Places to Visit Further Afield

Rufford Abbey & Country Park – A Cistercian Abbey before it was affected by King Henry VIII’s ‘Dissolution of the Monasteries’ and then became a grand country estate as the seat of the Saville Family. Visit the Abbey and its gardens and walk around the lake (20 mins). The children will enjoy feeding the ducks. (10 min drive)

South Forest Swimming Baths – Has a nice warm family pool, a flume, jacuzzi, toddler pool, sauna and plenty of poolside seating. There is also a gym (book before you go) and a cafe. (10 min drive)

Sherwood Forest Trekking Centre – Offers rides for all, from new to experienced riders, so you can enjoy the forest on horseback. Paddock rides also available. Age 3+. (10 min drive)

The Major Oak – One of the world’s most famous trees. Thought to be between 800 and 1,100 years old. The tree is 15 minute walk from the Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre on the edge of Edwinstowe.

Lockwell Hill Activity Centre – Offers go-karting, quad biking, assault course and other outdoor activities. (15 minute drive)

White Post Farm – Enjoy a family day out on a working farm and get some hands-on experience with the animals. A great day out for the children. (20 min drive)

Wheelgate Theme Park – All action theme park with rides and waterpark for all ages. (20 min drive)

Vicar Water Country Park – A small lake and country park on the western edge of Sherwood Pines. One of the best local fishing spots. (15 min drive)

The National Holocaust Centre – The first and only place of its kind in the UK dedicated to Holocaust remembrance and education. Features a permanent exhibition suitable for 12 years+ , ‘The Journey’ exhibition for younger children and beautifully landscaped memorial gardens. (20 min drive)

Clumber Park – Now owned by the National Trust, Clumber Park was once home to the Duke of Newcastle and another of Nottinghamshire’s grand country estates. Enjoy acres of parkland, a walk round the lake (3.5 miles) and the arboretum. (25 min drive)

Southwell – Spend a day in the picturesque town of Southwell. Visit the magnificent Southwell Cathedral. Have lunch in one of Southwells lovely old pubs. Visit the Workhouse National Trust Museum in Southwell which is the best preserved example of hundreds of workhouses built across the country. Stop by at the Reg Taylors Café or at All Mine Cakes for a bite to eat on the journey home. (25 min drive)

Cresswell Crags – An archaeological museum in a limestone gorge dotted with caves and fissues. Go on cave tours and see examples of prehistoric tools and art. (25 min drive)

Harley Gallery – See the extensive Portland Collection – an art collection that was developed over 400 years by an extended English aristocratic family, which descended from Bess of Hardwick. (25 min drive)

Civil War Museum (Newark-on-Trent) – Explore one of the most fascinating times in the UK’s history in a town that was placed under siege 3 times during the Civil War. While in Newark, visit Newark Castle and the Sconce fortifications. (30 min drive)

Eden Hall – Book a spa day or an evening at Eden Hall Spa with its pool, hot tubs, thermal spa, gym, gardens and restaurant. (30 min drive)

Hardwick Hall – Explore the parkland, amble through the Elizabethan gardens, or discover the history of Hardwick within the grand hall then refresh yourselves with a tasty treat and hot drink at the Great Barn restaurant. (40 min drive)

Peak District – If you want a change of scenery, within an hour you can be in the heart of the Peak District, tackling the moors of Kinder Scout, taking in the spectacular scenery at Monsal Dale or enjoying a Bakewell Pudding at the Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop.