the Middle England staycation, providing two convenient bases to explore all the locations on offer. Prepare your perfect staycation by browsing the below distances and approximate travel times to each attraction from the closest city centre. We've also included a rough guide on how much time you might expect to spend at each location to make planning your trip that little bit easier!
| Attractions | Aprx Time Derby/Nottingham* | Aprx Distance Derby/Nottingham | Attraction Duration (excl travel time) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nottingham City | 0.5/0 hrs | 15/0 miles | 1 day |
| Derby City | 0/0.5 hrs | 0/16 miles | 1 day |
| Chatsworth House | 0.5 - 1hrs | 30/36 miles | 2 hours |
| The Peak District National Park | 0.5/1 hrs | 14/30 miles | 1 day |
| Kedleston Hall | up to 0.5/1 hrs | 5/20 miles | 2 hours |
| Derby Cathedral | up to 0.5 hrs/0.5 | 0.1/16 miles | 1 hour |
| Calke Abbey | 0.5-1 hrs | 16/20 miles | 1 hour |
| Robin Hood | 0.5/up to 0.5 hrs | 15/0.1 miles | 2 hours |
| Sherwood Forest | 1/0.5 hrs | 29/19 miles | 1/2 day |
| Belvoir Castle | 1/0.5 hrs | 36/17 miles | 2 hours |
| Lincoln Cathedral | 1.5/0.5-1 hrs | 58/38 miles | 1 hour |
| Lincoln Castle | 1.5/0.5-1 hrs | 58/38 miles | 2 hours |
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Derby City
Chatsworth House
The Peak District National Park
Times & Distances