Student guide to the East Midlands: top 10 things to do

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The East Midlands is popular with students looking for charming towns, pretty countryside, vibrant cities and history aplenty. The variety of different lifestyles on offer means there’s loads to do, so keep reading for our top 10 things to do in the East Midlands.

1) Bailgate and Steep Hill

Good for: A picturesque walk full of history.

What it is: One of the most scenic and notable parts of Lincoln.

Why you should go: A stroll through this historic area is a must-do if you’re a student in the region. It’s steep but worth the climb! Explore independent stores, art galleries and clothes shops along this quirky street full of beautiful timber-framed buildings and Roman remains. You’ll also see the Newport arch – a chunk of Roman wall that somehow survived a collision with a fish van in the 1950s. There are plenty of places to grab a takeaway coffee or sit down for lunch, and Castle Square holds regular farmer’s markets.

2) Peter Pizzeria

Good for: Stuffing your face with delicious Italian cuisine.

What it is: Authentic and amazing Neapolitan pizza in Loughborough.

Why you should go: Peter pizzeria opened their very first restaurant in 2013. Now known to many as the best pizza outside Italy, they offer a traditional Neapolitan menu in a relaxed and quirky venue. Exposed brick, colourful artwork and upcycled furniture help create a fun dining atmosphere, but the important part is, of course, the pizza. Peters uses fresh ingredients sourced locally or from Italy on their specialist fermented sourdough base. There’s a great choice, from the classic margherita to a spicy diavola and vegan options. Feeling hungry yet?

3) The City of Caves

Good for: A unique underground experience.

What is it: The UK’s largest network of caves.

Why you should go: Amazingly, over 800 man-made caves are hidden below the streets of Nottingham. Visiting is a fun and memorable adventure perfect for history lovers or anyone who enjoys doing something a bit different. You’ll discover World War Two air raid shelters, a mediaeval tannery and the remains of Victorian slums. Join a tour or do a self-guided one with an audio guide to hear about the people who lived and worked in this subterranean maze.

4) Northampton Museum and Art Gallery

StJaBe, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Good for: Learning all about shoes

What it is: This city centre museum has the world’s biggest collection of shoes

Why you should go: For more than 150 years, Northampton Museum and Art Gallery has been a cultural centre full of exhibitions and events. Recently opened is the Shoe Gallery, with everything and anything to do with shoes. You’ll see the world’s biggest collection of shoe-related objects, with 15,000 shoes, shoe making devices, old advertisements and shoe fashion through the ages. If you’re not that into shoes, there’s plenty of archaeology, art and natural history to keep you busy.

5) Engine Shed

Photo © Richard Croft (cc-by-sa/2.0)

Good for: Seeing the best comedy and music

What it is: Lincolnshire’s biggest entertainment venue

Why you should go: Find the best music, comedy and weekly club nights in this huge old engine shed at the heart of Lincoln. Past acts include Kings of Leon, Marina and the Diamonds and Stereophonics, as well as top comedians like Jason Manford, Sarah Pascoe and Rhod Gilbert. The lineup for 2023 includes a variety of events with Razorlight, Taylor Swift club nights, Abba Disco Wonderland and a Rum & Gin Festival on the bill. It’s run by the University of Lincoln Students' Union, so you can be sure it’ll be a great night out with your new course mates.

6) Nottingham Goose Fair

Good for: A wholesome day out

What it is: Europe’s biggest travelling funfair

Why you should go: Taking place every autumn, Nottingham’s famous Goose Fair is a must do! It’s packed full of games, attractions and rollercoasters spread over 20 acres. Get your adrenaline pumping on white-knuckle rides and thrill seekers, or if you’re looking for a more relaxed experience there’s the big wheel and loads of sideshow games and fortune tellers. Food wise you’re well catered for, with traditional sweet treats like candy floss and popcorn, as well as plenty of food vans offering diverse international snacks. Entrance is free and you pay for the rides you go on, so grab your housemates and make a day of it.

7) Drag Bingo at Mailbox

Good for: A night full of drinks, laughs and prizes

What it is: Bingo with a drag queen twist

Why you should go: Join the award winning Miss Celine Begone in Lincoln, where she’ll delight and dazzle you with her bingo calls every Tuesday night. There’s new prizes every week, from hoodies to Prosecco and pornstars, as well as 2 for 1 cocktails. The self proclaimed ‘best pub in Lincoln’, Mailbox is a good idea any day of the week with bottomless brunches, comfort food and loads of craft beer and cocktails on offer. Plus there are great student discounts if you’re at the University of Lincoln.

8) Download Music Festival

JunkersPVFC, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Good for: Rocking out all weekend

What it is: The UK’s premiere rock festival

Why you should go: Thousands of metal fans from the UK and beyond make the annual pilgrimage to the spiritual home of rock in Donington Park, Leicestershire. This epic festival has seen the biggest names in rock perform over the last two decades, and is planning its 20th anniversary for 2023. This year, it’s going BIG. The line up includes Metallica, Slipknot and Bring Me The Horizon, along with another 60 acts performing over four legendary nights. New for 2023 is District X, a zone to explore bars, shops, tasty street food, secret shows and late night entertainment.

9) National Space Centre

stone40, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Good for: An out of this world experience

What it is: The UK’s largest planetarium, plus interactive galleries and the iconic Rocket Tower

Why you should go: Discover rockets, satellites, meteorites and more telling the story of space exploration. You’ll see spacesuits worn by British astronaut Tim Peake as well as costumes from the hit movie The Martian, and Buzz Aldrin's space underpants! Your ticket also includes a free show at the huge planetarium, where you might discover the secrets of our explosive origins or journey through the Milky Way to galaxies beyond. End the day in the 42 metre high Rocket Tower, an iconic sight on Lincoln’s skyline and home to two rockets and an Apollo Lunar Lander.

10) Rushden Lakes

Good for: Shopping, eating and more wholesome activities

What it is: A big shopping and leisure complex in Northamptonshire

Why you should go: Rushden Lakes is packed full of over 50 retail brands, from jewellery and fashion to sports, homeware and bookshops. It’s the perfect shopaholics day out with most of the brands offering student discounts, and a variety of restaurants and coffee shops. If you’ve bought what you need but don’t fancy going home yet there’s still loads to do. Take a walk around the sculpture trail just outside the centre, or hire a kayak or pedalo on the nearby lake. If it’s raining don’t worry, as there’s also a cinema and indoor adventure golf course to keep everyone entertained.

Key info about the East Midlands

No matter where you choose to study, there are plenty of great reasons to pick somewhere in the East Midlands. The main cities are Derby, Leicester, Lincoln, Northampton and Nottingham which are home to many universities. There are seven East Midlands unis in the top 100 Complete University Guide 2023 rankings, testament to the region’s teaching and education quality.

The University of Nottingham is part of the elite Russell Group and the global Universitas 21 network, and the University of Derby focuses on applied learning and real-world experience. Leicester is known as one of the most affordable places to live as a student, as well as the UK’s most multicultural town, so the University of Leicester is a diverse and inclusive place to study.

Although away from the main cities, the University of Loughborough is definitely worth considering, as it comes out top of the Complete University Guide’s 2023 rankings in the region.

Thinking about studying in the East Midlands but not sure what city or town is right for you? Check out our city guides to get a feel for the different atmospheres and activities on offer in the East Midlands' uni cities.

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Student guide to the East Midlands: top 10 things to do

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