Top Things to do in Nottinghamshire
Top Hotels in Nottinghamshire
- 1. Mercure Nottingham City Centre George Hotel
- 2. Premier Inn Nottingham City Centre (Chapel Bar) hotel
- 3. DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Nottingham - Gateway
- 4. Premier Inn Nottingham Arena (London Road) hotel
- 5. Jurys Inn Nottingham
- 6. The Orchard Hotel & Restaurant
- 7. Park Plaza Nottingham
- 8. Mercure Nottingham Sherwood Hotel
- 9. Premier Inn Nottingham West hotel
- 10. Premier Inn Nottingham City Centre (Goldsmith Street) hotel
What to do and see in Nottinghamshire, England: The Best Things to do Good for Kids
Discover the best top things to do in Nottinghamshire, United Kingdom including The Alpaca Centre at JandJ Alpacas, National Justice Museum, Creswell Crags, Clumber Park, The Workhouse, Southwell, Rufford Abbey Country Park, Wollaton Hall and Park, Sundown Adventureland, Newark Air Museum, White Post Farm.
Restaurants in Nottinghamshire
1. The Alpaca Centre at JandJ Alpacas
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 44 reviews
Our new Alpaca Centre is NOW OPEN!! Our coffee shop serves delicious breakfast, coffee & cake.We have a unique range of knitwear from our herd of over 90 alpacas displayed in our shop. Walk the alpaca trail, no need to book, admission is £5 adults, £2 children (3-13 years) & under 3's FREE. Various exciting ALPACA EXPERIENCES!! Meet & Greet 20 min Experience - meet the alpacas, learn a little about them and feed the alpacas! £5 per person, under 10's FREE with paying adult. ALPACA TREKKING EXPERIENCE - wander round our woodland and ponds with a cuddly alpaca for an hour! Chance to learn about alpacas, feed them and of course take lots of photos! £25 per person over 13 years, £25 for an adult and child double leading an alpaca. Visit our website to book!
Reviewed By lauragP5264DK
Absolutely wonderful! Myself and three friends (in our thirties) did the trekking experience and it was really fun getting up close and personal with the alpacas, walking and feeding them. There is also a shop and cafe which is really lovely with a view of the alpacas right in front of the window or, if you're seated outdoors, the alpacas come right up to the fence which is super cute.
2. National Justice Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,665 reviews
Based in Nottingham’s historic Lace Market, the National Justice Museum is housed in Nottinghamshire’s Grade 2 listed old Shire Hall and County Gaol. The Museum uses original Courtrooms, dungeons and prison cells, along with a number of more contemporary galleries to exhibit collections relating to justice, the law, crime and punishment in a fun and interactive way. When visiting the museum you may also meet a variety of colourful historical characters with different stories of justice to tell.
Reviewed By colino688 - Derby, United Kingdom
We really enjoyed out trip to the 'Galleries of Justice Museum' and the entrance fee was very reasonable. The exhibitions are interesting (I particularly enjoyed the forensics section) and every now and again you meet live actors who explain what life was like when the place was a prison. We also went into the exercise yard to watch the hanging and the witchcraft trail in the courtroom. My wife ended up in the dock which was fun. Despite calls from me to 'take her down' she did end up coming home with me!! There's lots of other things to do and a nice little cafe for a drink and a snack. We stayed about 4 hrs but could have stayed longer if we had of also gone on the architecture tour but my long suffering wife wasn't up for that. All in all a fun day out learning about justice old and new. One tip though, wrap up well if you go in the winter some areas are cold. .
3. Creswell Crags
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 758 reviews
Walk in the footsteps of the Ice Age hunter and enter a world of fire and flint. Discover a legacy etched in stone with cave art 10,000 years older than the pyramids, and medieval Witch Marks as a reminder of more superstitious times. Explore life on the edge of the Ice Age world. Creswell Crags features the only authenticated Ice Age cave art in Britain. Stone tools and remains of animals found in the caves by archaeologists provide evidence for a fascinating story of life during the last Ice Age between 50,000 and 10,000 years ago. Robin Hood Cave has more apotropaic Witch Marks than anywhere else in the UK. The unique archaeology, geology, wildlife and fauna have resulted in Creswell Crags being one of the most protected sites in the UK. The beautiful natural landscape is also popular with walkers and boasts a variety of rare species. Visit the museum or book a cave tour. See website for details.
Reviewed By ianwU9934XM - Brigg, United Kingdom
Highly recommended and a brilliant day out, visited as a family and we all thoroughly enjoyed the visit, all the staff were welcoming and helpful, stayed for the full day and enjoyed the walks, exploring and the scenery, we went on the Robin Hood/Ice Age cave tour and this was brilliant, the tour guide who took us was fantastic, really friendly, chatty, very knowledgeable and clearly enjoyed her work and told us all some really interesting facts about the caves and location. Lots of places to sit, great cafe, picnic benches available and the museum has a lot of interesting items/artefacts to look at. We all had a great day out here.
