All Cities – East Midlands
The East Midlands brings together an unusually wide mix of locations. From historic cities with Roman foundations to snug market towns and modest villages, the region covers everything from rural charm to urban character. What unites them is a sense of place, often shaped by centuries of industry, agriculture, and quiet resilience.
This page organises cities, towns, and villages alphabetically by status. Use it to get a feel for the geography, track county-level patterns, or simply browse through names you might have overlooked. Whether you're house hunting, planning a trip, or comparing local areas, this list gives you a helpful starting point.
Established Cities & Towns
| Name of City or Town | County |
|---|---|
| Chesterfield | Derbyshire |
| Derby | Derbyshire |
| Kettering | Northamptonshire |
| Leicester | Leicestershire |
| Lincoln | Lincolnshire |
| Loughborough | Leicestershire |
| Mansfield | Nottinghamshire |
| Nottingham | Nottinghamshire |
General Towns
| Name of City or Town | County |
|---|---|
| Alfreton | Derbyshire |
| Boston | Lincolnshire |
| Coalville | Leicestershire |
| Corby | Northamptonshire |
| Grantham | Lincolnshire |
| Hinckley | Leicestershire |
| Ilkeston | Derbyshire |
| Market Harborough | Leicestershire |
| Melton Mowbray | Leicestershire |
| Newark | Nottinghamshire |
| Spalding | Lincolnshire |
| Swadlincote | Derbyshire |
| Wellingborough | Northamptonshire |
| Worksop | Nottinghamshire |
Smaller Towns & Villages
| Name of City or Town | County |
|---|---|
| Alford | Lincolnshire |
| Ashbourne | Derbyshire |
| Ashby-De-La-Zouch | Leicestershire |
| Bakewell | Derbyshire |
| Belper | Derbyshire |
| Bourne | Lincolnshire |
| Brackley | Northamptonshire |
| Buxton | Derbyshire |
| Daventry | Northamptonshire |
| Dronfield | Derbyshire |
| Gainsborough | Lincolnshire |
| Glossop | Derbyshire |
| Heanor | Derbyshire |
| High Peak | Derbyshire |
| Hope Valley | Derbyshire |
| Horncastle | Lincolnshire |
| Ibstock | Leicestershire |
| Louth | Lincolnshire |
| Lutterworth | Leicestershire |
| Mablethorpe | Lincolnshire |
| Market Rasen | Lincolnshire |
| Markfield | Leicestershire |
| Matlock | Derbyshire |
| Oakham | Rutland |
| Retford | Nottinghamshire |
| Ripley | Derbyshire |
| Rushden | Northamptonshire |
| Skegness | Lincolnshire |
| Sleaford | Lincolnshire |
| Southwell | Nottinghamshire |
| Spilsby | Lincolnshire |
| Stamford | Lincolnshire |
| Sutton-In-Ashfield | Nottinghamshire |
| Towcester | Northamptonshire |
| Wigston | Leicestershire |
| Woodhall Spa | Lincolnshire |
FAQs About East Midlands Cities and Towns
What are the largest cities in the East Midlands?
Nottingham and Leicester are the biggest cities in the East Midlands, both in terms of population and influence. Derby is also a major player, especially in engineering and transport. These three form the region’s core urban triangle.
Which counties make up the East Midlands?
The East Midlands region includes Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, and Rutland. Each brings something distinct, from Lincolnshire's long coast to the undulating hills of Derbyshire.
Is Rutland a city or county?
Rutland is a ceremonial county and the smallest in England by area. Its only market town is Oakham. Despite its size, it's rich in character and noticeably rural. No part of Rutland holds city status.
Which East Midlands towns are growing quickly?
Places like Corby, Wellingborough, and Market Harborough have all seen strong housing development and population movement. Their links to larger cities, plus improved rail services, make them attractive to commuters and families alike.
Are there coastal towns in the East Midlands?
Yes. Lincolnshire’s eastern edge is home to popular seaside spots like Skegness and Mablethorpe. These towns combine nostalgia with fresh investment, often serving as holiday destinations and permanent homes for quieter living.