We have outlined a number of interesting attractions and places to visit for visitors to Nottinghamshire, these include:
Newstead Abbey is a wonderful historic house set in a glorious landscape of gardens and parkland within Nottinghamshire. It was founded as a monastic house back in the 12th century; Newstead then became the seat of the Byron family in 1540. The Abbey's most famous owner was the poet Lord Byron, who sold the property in 1818 to his friend Colonel Thomas Wildman. Newstead Abbey remained a private house until 1931, when it was given to the Nottingham Corporation allowing for the general public to enjoy its delights too.
While Newstead Abbey is best known for being the family home of Lord Byron, the site initially housed a group of Augustinian canons. The lake at the front of the abbey features two mock forts and along with a 20-gun warship on the lake were used to re-enact sea battles. Inside the house there are a number of personal possessions of Lord Byron.
Wollaton Hall is an Elizabethan mansion located in the Nottingham suburbs. Dating back to the 16th century, it is a Grade I listed building that is set among 500 acres of scenic parkland and gardens. The scenic mansion was used in the filing of 2012 film the Dark Knight Rises. Visitors to the house can see a number of period rooms including Tudor Kitchens, the Regency Salon, Regency Dining Room the Prospect Room and the Bird Room. The Natural History Museum includes a number of galleries with a range of exhibits and displays covering birds, insects, minerals and the natural connections gallery that looks at the relationship between the natural world and us.
Wollaton Park and Gardens offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy a number of scenic walks in tranquil surroundings. Visitors can see both the formal gardens and the Wollaton secret gardens. The park includes plenty of wildlife including red and fallow deer.
Galleries of Justice Museum is a popular visitor attraction located in Nottingham. Located inside a former 18th century building visitors can learn more about British justice, crime and punishment. The museum includes the largest collection of police memorabilia in the UK along with a number of exhibitions and audio tours available. Visitors can see a trial in a Victorian courtroom whilst learning more about crime and punishment from yesteryear, making for an interesting and educational attraction.
Sundown Adventureland is located in a few miles fro the market town of Retford in Nottinghamshire. Sundown is a theme park for under 10s with a wide range of rides and attractions and themed areas in the park to keep children well entertained. Popular rides includes the Boozy Barrel Ride, Robin Hood Ride, Tractor Ride and many more. There are several places visitors can relax and buy food and drinks and there is a gift shop for souvenirs and memorabilia.
Nottingham Castle is a majestic 17th century ducal mansion built on the site of the original medieval castle; it provides visitors with spectacular views across the city of Nottingham. The site also houses a museum and art gallery that houses collections of glass, silver, paintings, glass and armour in addition to Nottingham history for the past fifteen centuries. Facilities at the site include a café located on the ground floor, with access to the East terrace. The east terrace provides some wonderful, panoramic views of the city. In addition there is a children’s playground and a gift shop. Children particularly enjoy coming here for a visit, with interactive displays, and an activity led gallery that bring to life paintings. It makes for an interesting family day out.
The Birthplace of DH Lawrence Museum is located in Eastwood in Nottingham. One of the UK's most celebrated poets, David Herbert (DH) Lawrence was a poet, novelist, playwright and artist was born in the house on 11th September 1885. The house has been very carefully restored and refurbished to reflect the lifestyle of the working class of Victorian times, and to show the early childhood of the celebrated poet himself. The museum contains a number of exhibition rooms, where visitors can learn more about his life and works. The gift shop has some special D H Lawrence gifts along with Victorian children’s toys and games. Visitors can take back a souvenir relating to Victorian times. Address: 8a Victoria Street, Eastwood, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG16 3AW and Telephone: +44 (0) 177 371 7353.
For those that like the great outdoors the famous Sherwood Forest Country Park is a must see. Relax with nature and the natural environment, the country park was set up a number of years ago to help and encourage everyone enjoy the lovely countryside. Currently the park welcomes over a million people per year, including local residents and school groups to UK wide and overseas tourists. Visitors can relax in a tranquil, serene environment, or the more adventurous can explore this wonderful area and enjoy an adventure.
There is plenty to do here in term of adventure you can go walking, cycling or horse riding. You can return to the times of Robin Hood with walks through Sherwood Forest including a route which takes you past the Major Oak, in which Robin reputedly hid to escape the Sheriff's men. There is also a Robin Hood exhibition where visitors can learn more about the legendary outlaw.
The City of Caves is a fascinating subterranean attraction and the only remaining underground medieval tannery in the UK. There is a World War II air raid shelter and visitors can learn more about Nottingham's legendary ale in the pub cellar. Visitors can also learn about the awful living conditions in the Victorian slum. It is situated beneath the Broadmarsh Shopping Centre, visitors can experience over 750 years of Nottingham's history told via this unique man-made sandstone cave system.
Learn more about the original Anglo-Saxon tunnels and meet real cave-dwellers from its hidden past. Visitors can see how the caves have been used and adapted over the years by the local people trying to escape from the outside world. This is where history comes alive at this fascinating look the caves.
Sherwood Forest Art and Craft Centre is located in the former Coach House and Stables of Edwinstowe Hall in the legendary Sherwood Forest. In this great location the buildings have been converted into among the most creatively designed craft centres in the UK. There are a number of studios that are enclosed by a glazed atrium making sure weather cannot spoil your visit. Outside the main building there are more studios centred around another courtyard, there is also a popular small picnic area close by. The Centre functions as a working art and craft centre with a wide variety of arts and crafts. You may see craft workers working completing the craft gifts that are then sold.
Theatre aficionados are catered for at the Nottingham Playhouse, a proscenium theatre with an auditorium that can seat over 750 people. The foyer areas allow for the presenting of smaller scale productions, concerts and exhibitions. The Playhouse presents a diverse selection of plays and performances that cater for a wide range of tastes, all of which change regularly; there is also a bar and refreshment area, the result of extensive refurbishment work at the venue. There are a number of artists that come to the playhouse and exhibitions that take place there, are based on art projects from the UK and abroad.
It is recommended that prior to visiting Nottinghamshire; visitors do their research and ensure any sights and attractions they plan on visiting are actually open on the days you intend on coming. The transport is also worth checking as maintenance and engineering works can mean a restricted service on public transport and the road network.
Nottinghamshire is well known for its links to Robin Hood and Sherwood Forest, the county includes a lot more besides. The county has plenty to offer visitors with a mix of urban centres, rural charm and scenic English countryside to enjoy. There is the city of Nottingham and its range of attractions along with a number of charming market towns and villages ensuring visitors can enjoy both the urban and rural when visiting the county. There are a choice of historic attractions, including museums, historic houses, parks, gardens and cathedrals with fun days out for the whole family. Nottinghamshire’s attractions ensure visitors can enjoy a short break, weekend away or a longer stay here.
Disclaimer: The information given in on this website is given in good faith and to the best of our knowledge. If there are any discrepancies in no way do we intend to mislead. Important travel details and arrangements should be confirmed and verified with the relevant authorities.
