East Midlands

Derbyshire is home to the University of Derby, plus Derby College, both located in its only city.

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 – and lavish estates, like Chatsworth House.

Leicestershire is home to De Montfort University, the University of Leicester, and Loughborough University, plus Leicester College, and Loughborough College.

The county's two most populated areas of Leicester and Loughborough have large student populations. 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 Lincoln University and Bishop Grosseteste University, plus Lincoln College – all in the historical cathedral city of Lincoln.

Largely rural and somewhat remote, Lincolnshire seems perfectly happy in its own company, as evidenced by some of its annual events and traditions. These range from the delicious (the Sausage and Cider Fest), to the bizarre (the World Egg Throwing Competition, and the Scarecrow Festival).

Northamptonshire is home to the University of Northampton, plus Moulton College.

While it doesn’t have any major cities, Northamptonshire is well connected, without sacrificing its relaxed pace of life.

London, Birmingham, and Oxford are less than an hour’s drive away. That said, the countryside ambience may occasionally be shredded by the roar of engines, from the home of Formula One racing, Silverstone.

Nottinghamshire is home to the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University, plus Nottingham College.

Most famously Robin Hood’s stomping ground, you can thank Nottinghamshire for a lot actually: running water, traffic lights, Ibuprofen – in fact Boots as a whole, 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.

Here, you’ll also find Normanton Church, which appears to float on the lake.