Top 10 Budget-friendly Things to do in East Midlands, England

March 3, 2022 Leida Jutras

Discover the best top things to do in East Midlands, United Kingdom including International Bomber Command Centre, Hardwick Hall and Gardens, New Walk Museum and Art Gallery, Lincoln Cathedral, Poole's Cavern & Buxton Country Park, Crich Tramway Village, National Justice Museum, Lincoln Castle, Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve, Wollaton Hall and Park.
Restaurants in East Midlands

1. International Bomber Command Centre

Canwick Avenue B1131, Lincoln LN4 2HQ England +44 1522 514755 [email protected] https://internationalbcc.co.uk/about-ibcc/
Excellent
83%
Good
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Satisfactory
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5.0 based on 737 reviews

International Bomber Command Centre

The award winning IBCC opened to the public for the first time on the 30th January 2018. The site includes the one of the UK's tallest War Memorials, The Spire, which stands out on Lincoln's skyline at 31.09m tall, the same height as the wingspan of a Lancaster Bomber. The Spire is surrounded by curved walls which carry the names of 57,871 men and women who gave their lives whilst in the service of Bomber Command during WW2. The Spire is set in 10 acres of landscaped peace gardens, one which represents Lincolnshire's contribution to the war and one that recognizes the involvement of 62 nations in Bomber Command. The Chadwick Centre provides all our visitor facilities and hosts three exhibition galleries covering our core themes of Recognition, Remembrance and Reconciliation. There is also an education suite and facilities for corporate hospitality. Children's trails and craft sessions available. The site is free to visit but tickets are needed to gain access to the Exhibition.

Reviewed By earthtravelller

Spent nearly the whole day here exploring the excellent interactive displays which really brought history to life and walking in the peace garden and up to the memorial spire and walls with a fabulous view over Lincoln. Staff were so friendly and knowledgeable Lovely café with excellent food High quality gift shop Very well set out site A very fitting tribute to all those who served in Bomber Command in any role

2. Hardwick Hall and Gardens

Doe Lea, S445QT England +44 1246 850430 http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hardwick
Excellent
65%
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Satisfactory
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,480 reviews

Hardwick Hall and Gardens

Reviewed By Ceyzeriat - Chesterfield, United Kingdom

Hardwick Hall is one of the most important houses historically in the whole of the UK. It's not for me to say whether or not people will like what they find there but it should be on everyone's 'bucket list'! The location is stunning (forget the M1) and as the sun sets in the west, reflecting on the thousands of window panes you can imagine how the local peasantry must have marvelled at the opulence of it all.The National Trust have gone to great lengths to retain the atmosphere of an Elizabethan house and the restoration of the tapestries has been (and still is) a true labour of love. We're so lucky to live nearby and to be able to 'pop in' whenever we have a spare afternoon - we can appreciate both house and gardens in the ever changing seasons. Not to be missed and lots of things for the children to do.

53 New Walk, Leicester LE1 7EA England +44 116 225 4900 [email protected] https://www.leicester.gov.uk/leisure-and-culture/museums-and-galleries/our-venues/new-walk-museum-and-art-gallery
Excellent
49%
Good
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Satisfactory
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4.5 based on 775 reviews

New Walk Museum and Art Gallery

Leicester Museum & Art Gallery is a world of discovery with collections and displays spanning the natural and cultural world. General entry is free to all visitors. On the historic New Walk, the museum is a family friendly day out with galleries including Ancient Egypt, Dinosaurs, Wild Space, the Victorian art gallery, Arts & Crafts gallery, Picasso Ceramics: The Attenborough Collection and Leicester's internationally renowned collection of German Expressionism. The museum welcomes a vast array of temporary exhibitions, featuring works from the collections, touring exhibitions from national museums and a programme of contemporary art and craft displays. The museum hosts a range of events from curators' talks to lunchtime concerts, a cafe and museum shop.

