The East Midlands is a region in central-eastern England, forming the eastern portion of the broader Midlands. It combines a mixture of urban centres, former industrial towns, agricultural lowlands and upland areas. The region plays a varied economic and cultural role within England, with notable cities, market towns and university communities.

Counties and major places

The modern definition of the East Midlands usually includes the following administrative counties and areas. Major cities and towns within the region include Nottingham, Leicester, Derby and Lincoln:

Landscape and natural features

The region includes low-lying agricultural plains, river valleys and the western fringes of upland country. Parts of the Peak District extend into the western side of the East Midlands, giving access to moorland and gritstone edges. The highest point commonly quoted in the region is Kinder Scout in Derbyshire, a well-known upland plateau and popular destination for hillwalking. Coastal and fenland landscapes lie to the east in Lincolnshire, contrasting with the more wooded and hilly west.

Economy, transport and culture

The East Midlands has a diverse economy: traditional manufacturing and engineering coexist with contemporary services, logistics and food production, while agriculture remains important in rural parts. Transport infrastructure includes arterial roads and rail links between major cities and regional airports that serve both domestic and international flights. Cultural life is underpinned by theatres, museums, historic sites and higher-education institutions that contribute to research and local identity.

History and administrative identity

The concept of the East Midlands as a distinct region has developed over recent decades for administrative, planning and statistical purposes. Its boundaries reflect a mix of historical counties, economic connections and geographic features rather than a single historical polity. This has produced a regional identity that varies between heavily urbanised centres and sparsely populated rural districts.

Notable facts

  • The area contains important heritage sites, industrial monuments and market towns that chart the region's economic changes.
  • Educational and research institutions in the region are influential locally and nationally.
  • Landscape contrasts—from fens to upland moors—make the East Midlands geographically diverse within a relatively compact area.