The East Midlands counties of Lincolnshire, Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Rutland, Northamptonshire, and Leicestershire have plenty to offer anyone looking for a weekend break, any time of year. Here are some suggestions on where to go, what to see, and where to stay if planning to travel in January or February.
Weekend Breaks in January
Where to Go
Winter is the time for choosing a city break, then if the weather turns bad there are still plenty of indoor activities too. Of course visitors need to choose a city which offers those, and there can be few finer places than Lincoln.
Where to Stay
Minster Lodge is a delightfully friendly little guesthouse with just six rooms, and well located in Church Lane close to the cathedral and to the castle.
What to See
Lincoln cathedral is one of the finest in the country, and the best part of a day could easily be spent seeing its every corner. The castle nearby also offers plenty to interest the visitor, and the city is filled with historic buildings. It is also filled with historic pubs, good eating places, and entertainment options in the evening.
What to Do
If the weather is fine and crisp, Lincoln is quite compact and is surrounded by beautiful countryside that is quick and easy to get out into.
Weekend Breaks in February
Where to Go
February is the month to see the snowdrops in the Hodsock Priory Gardens. Despite the name this has never been a priory, but it has a fascinating history that goes back over 2,000 years. It is a private home and not normally open to the public, but an exception is made every February (give or take a day) as the snowdrop gardens here are quite spectacular and people come from miles to see them.
Where to Stay
Worksop is the nearest big town to the Hodsock Priory Gardens, and six miles southwest of Worksop in Holbeck is Browns Bed and Breakfast. Browns in the Old Orchard Cottage consistently wins 5 stars from organisations such as Enjoy England and the AA, and has been voted one of the nine best bed and breakfasts in England.
What to See
There are about 100 acres of woodland in the Hodsock Priory grounds, and the owners plan to plant another 1,000 new trees every year. It's an idyllic spot and very close to the Blyth turn-off on the busy A1.
What to Do
The nearest big town is Worksop, and while February in Worksop might not sound quite as appealing as, say, April in Paris, it has several heritage sites worth seeking out. These include Worksop Priory, which really was a priory and is now a parish church, and Clumber Park. The park is lovely all-year round, and a delightful place to go for some brisk winter walks.
*
See Also:
Weekend Breaks in the East Midlands in September and October
Weekend Breaks in the East Midlands in November and December
Weekend Breaks in the East of England in January and February
*
Mike Gerrard - Mike is an award-winning travel writer who has worked for National Geographic, the London Times, and many other clients. ...