4. Clumber Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,440 reviews
Clumber is a beautiful expanse of parkland, heath and woods covering more than 3,800 acres.Clumber Park was once the country estate of the Dukes of Newcastle. Although the house was demolished in 1938, there are glimpses of its grand past to explore - from the Gothic-style chapel, often referred to as a 'cathedral in miniature', you can follow in the footsteps of dukes through the peaceful pleasure ground to the Walled Kitchen Garden, where you can experience sights, scents and a taste of the past.Today Clumber offers freedom to discover a ducal park and provides a haven for wildlife within an idyllic setting.With 3,800 acres of picturesque parkland and gardens, peaceful woodlands and a magnificent lake to enjoy there is plenty of space to explore and relax with your family and friends.Not only is Clumber's mosaic of habitats home to an amazing array of wildlife, it is also a great place to spot it.And there's much more to explore.
Reviewed By jstan54 - Birkenshaw, United Kingdom
Stayed at the Motorhome & Caravan Club site on Clumber Park for 5 nights, fabulous staff and so friendly.The weather was kind to us and our friends for the visit and we were able to walk in this truly beautiful place with its Autumnal magnificence. We didn’t bring the bikes but if we had the trails are fabulous as are the walks. The visitor centre is excellent with a great cafe/restaurant at very reasonable prices. It’s our third visit and it certainly won’t be our last. Our National Trust is a wonderful institution preserving the very best of our wonderful islands...Clumber is England at its best. Thoroughly recommend it...please visit.
5. The Workhouse, Southwell
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,066 reviews
Built in 1824, The Workhouse is the best preserved workhouse in England. A place of despair or a beacon of hope? Visit and decide for yourself.
Reviewed By wholworldoutthere
Excellent experience of the hard reality of working class social history. Beautifully done. A refreshingly ‘real’ vignette of the lives of lower classes as opposed to the upper classes so often seen at a NT property. Sobering still used well into the 1980s. Helpful staff / good shop / cafe etc.
6. Rufford Abbey Country Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 938 reviews
A beautiful country park set around the 12th-century ruins of Rufford Abbey. Gardens, lakeside walks & woodland, shops, cafe, restaurant, tea shop, and a small exhibition about the life of the medieval monks who once lived here. Play area for young children. Good access for prams, pushchairs, mobility scooters and wheelchairs. Accessible loos. We open every day except Xmas Day and it's free to enter. Car park charge. Dogs welcome on a lead. A relaxing and magical place to visit.
Reviewed By 786carolb - Birmingham, United Kingdom
Friday 29 November 19, my friend and I visited historic Rufford Abbey. It was a really cold wintery day with a lovely winter sun. In 1146 Gilbert de Gaunt, Earl of Lincoln, founded the Cistercian abbey of St Mary the Virgin. The monks of this order, also known as the ‘white monks’ because of their habits of undyed wool, believed in the value of an austere life based upon prayer and hard work. Rufford Abbey was moderately wealthy and able to sustain a community of monks between its completion in about 1170 and its suppression in 1536. Rufford was one of the first abbeys in England to be affected by the Suppression of the Monasteries, and the whole estate was quickly acquired by George Talbot, 4th Earl of Shrewsbury. The conversion of the west range of monastic buildings into a house (1560–90) was undertaken by the sixth earl, who was the fourth and final husband of the indomitable Bess of Hardwick, from whom he was then bitterly estranged. In 1610, a new projecting wing was added to the northern end of this range. The estate was inherited in 1626 by Mary Talbot, sister of the 7th and 8h Earls of Shrewsbury, and it passed to her husband, George Savile. William Savile, George’s successor, made Rufford Abbey the seat of the Savile family after he burnt down the Saviles’ original home in order to prevent its being occupied by a Parliamentarian garrison during the Civil War. In 1679, the Savile family constructed a new north wing on the site of the abbey church, containing reception rooms and a long gallery. They also built the large stable block to the right of the house. The surviving roofed southern service wing (currently used as offices) was also added by the Saviles in the 17th century. In 1938, the 3rd Baron Savile inherited the Rufford estate as a minor, but his trustees split it into lots and sold it off. In the 20th Century the abbey and park were bought by Nottinghamshire County Council in 1952, and the north and east wings were demolished in 1956. The remaining west range and south service wing were put into the care of the Ministry of Works at the same date. My friend and I walked round this lovely abbey and then we strolled through the lovely sculpture gardens and took some wonderful photographs. I even found inspiration here for I wrote a poem call 'The Rose In Winter'. My friend and I then looked round the lovely Xmas Craft Shops and I purchased some 'Foxy' Xmas tree decorations, some Xmas cards and a classic book 'Cider With Rosie'. Afterwards, My friend and I then visited 'The Coach House' Café, where we had hot fish finger butties and a latte for me and tea for my friend. We spent a nice hour here getting warm after our lovely walk round the abbey and grounds. If you want a lovely place to visit or walk at any time of the year, then Rufford Abbey is a must.
7. Wollaton Hall and Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,926 reviews
Wollaton Hall is one of the country's finest Grade One listed Elizabethan mansions, set within 500 acres of beautiful parkland. Experience stunning architecture, exhibitions, a packed events program and an array of wildlife. Go behind the scenes on a variety of guided tours available throughout the year and on demand for groups. Other special events include costumed tours, puppet shows, craft fairs, Segway tours and our popular spooky Ghost Nights (not for the faint hearted!). Visit the Cafe in the Courtyard for light refreshments including freshly ground coffee, specialty teas and home made cakes.
