Is East Midlands Airport Near Any Shopping Centre ?

joylikes2shop

I've booked a flight to East Midlands Airport for a day trip-cos I got a 1p Ryan air flight ! A friend is travelling by car from Birmingham to meet me.As the flight is due to arrive at 9am, I'd like to make my way- using public transport-to a nearby shopping centre or town where my friend can meet me mid morning. Any suggestions ???

noname123_2

There are buses from the airport to Nottingham, Leicester & Derby. I'd say out of the three, the new shopping centre in Derby is nice (can't remember what it's called- still want to call it the Eagle centre!) but Nottingham has a bigger range of shops.

CookieMon

Unfortunately it's not particularly close to the centre of Nottingham, or shopping centres that I know (but I could be wrong!), however there is a bus that goes straight from the airport to the city centre.

The SkyLink service runs from EMA to Nottingham city centre which costs £5 for an adult day return (more than the flight tickets lol!). Takes about 45mins into the city centre. I believe you can also buy a day network pass for £5.50 which will allow you to travel on the NCT buses and NET trams within the city if you wanted to go around and about the city at all.

There may be more transport links to different cities, but I'm not sure on those I'm afraid! If you want the link to the Nottingham SkyLink service, send me a message and I'll pass the weblink on.

Hope you enjoy the daytrip!

Gina

It's not far from Loughborough and you can get buses from there. The shopping isn't fantastic though, but it's got a fair few of the normal high street shops spread out around the town centre.

GlennTheBaker

There's a Skylink bus to Derby too. If you come to Derby, come and have a sandwich from my shop!

noname123_2

Gina wrote: »

It's not far from Loughborough and you can get buses from there. The shopping isn't fantastic though, but it's got a fair few of the normal high street shops spread out around the town centre.

And don't forget there's a bus to Coalville! :rotfl: I'm sure the OP could have a wonderful time there.... not

This is the link for the bus services http://www.skylink.co.uk/

richardw

What about Ashby, avoid Loughborough poor shopping.

dmg24

As a devoted shopping queen and a lady who lunches, I have to recommend Nottingham. There is Victoria Centre for the chain stores, and lots of other more unique and premium stores all within walking distance of each other. For lunch, there is every kind of food that you can think of, for all different budgets.

For your friend coming from Birmingham, if they are looking for cheap parking they can go to one of the tram car parks and catch the tram in, for £2.50. Alternatively if they arrive after 10am they can get a shoppers special at Victoria Centre for (I think) £6.

I went to Derby once ... it was very grey ... though I didn't know about GTB's sandwiches at that time, which could have brightened it up no end ...

GlennTheBaker

To be honest, Westfield have spoilt any character Derby had (or was likely to have). They and Derby City Council moved all the big stores up into the new centre and left all the smaller independent shops surrounded by empty units. Some have closed, others (like mine) are hanging on by the skin of their teeth hoping that the new Primark, which is due to open next month, will drag some people back down to 'our end' of the city.

As you're only in the area for a day, I would (through gritted teeth) agree with dmg24 and suggest you go to Nottingham, even though I don't actually like the place.

RachyClaire

Westfield Centre in Derby is brilliant, and the food court is fab! Plus lots of lovely boutique type shops in the Cathederal Quarter!!x

joylikes2shop

A HUGE thank you to everyone who has replied so far. Having researched more- using your tips and suggestions- I'm wondering would hiring a car at the airport for the day,offer me a lot more choice ? I'm 'treating' my 75yr old mum by bringing her for the day (at 1p each,each way from Belfast I couldn't resist) and I'm thinking a car would save making her 'run' to catch buses etc.
If we make it to Derby I'll be sure to look you up Glenn the Baker !dmg24, you sound like me 'devoted shopping queen and a lady who lunches' so if you've any alternative venues if we do hire a car I'd love to hear them.
Thanks again for all the help so far......'keep 'em comming' !!!