Things to do in Nottinghamshire

The historic and vibrant city of Nottingham is a major attraction for tourists. With commanding views over the city you can’t miss Nottingham Castle; the mansion house was built over 300 years ago and is surrounded by beautiful Victorian gardens. The mansion is home to exhibitions of armour, silver, china and art. Beneath the mansion you will discover secret passageways and caves – the longest Mortimer’s Hole is 322ft long!

Shopping in Nottingham is a delight – the city is compact enough for walking and you will find many independent retailers and boutiques, along with the Victoria Shopping Centre, the Broadway Shopping Centre and the Exchange Arcade. Head for the Bohemian Quarter for creative and indie shops.

Take a walk from the Old Market Square to the Lace Market, one of the city’s heritage areas to see the Galleries of Justice Museum. Literary lovers should head for Eastwood and the Birthplace of D.H. Lawrence Museum to explore the life and times of the author with a series of exhibits

Time to relax? Enjoy one of the large number of restaurants or cafes or may be take a river cruise on the River Trent to see the city from a different perspective.

You can escape the city and head for Sherwood Forest, more than 1000 acres of forest that surrounds the village of Edwinstone. The 450 acre Sherwood Country Park is a great place to get outdoors and enjoy the fresh air. Be sure to see the 1,000 year old Major Oak and Thynghowe an ancient Viking meeting place on the western edge of Sherwood Forest.

Further afield you will Newark Castle in the market town of Newark where history enthusiasts can enjoy The National Civil War Centre. Not far away you can discover the Newark Air Museum and the diverse collection of aircraft.

Nottinghamshire has a number of stately homes for visitors to explore and enjoy. Wollaton Hall & Park Gardens is a Tudor building set in over 500 acres of deer park. A great day out includes the Nottingham Natural History Museum, the Wollaton Courtyard Stables which house an Industrial Museum, steam engine house, gallery and visitor centre. Kelham Hall beside the River Trent is ideal for all ages, explore the acres of wood, playgrounds or the house itself or if you are feeling adventurous explore the four acre “The Maize” during the summer months. About an hour from the city of Nottingham you will find the Dukeries – beautiful rolling countryside and gardens where you will find Clumber House at Clumber Park, Thoresby Hall, the 18th century Worksop Manor and Welbeck Abbey with its many attractions. Newstead Abbey, once home to the poet Lord Byron, is a delight to explore with its lakes, ponds and waterfalls where the formal gardens provide plenty of colour ranging from Spring time rhododendrons to the Japanese maple leaves of Autumn.

Nottinghamshire’s famous names include the legend of Robin Hood, Brian Clough, the poet Lord Byron, author D.H. Lawrence and Olympic swimming champion Rebecca Adlington.

Nottinghamshire has a large range of annual events, including the Robin Hood Pageant, the Nottingham Goose Fair; one of the oldest in the country, the Robin Hood Festival at Sherwood Forest and festivals such as the Splendour Festival, the Riverside Festival and the Nottingham Food & Drink festival at Wollaton Hall.

Sport is plentiful in Nottinghamshire. Football is represented by Mansfield Town, Notts County – the oldest team in the country and Nottingham Forest, twice European Cup winners under the guidance of the charismatic Brian Clough – enthusiasts can take in the stadium tours. Trent Bridge is home to Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club, whilst Nottingham Panthers are the county ice hockey team. Holme Pierrepont is home to the National Water Sports Centre.

Local culinary specialities include mushy peas drizzled with mint sauce, Nottingham Roast Goose, and Bramley apples – which originated in Nottinghamshire – best enjoyed in a Nottingham Batter Pudding.