East Midlands
View information on the flights from Newquay to East Midlands with bmibaby on the East Midlands timetable Summer 2010
East Midlands Airport is located in the heart of England. Visitors to Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire and Derbyshire can experience a vibrant cosmopolitan life in the thriving cities, with aspirational shopping and contemporary eating, alongside awe-inspiring architecture and world-class performing arts. Those who venture into the region's glorious countryside will be rewarded with stunning landscapes, pretty villages steeped in history and quaint market towns such as Bakewell and Castleton. The breathtaking Peak District National Park is a definite 'must-see' together with a visit to Sherwood Forest to retrace the steps of Robin Hood.
Nottinghamshire
Nottinghamshire is a green, rural and historic county with a lively university city at its heart and excellent shopping opportunities; a county where Robin Hood's presence is never far away. Throughout Nottinghamshire there are various highlights for you to explore including:
Visit the grounds of Newstead Abbey: and share the same inspiration enjoyed by the poet Lord 
Byron during his residence here. Learn more about the ghosts of Newstead Abbey, such as the Black Friar and the White Lady? Find out just what the poet Byron got up to at Newstead Abbey, including the creation of the infamous skull cup? Are you interested in learning more about the Victorian families who made their mark on this beautiful country estate? If any of these subjects interest you, you may wish to book a themed tour of Newstead Abbey. Tours are led by Newstead Abbey's knowledgeable guides, and last approximately an hour and a quarter. Families can have fun trying on replica period costumes in the Dressing Up Room, and spotting the various animals throughout the Abbey, such as the painting of Byron's dog
Bone Corporation: Get a shadowy insight into Victorian mayhem and misery by following Ezekial Bone deep into the dark heart of the Lace Market area of Nottingham. The Bone Corporation runs a number of gorey and gut wrenching tours designed to thrill and chill. Walk with the ghosts of the past and hear about famous folk, celebrated artists and historical events, set against the backdrop of the 
City - ancient pubs and haunted caves, the Theatre Royal & the Market Square, the Lace Market, The Park & the Castle. Facts are woven into rousing tales and laced with idle gossip, painting a picture of life in Nottingham through the ages and into the future.
Sherwood Forest: Britain's 'heart of oak' is known throughout the world as the home of legends. The birth place of Robin Hood and Sherwood Forest are an essential part of the nation's heritage and for millions of people the name conjures up visions of mighty oaks and wild forest glades The Sherw
ood landscape and its tranquility is central to public enjoyment and the region's quality of life. Plug into the Robin Hood audio tour, visitors can follow in the footsteps of the legendary hero on a tour of the county's key locations.
Southwell Workhouse: Is one of the best-preserved and authentic 19th century workhouses in England, you can explore the workshops and dormitories of this imposing early 'welfare' institution and Meet 19th-century inhabitants with Interactive displays chart poverty through the ages
Galleries of Justice – The only museum of its kind in Europe! Here the preserved site of Nottinghamshire's old courthouse and county gaol and a well maintained vast collection of spine chilling artifacts relating to crime and punishment over the last three centuries are held. and you can take an insightful look into crime and punishment over the centuries including a real life court situation
New Art Exchange: Within Nottinghamshire is this striking black brick building is the largest space 
outside London dedicated to African, Afro-Caribbean and south Asian arts. Just a 10 minute tram ride out of the city, everybody is welcome to enjoy the innovative exhibitions and performing arts programmes.
Broadway Media Centre: Also in Nottingham Broadway provides a unique cinema-going experience, with a packed programme of film screenings, festivals, talks, exhibitions and cultural events. In 2007, Total Film magazine listed Broadway as one of the top 10 cinemas in the world. It's an essential destination for any visit to the East Midlands, with four cinema screens and the world's first (and only) Paul Smith designed cinema auditorium and a stunning glass front hosting digital art projections.
Northamptonshire
Thatch and stone cottages, village greens and traditional pubs, stately homes and meandering canals. It's all on tap in Northamptonshire - right in the very heart of England. Various highlights in this area include:
Silverstone: Home to British Formula 1. For a once in a lifetime opportunity, visitors can choose their wheels and screech off around the circuit at Silverstone.
Althorp: Visit the ancestral home of the Spencer family and final resting place of Diana, Princess of Wales.
Fawsley Hall: Enjoy Northamptonshire's elegant and luxurious accommodation at the magnificent Fawsley Hall or succumb to some pampering at the spa resort at Whittlebury Hall.
Rockingham Castle: A castle built by William the Conqueror overlooking the Welland Valley. For the Younger Visitors there are masses of big open spaces for children to run around in and enjoy themselves. 
Outside tours are complimentary and last approximately 30 minutes and cover the development of the Castle through the ages. Visitors to the Castle can tour the inside in their own time the various rooms show how the castle has changed through the ages.