Reviewed By davidsH1722LB - Nottingham, United Kingdom
Being Nottingham family we must have visited Wollaton Park literally hundreds of times. And while a little more TLC wouldn’t go amiss from the City Council, or a good deal more respect for the park from its visitors, it’s still arguably Nottingham’s finest visitor attraction. From its small natural history museum (housed in the historic Wollaton Hall which incidentally doubled as Wayne Manor in the Dark Knight Batman blockbuster), to its equally historic Camillia House and gardens, through to its picturesque lake and herds of roaming deer, Wollaton Park is an all things to all people, something for everyone of every age location. Add to this huge swathes of grass, numerous walks, vast expanses of open space, shaded glades, numerous views, adjoining golf course, ample seating areas, a cafe, and farm and souvenir shops and a kiddies adventure playground and it’s just the place to take the kids, walk the dog, take elderly parents or simply walk, sit around and enjoy. Not only that but if you arrive on foot it’s free and even if you park it’s only £3 so hardly breaks the bank. Check the website though because in the warmer months the park hosts numerous events from car exhibitions to huge weekend pop concerts.
8. Sundown Adventureland
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,781 reviews
“Come on kids, there’s lots to see and do. Your adventure is just beginning!” Bet you’ve never heard a goat yodel or a potato talk, but you will at Sundown Market, and with your help all the animals in the musical pet shop will join in the chorus of their very own song. Explore the Rodeo Corral Indoor Play Area and climb aboard the Rocky Mountain Railroad, but hold onto your hats folks, those pesky bandits are popping up everywhere. Be careful not to wake the dragon as you enter the Lollipoppet castle with all its smells of candy. Then its on to the Tractor Ride for a trip around the countryside before talking to the animals on our Animated Farm. Grab those bows and arrows and climb aboard the Robin Hood Ride to join Robin and his merry men as they travel through Sherwood Forest. Then its onto Crash Landings – our fantastic four storey indoor play area and cafe, climb and explore the jungle where you may get a surprise from a cheeky monkey or a slippery snake. Run, swing and play in our bright and colourful Angry Birds Activity Park. Take a spin on the Okie Yolkie ride and bounce along on the Giddy Piggies ride. Don’t Forget to sing and dance along with the Monkeys at Monkey Mischief. Ahoy there! Time to take to the Jolly Pirate Ride – but you better watch out, for who knows were those wicked pirates are lying in wait with a surprise or two! Don’t forget your buckets and spades – you’ll need them in Captain Sandy’s Play Cove. But no one can be scared of the delightful little friends whose lovely scenes lead us through the seasons on to the magical Sleigh Ride through Santa’s traditional winter wonderland, hey, what's that reindeer doing in bed?! when your ready for a break, take the kids for a snack or a treat in one of our cafes or shops where there are lots of goodies available. Also don’t forget, we’re open at Christmas, so come along and ride our fantastic night before Christmas ride before visiting Santa in his Lovely home and receive a free gift for all children aged 2 to 10 years .
Reviewed By DavidH2470 - Wakefield, United Kingdom
This really is a brilliant theme park for young children, with lots of fun, stimulating, exciting things to do, from adventure playgrounds to mini-houses to explore, to rides, to themed areas with interactive zones. We went a little out of season and during the Covid restrictions, so not everything was open but what was available was great for our son (age 4), and the Park as a whole has plenty to suit all ages from toddlers to probably about age 7-8. He came away very tired after over 5 hours, still wanting to play some more. The Park's management has clearly thought a lot about how to make the place both enjoyable and as safe as possible during Covid times, and I think has done both. Visitors are temperature scanned on entry, rides are cleaned between uses, hand sanitiser is widely available throughout and so on. That level of thought exists throughout the whole experience though, including the rides and attractions. We will certainly be back.
9. Newark Air Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 583 reviews
Reviewed By colinr1845 - Skegness, United Kingdom
what a very well run museum, the voulentiers are to be commended on thier extensive knowlege of the aircraft in their care! the cocpit staff wel very good at getting visitors involved in the specfic history of the unique aircraft on display, having visited RAF Cosford, Impirial War Museum Duxford along with East Kirkby aiviation centre this musem has aircraft not seen at any other location the new cafe served very good cakes and was very plesant for a reast part way through visit, if you pay grant aid you are given voucher for 90p off in cafe we found the memorial garden very thought provoking and very well laid out
10. White Post Farm
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 522 reviews
Reviewed By Elle43Surrey_UK - Godalming, United Kingdom
We visited here a long time ago (nearly 8 years) and I remember it being fine but a bit limited - enough for our then 2 year old but maybe not that much more. This visit with 10 and 7 year old was great - there is a spanking new birds of prey section, reptiles, small animals (guinea pigs, degu etc), larger farm animals, llamas, wallabies (whose enclosure you can walk through) and a good play park. We happily spent nearly four hours there and could have done a bit more had it not been 30 degrees!
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