What to do in Nottinghamshire
Nottingham is famous for being the home of Robin Hood, we’d both been here as young children but never as adults. Join us to explore Nottinghamshires great outdoors.
Sherwood Forest
Sherwood Forest is by far one of the most famous places in Nottingham and the Midlands as a whole. Sherwood Forest is the home of Robin Hood and his merry men, as well as this there is the famous Major Oak at somewhere between 800 and 1100 years old. It’s definetly aimed at children here, it was a nice walk but nothing special as an adult if you’re not interested in the trees.
Parking is charged at £5 for the full day, unless you’re a RSPB member.
Clumber Park
Clumber was once the country estate of the Dukes of Newcastle. Although the house was demolished in 1938, there are many glimpses of its grand past to explore. Explore picturesque parkland and gardens, peaceful woodlands and a magnificent lake. We walked along the waters edge enjoying the views, they even had a few pumpkin displays for photos dotted across the site.
Entrance to Clumber Park is free for National Trust members, £5 for adults and £2.50 for children. Clumber welcome dogs and even have a dog friendly cafe - Clumber Bark.
Wollaton Park
From the grandeur of its gardens to the stillness of its lake, Wollaton’s great outdoors are waiting to be explored. Herds of deer have roamed Wollaton’s 500 acres of parkland, which is home to all kinds of habitats, including grassland, wetland and woodland. We took a casual stroll through the parkland and around a lake, this is where we saw the only deer around. To be fair we didn’t explore the deer park that much.
Parking is £3.10 for two hours or £5 all day. Payment is now taken with the ringgo app so be prepared with it downloaded unlike us. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead due to the deer.
Newstead Abbey
Newstead’s 300 acres of parkland owes much of its beauty to the River Leen feeding the lakes, ponds and cascades that ornament its gardens, along with its wildlife of peacocks and swans. We visited at the end of winter so the gardens weren’t blooming yet, we’d definitely recommend going in spring/summer for the gardens to be in full glory.
Site entry and parking is roled into one payment of £6. House admission is £12 for adults, free for children. Dogs are welcome in the gardens.
Newark Castle and Gardens
Newark Castle and Gardens are lovely, formal gardens bordered by the remaining walls of Newark Castle which was partly destroyed in 1646 at the end of the English Civil War. The Castle has stood proudly on the banks of the River Trent for nearly 900 years. We’ve not visited here but wanted to include on the list.