Lincolnshire
Lincolnshire is a county of contrasts. With the rolling hills of the Wolds – an area recognised as a place of outstanding natural beauty, historic architecture coupled with the vibrant city culture of Lincoln, quintessentially English villages and towns nestled in peaceful countryside and famous beaches where visitors can enjoy a traditional family seaside break. Lincolnshire has something for everyone.
Lincolnshire Cathedral: dominating Lincoln's skyline and attracting international visitors and film crews alike. Climb the cobbled Steep Hill up to Lincoln's historic Cathedral quarter and explore the second hand book shops and tearooms before taking in a tour of the magnificent Norman Cathedral. This is one 
of the finest medieval buildings in Europe, which towers above Lincoln making it a prominent landmark for miles around. The imposing West Front incorporates the surviving part of the first Romanesque Cathedral dating from 1072.
Local Produce: Get a taste for Lincolnshire and its mouthwatering local produce. With many more delicacies on offer than the famous Lincolnshire Sausage, be sure to try a traditional Lincolnshire tea of plumbread and wash it down with local ale. Look out for the Tastes of Lincolnshire logo for an indication of local quality produce.
Enjoy miles of sandy coastline from tranquil beaches such as Gilbraltar Point with its abundance of wildlife or Anderby Creek with its serene views.
Burghley House: the largest and grandest House of the first Elizabethan Age. History can come alive in a single trip whether it is to enjoy a guided tour, take a dog for a walk in the park, and take the children to paddle, see the Teddy Bear's picnic in the Gardens of Surprise or take time over lunch in the Orangery. Visitor facilities include the Orangery Restaurant, Gift Shop, Gardens of Surprise and beautiful walks around the historic parkland laid out by Capability Brown. The House is open for viewing with guides and stewards in each of the rooms to answer any questions which you have. You are welcome to spend as long as you wish in the State Rooms.
Belton House: This is a 17th-century country house with magnificent interiors, beautiful gardens and extensive parkland. It is also the Film location for the BBC's Jane Eyre, Pride and Prejudice and Tom Jones, the house is home to Stunning silver and furniture collections, children and parents can dress up in 
Victorian clothing. The gardens include Orangery, Italian Garden with fountain and Dutch gardens. There is also a Landscaped deer park for year-round walks and the National Trust's largest adventure playground along with the Discovery Centre which has wildlife-themed activities
Bathing Beauties: These famous beach huts in Lincolnshire are a linear gallery of permanent seaside architecture along the coastline that put a modern twist on the traditional British Beach Hut. Designs include Jabba, the world's first contemporary 'cave' in the form of a hut and Oyster Plesance, based on the structure of an oyster that opens to reveal a circular seating area. 
The Hub: National Centre for Craft and Design: Is based in Sleaford, Lincolnshire. The centre provides the largest gallery space for contemporary crafts in Britain outside London, offering an exciting and challenging programme of exhibitions throughout the year.
The large shop is where you are able to purchase your own contemporary craft items. There is also a fully licensed riverside café.
Rutland
Rutland, the UK's smallest county, is renowned for its man made reservoir which offers everything from sailing, cycling and walking to wildlife, it's charming market towns and a rich selection of award winning pubs and restaurants.
Rutland Water: An attractive 3,100 acre reservoir has an international reputation for providing a balance of sport, leisure and wildlife conservation and offers everyone the opportunity to try something new, from windsurfing and canoeing to rock climbing and fishing.
Grainstore Brewery: Rutland's traditional brewhouse plant and public house
Barnsdale Gardens: There are over 38 individual gardens each one offers practical concepts that you can use at home as well as botanically labeled plants, the gardens are set in an 8-acre site which gives you plenty to see and do. The garden has been referred to as a 'theme park for gardeners' and comes from the creation of Geoff Hamilton, Britain's most loved television gardener.
Normanton Church Museum: Rutland's most famous landmark was lucky to have escaped being demolished as it was below the high water line of the proposed reservoir. It was deconsecrated in 1970 and a Trust was formed to try and ensure its preservation. It is now a Water Museum and it is a dominant feature in the landscape at Rutland Water. See the story of the reservoir from dinosaur fossils, an Anglo-Saxon skeleton, and a fascinating video of the reservoir's construction.
Leicestershire
As a destination, Leicestershire is a firm favorite among the young and old alike. The region's rich historical legacy brings the past to life framed by the back drop of crags, canals and countryside.
Explore the region's industrial heritage on board a steam train at the Great Central Railway or jump on a canal barge on the famous Great Union Canal.
Find out how to bake a traditional Melton Mowbray Pork Pie at Ye Olde Pork Pie Shoppe.
National Forest: over 700 miles of trails to enjoy, offers acres of opportunity for walking, cycling and horse riding.
