East Midlands

Jane Austen once said that there was ‘no finer county in England’, having been inspired by Derbyshire’s visual gems.

These included the Peak District – a good chunk of its National Park sits here – with magical places to vist, like Bakewell, Eyam, and Chatsworth House.

The county's two most populated areas of Leicester and Loughborough have large student populations and diverse communities.

Beyond these, you’ll find lots of medieval towns, where regular markets selling local produce and collectibles are still very much a thing – cheese lovers can grab some local Stilton or Red Leicester.

Lincolnshire is home to the historical cathedral city of Lincoln.

Largely rural Lincolnshire has a range of annual events and traditions – from the delicious (the Sausage and Cider Fest), to the unexpected (the World Egg Throwing Competition, and the Scarecrow Festival).

The county is well connected, without sacrificing its relaxed pace of life. London, Birmingham, and Oxford are less than an hour’s drive away.

There's beautiful countryside to explore, contrasted by the roar of the Formula One circuit, Silverstone.

Most famously Robin Hood’s stomping ground, you can thank Nottinghamshire for running water, traffic lights, Boots, and HP brown sauce.

Nottinghamshire is swimming in culture and history, with no shortage of castles, estates, abbeys, concert halls, theatres, and festivals.

Rutland is England's smallest county, with just two towns among lots of pretty little villages.

It’s motto, ‘Multum in Parvo’ – meaning ‘much in little’ – is fitting considering its breathtaking scenery, particularly Rutland Water: the country’s largest man-made lake, and a haven for watersports, fishing, or simply relaxing with a picnic. You’ll also find Normanton Church here, which appears to float on the lake.