These three landlocked counties of central England are also united by their industrial links with the boot and shoe trade. In addition, Nottingham was once at the centre of the English coal-mining industry. Leicestershire has also had a long industrial tradition in knitwear and hosiery.
Things to do in Nottingham, Leicestershire and Northants The counties are bursting with historic sites. Nottinghamshire lies on the Roman Fosse Way. The Roman road of Watling Street passes through Northants, and there are numerous Roman settlements throughout the county. The Iron Age hill fort at Burrough Hill in East Leicestershire is one of the highest points in the county.
Top Destinations Worksop– Situated on the River Ryton, at the northern edge of Sherwood Forest, Worksop is the largest town in Nottinghamshire. Founded as an Augustinian priory in 1103, Worksop Priory now functions as a parish church.
Gainsborough – 20 miles to the north-west of Lincoln, Gainsborough was once an important inland port, trading with Hull and the North Sea ports. Gainsborough was briefly created the national capital by the first Danish king of England, Sweyn Forkbeard.
Melton Mowbray – Between Leicester and Nottingham, Melton Mowbray has been a market town for more than a thousand years, and is synonymous with a local culinary speciality, the eponymous pork pie. It is also said that Stilton cheese was first discovered being made on a local farm near to the town.
Market Harborough – Located in Leicestershire, on the county border with Northants, the town has been, at various times, at the crossroads of both road and rail travel. Now largely bypassed, the centre of Market Harborough has been made a conservation area. A footpath and cycleway alongside the canal forms part of the National Cycle Network, and continues on along the route of a former railway line. The Canal Basin has also been restored as a boating centre, with residential moorings in addition to workshops, restaurants and studios.
Rutland– The smallest landlocked county in central England is just 18 miles long. It has two towns, Oakham and Uppingham, with Rutland Water, an artificial reservoir, at its heart, acting as an important overwintering site for wildfowl and a breeding ground for ospreys.
Weedon – Near to Daventry, and transected by both the Grand Union Canal and the West Coast Mail Line railway, Weedon was once the focus of radar experiments during the 1930s. Next to the Canal is the site of a former Napoleonic War military ordnance depot, its central England location seen to make it a safe inland haven in the event of a French invasion.
The Stables, Markham Vale, near Chesterfield, Derbyshire
The Stables, a lovely mews cottage, sits in an ideal position in Markham Vale, north east Derbyshire. The cottage is located less than 2 minutes from Junction 29A of the M1 corridor. This is an ideal property for a family ...
Acer House, Fosters Booth, near Towcester, Northamptonshire, All Northamptonshire
This large, detached house with views overlooking fields and countryside from the rear garden is located in the pretty South Northamptonshire countryside. This luxury property is a great getaway for large families or ...
The Stables, Laneham, near Lincoln, Nottinghamshire, All Nottinghamshire
Sympathetically renovated, these former stables provide good sized holiday accommodation in a peaceful location. Enjoy many good cycle routes and walks throughout the area, including along the banks of the nearby River ...
The Garden Cottage, Finedon, near Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, All Northamptonshire
This holiday property is located in the village of Finedon, close to Northampton, and is set in an ideal location for exploring all that there is to offer. There are many local walking routes from the door, and a variety ...
Tucked away down a quiet street this listed 19th-century terraced cottage stands in the shadow of the mesmerising Ellis Windmill. Just a 5 minute walk past The Museum of Lincolnshire Life you arrive at Lincoln Castle, ...
Hall Farmhouse, Winkburn, near Newark, Nottinghamshire, All Nottinghamshire
Hall Farmhouse is set in the peaceful, rural hamlet of Winkburn, with views of Winkburn Hall and the church, and is set on the edge of the owner’s farm. Enjoy some stunning walks from your doorstep or explore the local ...
Lepus Lodge, South Carlton, near Lincoln, Lincolnshire
All on ground floor: Living/dining room/kitchen. Utility room. 1 double (four poster) bedroom with en-suite bathroom with bath, shower cubicle and toilet. ...
Cow Shed, North Scarle, near Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This converted holiday barn provides a peaceful retreat for those wishing to escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Adjacent to the owners’ home, it lies just 10 miles from Newark-on-Trent and 13 miles from ...