Belvoir Castle: the ancestral home of the Duke and Duchess of Rutland. The Castle houses many treasures collected throughout the ages and boasts one of the largest private art collections in the country. The Castle contains many pieces of fine French furniture, Italian sculpture and magnificent tapestries.
Leicester's National Space Centre: Launch into space at and understand the past and future of man's relationship with the stars and planets. Take a journey through the six hands-on galleries, stopping at over 150 interactive experiences, then travel in the glass lifts through three floors in the 42m high Rocket Tower. Sit back in awe in the UK's largest planetarium; the Space Theatre, as you are taken on a voyage 
of discovery in the 360° full dome experience.
The CURVE: This is the spectacular new state-of-the-art theatre in Leicester. Designed by world-renowned architect Rafael Viñoly, the Curve is one of the best-equipped and most up-to-date theatres in the UK. The open-plan design means you can see behind the scenes and feel a real part of any performance. There is also a café bar to relax and enjoy the architecture and atmosphere.
New Walk Museum & Art Gallery: Leicester's oldest museum is located in the historic New Walk area of the city and contains a wide-range of collections spanning the natural and cultural world. Permanent collections include 'Leicestershire's Rocks', 'Mighty Dinosaurs', and 'Ancient Egyptians
First class family attractions include:
- Twinlakes Park: This has an exciting variety of family rides and attractions set in 60 acres of glorious countryside. Action packed play zones entertain the whole family. Whatever the weather expect a full day of play in massive indoor venture centre's complete with 5 rides. Enjoy fascinating flying displays in the falconry centre, friendly animals, ferret racing and cute birds in the Red Rooster Farm centre. There's big zones for small kids with interactive soft play centre's, absorbing wild west city, challenging attractions and a host of activities to give maximum fun.
- Twycross Zoo: The zoo is dedicated to preventing threatened species whilst providing education, study and wonder for our many visitors. It appeals to all ages and spans some 50 acres that is home to around 1000 animals, including the most comprehensive collection of primate species in the world; hence it is easy to appreciate why this is one of the midlands top attractions.
- Conkers Discovery Centre: This is an award-winning attraction in the Heart of the National Forest, and has a unique mix of indoor and outdoor experiences. The Discovery and Waterside Centre's have over 100 interactive exhibits including a simulated tree top canopy walk, and the new enchanted forest.
Derbyshire
From the wild expanses of heather moorland to gently rolling dales dotted with picturesque stone villages, this beautiful area is brimming with inspiring history and heritage. Here you will find something for everyone.
Chatsworth: The home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, one of Britain's best loved historic estates and the heart beat of the Peak District National Park. Includes Houses and gardens; With famous works of art, a working farmyard, spectacular fountains and the finest shopping and eating, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Haddon Hall: a totally unchanged Tudor manor house, dating from the 12th Century and is the home of Lord and Lady Edward Manners whose family have owned it since 1567. It is a much sought after film location, with impressive rose gardens. Ithas featured in many films and TV programmes including, most recently Pride and Prejudice starring Keira Knightly, Mathew MacFadeyn, and Dame Judy Dench., also BBC's 2006 production of Jane Eyre starring Toby Stevens and Ruth Wilson.
Heights of Abraham: Since first opening its gates to visitors in 1780 the Heights of Abraham has 
remained one of the Peak District's most popular destinations. Rising from the valley floor, the observation cable cars transport you in comfort and safety and allow stunning views of the Derwent Valley and surrounding Peak District. The Masson Cavern lets you experience first hand the spectacular cavern system as it winds its way deep underground and into the hillside. The Rutland Cavern here, young and old alike can head underground to experience a day in the life of a 17th Century lead mining family. The Fossil Factory brings to life fun and interesting facts about rocks and fossils and the formation of the Peak District. In addition there is a film presentation about one of the Heights' own showcases The Great Masson Cavern and perhaps most excitingly it is home to the fossilised remains of a giant Ichthyosaur, alive at the same time as the dinosaurs. At around 3 metres long it is one fossil you won't want to miss. Children can test their wits on the Explorers Challenge or take the plunge down the giant slide.
- Enjoy the ancient practice of Well Dressing, found in many of the market towns and villages between May and September.
- Take in the panoramic vista from Stanage Edge, a famous haunt of climbers and strike a pose like Keira Knightly in Pride and Prejudice.
- Feast on sumptuous Bakewell Pudding, a unique delicacy to the area, completely different from the Bakewell Tart.
- Visit famous film locations including Chatsworth and Kedleston Hall, recently used in the filming of 2008 movie, The Duchess.
QUAD: Based in Derby is a centre for art and film where there is always lots to see and do. QUAD's facilities include two cinema screens showing the best in independent, world and Hollywood film, a large contemporary art gallery and a café bar serving the best in local produce.
For more information on visiting East Midlands view: www.discovereastmidlands.co.uk
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