Explore the East Midlands
Discover historic cities, rolling hills, and famous legends. Explore Nottingham’s lace markets and Robin Hood tales, Leicester’s royal history, and Derby’s proud industrial past. Then head into the Peak District for wild views, fresh air, and outdoor adventure. The East Midlands offers the best mix of city energy and countryside calm — perfect for short breaks, family trips, and easy UK getaways.
Why you’ll love the East Midlands
- Culture and history: Visit Nottingham’s Lace Market and Nottingham Castle. Enjoy great food and bars in the Hockley area. In Leicester, learn the story of King Richard III at the Visitor Centre and see his tomb in Leicester Cathedral. Derby offers the Museum of Making and the charming Cathedral Quarter.
- Great outdoors: Walk or cycle the Peak District National Park, with trails around Stanage Edge, Bakewell, and Castleton. Explore the National Forest for woodland walks and family-friendly trails between Derbyshire, Leicestershire, and Staffordshire. Visit Carsington Water or Rutland Water for sailing, paddleboarding, and cycling.
- Sports and events: Enjoy football and cricket at City Ground, King Power Stadium, or Trent Bridge. Summer brings lively festivals, test matches, and open-air events. Winter means glowing Christmas markets across the region.
Getting there and around
Flights: Fly direct with Ryanair from Ireland West Airport to East Midlands Airport all year. Flight time is around 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Transfers: Skylink buses connect the airport with Nottingham, Leicester, Derby, and Loughborough. Services are frequent, affordable, and accept contactless payment.
East Midlands Parkway Station is nearby and links to Nottingham, Derby, Leicester, Sheffield, and beyond — just a short taxi or shuttle from the airport.
Getting around: Trams, local buses, and e-bikes make it easy to explore the cities. In the Peak District, hiring a car gives the most freedom. You can also take trains to hubs like Chesterfield or Sheffield and use local buses to reach walking trails.
When to visit
- Spring (Mar–May): Longer days for hiking and sightseeing, with fewer crowds.
- Summer (Jun–Aug): Peak festival season, cricket at Trent Bridge, and warm canal-side evenings in Nottingham.
- Autumn (Sep–Nov): Cooler weather but perfect for walking weekends and local food markets.
- Winter (Dec–Feb): Christmas lights, markets, and cosy pubs — ideal for value city breaks.
Ready to go?
Book your Ryanair flight from Ireland West Airport to East Midlands today. Plan a city break, a countryside escape — or both — in one easy, unforgettable trip.
For inspiration and itinerary advice for visiting the East Midlands region, please visit the official East Midlands Tourist site