Weasels Way, Heathencote, near Towcester, Northamptonshire, All Northamptonshire
Ideal touring locationThis superb development of holiday barns (refs 29101, 29102, 29103, 29104, 29105, 29106, 29107, 29108 and 29115), situated on a working farm, offer an excellent base from which to explore the area or ...
This superb, semi-detached barn conversion is set in the peaceful countryside, on the owner’s 80-acre equestrian centre, yet only a short drive to Lincoln and Newark. Perfect for those wishing to take their horse on ...
Lovingly furnished to a very comfortable standard, this has to be one of the best apartments in the area for enjoying all that Lincoln has to offer. Set in a quiet residential area, 5 The Lodge’s accommodation itself is ...
Acer House, Fosters Booth, near Towcester, Northamptonshire, All Northamptonshire
This large, detached house with views overlooking fields and countryside from the rear garden is located in the pretty South Northamptonshire countryside. This luxury property is a great getaway for large families or ...
Acres View, Caythorpe, near Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, All Nottinghamshire
Whether as a touring base or for a relaxing break, Acres View is the ideal place to stay. Situated to the rear of the discreet owner’s barn conversion, with lovely views across open fields from the kitchen and living ...
This superb, semi-detached barn conversion is set in the peaceful countryside, on the owner’s 80-acre equestrian centre, yet only a short drive to Lincoln and Newark. Perfect for those wishing to take their horse on ...
This superb, semi-detached barn conversion is set in the peaceful countryside, on the owner’s 80-acre equestrian centre, yet only a short drive to Lincoln and Newark. Perfect for those wishing to take their horse on ...
This superb barn conversion is fully equipped to a high standard and set only 6 miles from Grantham, the A1 and main line to London, providing an excellent base to relax in and explore this area of Lincolnshire. There is ...
Campbell Lodge, Thorpe on the Hill, near Lincoln, Lincolnshire
Set alongside a fishing lake, and with its own private hot tub, this beautiful lodge is on a quiet park, with a golf course next to it, which has a bar and restaurant. The lodge has two ground floor bedrooms, and the ...
Delightful adjoining holiday cottage with easy access, lattice French windows and a Tourist Information Kiosk. Chestnut Cottage opens on to a south facing patio. Situated close to owner’s country house and small estate ...
Cow Shed, North Scarle, near Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This converted holiday barn provides a peaceful retreat for those wishing to escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Adjacent to the owners’ home, it lies just 10 miles from Newark-on-Trent and 13 miles from ...
Dukes Wood, Caunton, near Newark, Nottinghamshire, All Nottinghamshire
All on the ground floor.Open plan living space: With wooden floor.Living area: With Freeview TV, DVD player and double sofa bed (for flexible sleeping arrangements).Dining area.Kitchen area: With electric cooker, ...
Field Barn, Stapleford, near Newark-on-Trent, Lincolnshire
Whether you’re looking to relax or explore, this is a great base to do both. Tucked away in a quiet village, yet close to local major road networks, this semi-detached cottage makes it easy to explore the area. Guests ...
Foxes Den, Heathencote, near Towcester, Northamptonshire, All Northamptonshire
Ideal touring locationThis superb development of holiday barns (refs 29101, 29102, 29103, 29104, 29105, 29106, 29107, 29108 and 29115), situated on a working farm, offer an excellent base from which to explore the area or ...
George Lodge, Norton Disney, near Lincoln, Lincolnshire
All on the ground floor.Living room: With electric coal-effect fire, 42' Freeview TV, DVD player and French doors leading to garden.Kitchen: With electric cooker, microwave, fridge/freezer, dishwasher, washing machine and ...
Halfmoon Wood, Caunton, near Newark, Nottinghamshire, All Nottinghamshire
All on the ground floor.Open plan living space: With wooden floor.Living area: With Freeview TV, DVD player and double sofa bed.Dining area.Kitchen area: With electric cooker, microwave, fridge and dishwasher.Bedroom 1: ...