Reviewed By mouseHerts

What a wonderful museum. It is packed full of exhibits including, dinosaurs, natural history, Egyptian artefacts, arts and crafts, ceramics, Victorian art. My favourite was the exhibition of children’s clothes. They were so intricately made with fine needlework and stitching. Children would enjoy going through the tunnels in the wild life section. So did I!

4. Lincoln Cathedral

Exchequergate House 18A Minster Yard, Lincoln LN2 1PX England +44 1522 561600 [email protected] http://lincolncathedral.com
Excellent
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4.5 based on 6,159 reviews

Lincoln Cathedral

'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.

Reviewed By X1381UAmichaels

Tour guides are excellent and this is a beautiful place in every sense Helpful and welcoming staff Enjoyed the cafe and exhibits We went back on several occasions Roof tour and floor tour worthwhile and look for the light coming through the stained glass windows and reflecting on the floor and columns

5. Poole's Cavern & Buxton Country Park

Green Lane, Buxton SK17 9DH England +44 1298 26978 [email protected] http://www.poolescavern.co.uk
Excellent
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Satisfactory
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,678 reviews

Poole's Cavern & Buxton Country Park

Poole’s Cavern is the most spectacular natural cavern in the Peak District. The cavern is famous for the spectacular and unique crystal formations including the longest stalactite formation in the region. Your expert guide will accompany you on a 45 minute journey through chambers once used as shelter and worship by prehistoric to roman visitors. See the cathedral sized main chamber carved from Limestone by an ancient river and follow safe and accessible walkways through beautifully illuminated passages on a journey deep underground. Back above ground browse through our rock and gem shop and view the archaeological discoveries from the cavern in the exhibition. Due to Covid restrictions we have a reduced cafe with take away drinks and snacks for 2020, lots of picnic tables for visitors. Complete your day with a stroll on our country park woodland trails with animal sculptures to find which lead to Solomon's Temple viewpoint at 439m above sea level and views of the Peak District.

Reviewed By 550bridgete - Milton Keynes, United Kingdom

Great place to visit, we had a very knowledgeable guide,the caves are amazing and are lit really well and with the guides torch you can see a lot, a real gem and well worth a visit

6. Crich Tramway Village

Cromford Road Crich, Matlock DE4 5DP England +44 1773 854321 [email protected] http://www.tramway.co.uk
Excellent
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Good
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Satisfactory
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,250 reviews

Crich Tramway Village

Crich Tramway Village is a family visitor attraction and home to the National Tramway Museum. Take a trip back in time and ride vintage trams into the open countryside. There's an enchanting Woodland Walk and Sculpture Trail, Tearoom, gift shop, children's play area, exhibitions and Workshop Viewing Gallery. We are open Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Monday 31st August and weekends from 10am until Sunday 1st November 2020. Please check our website for opening times: www.tramway.co.uk and download the Covid-19 Crich Tramway Village Guidelines.

Reviewed By KellyGreen123 - Mytchett, United Kingdom

Lovely day seeing trams, the museum, doing the woodland walks... the memorial hall is not a walk for the faint hearted - it took quite a while!! The views were amazing and the different trams to ride were fantastic Plenty of eateries, pub, tea room, icecream parlour and old fashioned sweetshop, as well as a selection of picnic areas! Loved it! Suitable for all ages, Ps the memorial walk isn't easy with a buggy or wheelchair mind u!

7. National Justice Museum

High Pavement, Nottingham NG1 1HN England +44 115 952 0555 [email protected] http://www.nationaljusticemuseum.org.uk/
Excellent
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Good
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Satisfactory
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,665 reviews

National Justice Museum

Based in Nottingham’s historic Lace Market, the National Justice Museum is housed in Nottinghamshire’s Grade 2 listed old Shire Hall and County Gaol. The Museum uses original Courtrooms, dungeons and prison cells, along with a number of more contemporary galleries to exhibit collections relating to justice, the law, crime and punishment in a fun and interactive way. When visiting the museum you may also meet a variety of colourful historical characters with different stories of justice to tell.

