A Day Out in Castle Donington

Just a short drive or bus ride from The Canalside Cottage, Castle Donington makes a great choice for a day out during your stay.

This historic market town sits close to the River Trent and has a fascinating history, independent shops, places to eat and some well-known attractions nearby.

Explore the Historic Town

Castle Donington has a history stretching back centuries, with evidence of settlement from the Neolithic period through to Roman, Saxon, and Viking times.

The town was granted a market charter in 1278, and its historic streets still contain many interesting buildings. You can wander through the centre, explore the old streets and discover the remains of the town's medieval past.

For anyone interested in local history, Castle Donington Museum has changing displays exploring the history of the town and its community.

Donington Park

For motorsport fans, a visit to Donington Park circuit is a must.

The famous circuit hosts racing throughout the year as well as shows, festivals and other events, making it worth checking what's happening during your stay.

East Midlands Aeropark

If you're interested in aircraft, head to East Midlands Aeropark.

Situated close to East Midlands Airport, the Aeropark has a collection of historic aircraft and offers excellent views across the airport. It's a particularly interesting stop for aviation enthusiasts - and you can watch aircraft coming and going while you're there.

Stop for Something to Eat

Castle Donington has plenty of options when you're ready for lunch, dinner, or simply a drink.

There are traditional pubs, restaurants, cafés, and independent businesses dotted around the town, so it's easy to combine exploring with a bite to eat.

A Great Addition to Your Stay

Castle Donington is close enough to make an easy half-day or full-day trip from The Canalside Cottage, while still giving you something completely different from the peaceful canal-side surroundings of Shardlow.

Whether you're interested in history, motorsport, aircraft, shopping, food, or simply exploring somewhere new, Castle Donington is well worth adding to your East Midlands itinerary.

And after a day out, you can head back to Shardlow and enjoy the quieter pace of life beside the canal.