Hall Farmhouse, Winkburn, near Newark, Nottinghamshire, All Nottinghamshire
Hall Farmhouse is set in the peaceful, rural hamlet of Winkburn, with views of Winkburn Hall and the church, and is set on the edge of the owner’s farm. Enjoy some stunning walks from your doorstep or explore the local ...
Lepus Lodge, South Carlton, near Lincoln, Lincolnshire
All on ground floor: Living/dining room/kitchen. Utility room. 1 double (four poster) bedroom with en-suite bathroom with bath, shower cubicle and toilet. ...
Lindisfarne, Blisworth, near Towcester, Northamptonshire, All Northamptonshire
The property boasts a warm and welcoming atmosphere with plenty of space for a small family or couples holidaying together. After a brisk walk along the many pathways and bridleways surrounding the village, head back to ...
Merlin's Lodge, Long Bennington, near Newark, Lincolnshire, Grantham
Merlin’s Lodge is tucked away at the end of a lane next to the owner’s farmhouse and offers ideal accommodation for those looking to get away from it all. The location makes for easy access onto the A1 making this a ...
Oscar Lodge, Norton Disney, near Lincoln, Lincolnshire
All on the ground floor.Living room: With electric coal-effect fire, 42' Freeview TV, DVD player and French doors leading to garden.Kitchen: With electric cooker, microwave, fridge/freezer, dishwasher, washing machine and ...
Ostlers Cottage, Westborough, near Newark, Lincolnshire, Grantham
Situated in a peaceful courtyard on the owner’s non-working farm, just a leisurely stroll from a pub serving food in Dry Doddington, this really charming and comfortable holiday cottage adjoins farm buildings and offers ...
Otters Holt, Heathencote, near Towcester, Northamptonshire, All Northamptonshire
Ideal touring locationThis superb development of holiday barns (refs 29101, 29102, 29103, 29104, 29105, 29106, 29107, 29108 and 29115), situated on a working farm, offer an excellent base from which to explore the area or ...
Owls Hoot, Heathencote, near Towcester, Northamptonshire, All Northamptonshire
Ideal touring locationThis superb development of holiday barns (refs 29101, 29102, 29103, 29104, 29105, 29106, 29107, 29108 and 29115), situated on a working farm, offer an excellent base from which to explore the area or ...
Paddock Cottage, Stragglethorpe, Nottinghamshire, All Nottinghamshire
Located on a working farm and surrounded by fields, this semi-detached holiday cottage offers peaceful, well-appointed and comfortable accommodation for those looking for a relaxing break. It is only 9 miles from the ...
This delightful marina development is set in the midst of beautiful Lincolnshire countryside, adjacent to the Fossdyke Navigation Canal and just 2 miles by water from the centre of the historic city of Lincoln. This ...
This beautiful, cosy, semi-detached cottage, dating back over 200 years, sits in the best position in the village, right next door to the family and dog friendly village pub! This is the perfect getaway for couples, ...
Sherwood Forest Lodge, Kings Clipstone, near Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, All Nottinghamshire
Ideal for cyclists and walkers, this very smart, single-storey, detached lodge offers direct access to the National Cycle Trail and is adjacent to the expanse of Sherwood Pines and Sherwood Forest. Sherwood Forest Lodge ...
Stable Cottage, Caunton, near Newark, Nottinghamshire, All Nottinghamshire
Ground Floor:Open plan living space: With tiled floor.Living area: With Freeview TV, DVD player and double sofa bed.Dining area.Kitchen area: With electric cooker, microwave, fridge and washing machine.Wet room: With ...
Close to the centre of the village and only a very short walk to the local pub and the Manor Stables Craft Centre with café, Stone Lodge provides beautiful, detached holiday accommodation all on one level. An ideal base ...
The Barn, Gringley-on-the-Hill, Nottinghamshire, All Nottinghamshire
This attractive detached barn has been lovingly converted retaining many original features with the living room on the first floor to take advantage of the views. Situated in the grounds of the owner’s home next to the ...
The Garden Cottage, Finedon, near Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, All Northamptonshire
This holiday property is located in the village of Finedon, close to Northampton, and is set in an ideal location for exploring all that there is to offer. There are many local walking routes from the door, and a variety ...
United Kingdom cottages
