The 10 Best Architectural Buildings in East Midlands, England

A one of a kind architectural masterpiece that draws visitors from near and far. Children love the novelty of this sight. A genuine landmark and Ilkeston institution.

'I have always held and proposed against all comers to maintain that the Cathedral of Lincoln is out and out the most precious piece of architecture in the British Isles' - John Ruskin Lincoln Cathedral was for almost 300 years the tallest building in the world. Yet, in spite of its size, it is filled with intricate detail. Remigius, the Bishop who built the earliest part of the Cathedral in the Norman style, came over with William the Conqueror. Later, in Lincoln Cathedral the architects of the gothic style perhaps reached the pinnacle of their art. Everywhere you look there is the most intricate detail, walls, roofs elaborated by the finest carving. From the time of the death of the saintly Bishop of Lincoln, Hugh of Avalon who so lovingly restored the Cathedral after an earthquake in the 12th century, thousands of people have come on pilgrimage to this place of pilgrimage, holiness and prayer. In 1215 another Hugh Bishop of Lincoln, Hugh of Wells, was present at Runnymede along with Lincolnshire's Cardinal Archbishop Stephen Langton. When King John agreed to the barons' demands, copies of Magna Carta were made and distributed to sheriffs and cathedrals throughout England. Lincoln Cathedral's Magna Carta is one of only four from the original distribution still in existence. It is the only one to bear the name of its city.

Originally built in 1164 as an Augustinian priory, this became the ancestral home of poet Lord Byron.

Wollaton Hall is one of the country's finest Grade One listed Elizabethan mansions, set within 500 acres of beautiful parkland. Experience stunning architecture, exhibitions, a packed events program and an array of wildlife. Go behind the scenes on a variety of guided tours available throughout the year and on demand for groups. Other special events include costumed tours, puppet shows, craft fairs, Segway tours and our popular spooky Ghost Nights (not for the faint hearted!). Visit the Cafe in the Courtyard for light refreshments including freshly ground coffee, specialty teas and home made cakes.

78 Derngate is the only house in England designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh. It is now a multi award-winning visitor attraction offering an unforgettable day out in Northampton. Designed and remodelled by Charles Rennie Mackintosh in 1916, the house has been meticulously restored and opened to the public. On site: a boutique restaurant, light-filled art galleries, a stylish design shop and elegant spaces that can be hired for meetings, events and functions. 78 Derngate was the architect's final major commission; his visionary patron, Northampton model engineer, W.J Bassett-Lowke. It is the only place in the world where Mackintosh's mature architectural and interior style can be seen in their original setting. As such, the house has drawn many thousands of visitors from around the globe. Now you can follow in their footsteps and see this unique work from one of Britain's most influential and celebrated designers. Please note: To post a review for The Dining Room Restaurant ( a separate business ) you should search for their separate TripAdvisor page. Thankyou!

Kelmarsh Hall is a Grade I listed hall with gardens. Open to the public during spring/summer and available throughout the year for weddings & functions.

Gunby Hall is a country house in Gunby, near Spilsby, in Lincolnshire. Otherwise known as Tennyson’s ‘Haunt of Ancient Peace’, Gunby Hall is a fine ‘William and Mary’ red brick house, dating from 1700 and extended in the 1870s, located in a quiet corner of Lincolnshire. Many of the rooms are paneled and there is a beautiful oak staircase. The house contains collections of grand family portraits, elegant furniture and exquisite china. The Massingberd family had connections with many influential people of their day; from the Wedgewood family, Tennyson and the composer Ralph Vaughn Williams to Rudyard Kipling and Charles Darwin. Bennett Langton, James Boswell and Dr Johnson were also regular visitors to the house and there is a famous signed copy of Boswell’s ‘The Life of Dr Johnson’ kept in the Library. Joshua Reynolds’ paintings of Bennett Langton and his wife are part of the collection as well a beautiful grand piano that Ralph Vaughn Williams played when visiting the Massingberds. The exquisite garden is planted with traditional English plants, fruit and flowers. It has a dovecot that pre dates the house and a charming loveseat hidden away behind fragrant roses