Visit

Visit - East Midlands

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

Bolsover Castle

Explore a fairytale hilltop castle

Gainsborough Old Hall

Discover a medieval manor house

Kirby Hall

The rise and fall of an Elizabethan mansion

Two children talk to Father Christmas in front of a Christmas tree

Celebrate Christmas with us

Get in the festive spirit this Christmas with our fun-filled events across the country.

Take the kids to meet Father Christmas and enjoy festive fun at our historic sites including following Tinkerbell at Kenwood and finding Shaun the Sheep at Belsay Hall and Wrest Park.

Find a Christmas event near you

Upcoming Events

Photo of three peacocks outside the holiday cottage at Kirby Hall

Meet the peacocks at Kirby Hall

The peacocks at Kirby Hall are a firm favourite among visitors. When you visit the Elizabethan manor, follow the children's trail featuring Edmund the peacock, who will lead you on an adventure to discover fun facts and activities.

Start exploring

Discover the Cavendish Horses

At Bolsover Castle you can experience the spectacular art of dressage. On select days, the castle’s Riding School is brought to life with displays performed to evocative Baroque music.

Find out more
Photo of the remains of Peveril Castle set in a snowy landscape

Climb to the top of a castle

Peveril Castle, in Derbyshire, is one of England’s earliest Norman fortresses. Take a climb up to the top of the castle and enjoy breath-taking views over Hope Valley.

 

Plan your visit

Enjoy a picnic with spectacular views

Our atmospheric sites make the perfect location for a picnic. Enjoy looking out on the beautiful moat at Kirby Muxloe Castle, the striking ruins of Ashby De La Zouch Castle and the stunning recreated gardens at Kirby Hall.

  • A Weekend in Derbyshire

    Between the M1 and the moors lie the manor houses and market towns that were once the domain of the remarkable Bess of Hardwick. Explore this diverse county on a history-inspired weekend away.

  • Walking Guide: Bolsover Castle to Sutton Scarsdale

    Facing each other across a valley, Bolsover Castle and the ruin of Sutton Scarsdale Hall seem very different. Discover the landscape which connects them on the 7 mile countryside walk.

  • A weekend in the East Midlands

    For a weekend away, there are castles, houses and museums to explore in the East Midlands. Stay at Kirby Hall’s peacock cottage and explore the history around every corner of this county.

A family sits together outside a castle

Join today for a whole year of adventures from just £42

Membership unlocks unlimited days out at over 400 amazing historic places along with loads of other benefits.

What's more, as a member, you'll be part of a charity that's on a mission to bring millions of people closer through heritage.

Join today
Image supporting the Million and More appeal - shows a conservator examining a collection object

Million and More Appeal

More than 85% of our collections are protected within stores across the country, that's more than a million historic objects. Every piece in our collections tells a story about England's past and helps us to understand our present. We care for these objects to safeguard the stories that define who we are and to ensure they last for future generations. 

We urgently need your help to protect these stories and stop them being lost forever. 

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