Days Out in the East Midlands

From lavish houses and palaces to invigorating spring walks and spectacular views from hilltop castles, a day out in the East Midlands is an adventure for all the family this season.

We have now switched to our summer opening hours, meaning that there is even more time for you to enjoy our properties and events on your visit. Please check opening times before you travel.

Places to visit in the East Midlands

Kirby Hall: One of England's greatest Elizabethan houses with exceptional recreated formal gardens.
Bolsover Castle: A uniquely preserved example from an age of extravagance.
Peveril Castle: Stunning views over the Peak District from this Norman fortress and latter-day prison.

Featured events

Action-packed events for all the family this spring:

Members' events: Get hands on with these exclusive events.
Clash of Knights: Join us for the ultimate in historical combat.
Knight and Princess School: Head back in time for medieval themed activities.

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In East Midlands

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Our highlights

Enjoy an invigorating walk with stunning views over the Peak District at Peveril Castle.
Interactive fun for the kids and fabulous views at Bolsover Castle.

Places to visit : East Midlands

Bolsover Castle

Derbyshire

'By an unlikely miracle, the keep at Bolsover has survived into this century as an almost untouched expression in stone of the lost world of Elizabethan chivalry and romance.'

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Peveril Castle

Derbyshire

Founded soon after 1066 by William Peverel, one of William the Conqueror's most trusted knights, Peveril Castle offers breathtaking views of the Peak District from its position high above Castleton.

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Hardwick Old Hall

Derbyshire

The remodelled family home of Bess of Hardwick, one of the richest and most remarkable women of Elizabethan England, stands beside the New Hall she raised later in the 1590s.

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Kirby Hall

Northamptonshire

Kirby Hall is one of England's greatest Elizabethan and 17th-century houses. Begun by Sir Humphrey Stafford, it was purchased by Sir Christopher Hatton, one of Queen Elizabeth's 'comely young men'.

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Ashby de la Zouch Castle

Leicestershire

Ashby Castle forms the backdrop to the famous jousting scenes in Sir Walter Scott's classic novel of 1819, Ivanhoe. Now a ruin, the castle began as a manor house in the 12th century.

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Lincoln Medieval Bishops' Palace

Lincolnshire

Standing almost in the shadow of Lincoln cathedral, with sweeping views over the ancient city and the countryside beyond.

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Events : East Midlands

Cavendish's Horses Return!

Venue: Bolsover Castle, Derbyshire
Date: Sat 25 & Sun 26 May 2013

For the first time in over three centuries visitors will witness breathtaking displays of the advanced dressage techniques championed by William Cavendish. Every weekend from Easter until September unique performances will take place twice daily.

Time Travellers Go... Knight and Princess School

Venue: Bolsover Castle, Derbyshire
Date: Tue 28 - Fri 31 May 2013

Give that toy sword a whirl or put on your prettiest dress and head back in time for activities on a medieval theme. Transform yourself into a noble lord in squire training, and even try on armour in our academy for budding knights and princesses.

Cavendish's Horses Return!

Venue: Bolsover Castle, Derbyshire
Date: Sat 1 & Sun 2 Jun 2013

Cavendish's Horses Return!

Venue: Bolsover Castle, Derbyshire
Date: Sat 8 & Sun 9 Jun 2013

Cavendish The Equestrian Scholar!

Venue: Bolsover Castle, Derbyshire
Date: Sat 8 Jun

Join Dominic Sewell of Historic Equitation at Bolsover Castle as we take a look behind the scened of the re-interpretation of William Cavendish's Riding House.

Cavendish's Horses Return!

Venue: Bolsover Castle, Derbyshire
Date: Sat 15 & Sun 16 Jun 2013

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