Reviewed By colino688 - Derby, United Kingdom

We really enjoyed out trip to the 'Galleries of Justice Museum' and the entrance fee was very reasonable. The exhibitions are interesting (I particularly enjoyed the forensics section) and every now and again you meet live actors who explain what life was like when the place was a prison. We also went into the exercise yard to watch the hanging and the witchcraft trail in the courtroom. My wife ended up in the dock which was fun. Despite calls from me to 'take her down' she did end up coming home with me!! There's lots of other things to do and a nice little cafe for a drink and a snack. We stayed about 4 hrs but could have stayed longer if we had of also gone on the architecture tour but my long suffering wife wasn't up for that. All in all a fun day out learning about justice old and new. One tip though, wrap up well if you go in the winter some areas are cold. .

8. Lincoln Castle

Castle Hill Castle Square, Lincoln LN1 3AA England +44 1522 554559 [email protected] http://www.lincolncastle.com
Excellent
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Good
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Satisfactory
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4.5 based on 5,164 reviews

Lincoln Castle

Three great attractions. One great day out. Medieval Wall Walk. Victorian Prison. Magna Carta. Enjoy spectacular views across Lincolnshire from our completed Medieval Wall Walk. Visit the David P.J. Ross Magna Carta Vault and see one of only four remaining original Magna Carta along side the Charter of the Forest. Immerse yourself in the lives of prisoners and their daily routines in the Victorian Prison and see the unique separate system chapel. 1000 years of history - where it happened. Winter Opening Hours: 10:00 - 16:00 Summer Opening Hours: 10:00 - 17:00

Reviewed By 356manfredb - Telford, United Kingdom

The main purpose for us to go to the Lincoln Castle during our visit to Lincoln was to see the Magna Carter signed by King John in 1215 and the Charter of Forest with the seal of King Henry III appended in 1217. These two supremely historic documents can only be viewed together at the Lincoln Castle, with no equal worldwide! The jail, crown court building and castle grounds are quite interesting and walking on top of the castle walls offers panoramic views of the Town and surrounding countryside. This is a must visit Tourist Attraction in Lincoln!

9. Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve

Gibraltar Point, Skegness PE24 4SU England +44 1754 762677 [email protected] http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/get-involved/top-reserves/gibraltar-point
Excellent
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Satisfactory
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 782 reviews

Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve

Reviewed By Fenmick - Alford, United Kingdom

Stunning visitor centre overlooking The Wash which has a cafe providing a great range of snacks and great food. There is also an information centre which runs various events throughout the year. Opening hours are restricted during the winter months and you will need to pay for parking.

10. Wollaton Hall and Park

Wollaton Hall, Nottingham NG8 2AE England +44 115 876 3100 [email protected] http://www.wollatonhall.org.uk
Excellent
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Satisfactory
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4.5 based on 3,926 reviews

Wollaton Hall and Park

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.

Reviewed By davidsH1722LB - Nottingham, United Kingdom

Being Nottingham family we must have visited Wollaton Park literally hundreds of times. And while a little more TLC wouldn’t go amiss from the City Council, or a good deal more respect for the park from its visitors, it’s still arguably Nottingham’s finest visitor attraction. From its small natural history museum (housed in the historic Wollaton Hall which incidentally doubled as Wayne Manor in the Dark Knight Batman blockbuster), to its equally historic Camillia House and gardens, through to its picturesque lake and herds of roaming deer, Wollaton Park is an all things to all people, something for everyone of every age location. Add to this huge swathes of grass, numerous walks, vast expanses of open space, shaded glades, numerous views, adjoining golf course, ample seating areas, a cafe, and farm and souvenir shops and a kiddies adventure playground and it’s just the place to take the kids, walk the dog, take elderly parents or simply walk, sit around and enjoy. Not only that but if you arrive on foot it’s free and even if you park it’s only £3 so hardly breaks the bank. Check the website though because in the warmer months the park hosts numerous events from car exhibitions to huge weekend pop concerts.

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