This week we stop by the East Midlands airport  in the countryside (the only one in the Midlands in fact), and while it may not sound as the most happening place in the country it still managed to surprise us with its beauty and history. Plus, our  Thistle East Midlands Airport Hotel is right next door.

The airport is part of Castle Donington, a village with a population of around 7,000. Along the main road, you can find timber-framed houses from the 17th century next to modern shops.

Originally, the airport was a Royal Air Force Station but is now a hub for low fair airlines, serving a range of domestic and European short haul destinations. With its great location at Castle Donington, it lies between Derby, Leicester and Nottingham within a 20 mile radius.

A little known fact is that Derby has been crowned the “Ghost capital of Great Britain” by the BBC with over 1,000 paranormal sightings recorded in recent years. It’s something the people of Derby are extremely proud of, and there are plenty of ghostly adventure walks organised if you want to know more while you’re there.

Where to go

For lunch – both based in Loughborough, approximately 20 mins from the Thistle East Midlands Airport Hotel

For dinner – both approximately 15 mins from the Thistle East Midlands Airport Hotel

For a sunny day

For a rainy day

  • Donington Park has a museum on site full of history

 

For some free-time fun

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