Top things to do in Nottinghamshire
The best places to discover in Nottinghamshire
Explore things to do in Nottinghamshire
Nottinghamshire is synonymous with the legend of Robin Hood. While there are many things to do in Nottingham that follow the legend, there are also plenty of other fun things to do in Nottingham, with kids, or as a couple or group. Here’s our pick of the best.
Things to do at Sherwood Forest
Pre-book and personalise your stay
Create your own perfect holiday with our extras and activities, whether it’s Fizz and Chocolates in your cabin or a Brewery Tour with lunch included. Simply book the extras that make it special for you and we do the rest.
Explore the Nottinghamshire countryside on two wheels
Hire your bikes at Sherwood Pines Cycles at the Visitor Centre and head off to explore the forest on a cycling holiday. There are routes for all abilities, from gentle family trails to mountain biking courses that will test your skills.
Discover Nottinghamshire on-foot
With 3,300 acres surrounding your cabin you need never leave the Sherwood Pines Forest Park for all the walks you could ever want. However, there are plenty more walks nearby for you to enjoy on your walking holiday, from long distance pathways to country park trails.
Follow in the footsteps of Robin Hood
A great thing to do in Nottingham with kids is follow in the footsteps of the county’s favourite son, Robin Hood. When you stay at our Sherwood Forest location you are right in the heart of things, with Sherwood Forest on your doorstep, the Major Oak nearby and the church where he reputedly married Maid Marian just up the road in Edwinstowe.
Make a splash at the national watersports centre
Wacky water fun for all the family is guaranteed at the National Watersports Centre in Holmes Pierrepoint Park. Take the Lagoon Wipeout challenge, try canoeing, kayaking and paddle boarding, go white water rafting or take it easier and go Lazy River Tubing.
Find out about the English Civil War
Newark on Trent is famous for its role as a Royalist stronghold in the English Civil War. It is now home to the only museum dedicated to this tumultuous period in England’s history. Newark is a handsome town and has a market bursting with delicious produce and local crafts, perfect for a romantic afternoon or a family day out.
Find out where 35 million Americans descended from
With the unlikely names of Scrooby and Babworth, two humble North Nottinghamshire villages are key to the story of the Mayflower and the birth of a new population in America. Follow the Pilgrim Trail and find out what events led to the epic transatlantic crossing 400 years ago.
Be Kings and Queens of the castles
Bolsover Castle sits high on a hill, where you can survey the surrounding county. Just over the border in Leicestershire, Belvoir Castle has an equally envious elevation and a long and illustrious history. Newark has an atmospheric castle ruin and Nottingham Castle will reopen in 2021 after a multi-million pound renovation.
Discover a whole new world of visual arts
Looking for free things to do in Nottingham? The New Art Exchange is the largest gallery in the UK dedicated to culturally diverse contemporary visual arts. With an ever changing programme of exhibitions, performances and film screening it is family-friendly and free to visit.
Walk down Limetree avenue
Spring, summer, autumn or winter, Clumber Park draws you in and shows you each season at its best. Enjoy a walking holiday and walk down the famous Limetree Avenue, learn about nature at the Discovery Centre and enjoy the wide open spaces. It’s one of the best free things to do in Nottinghamshire.
Get your skates on
Nottingham is home to the National Ice Centre, an Olympic-size rink where many ice skating champions have trained. You may not be quite up to Olympic standard but it’s a great choice if you are looking for things to do with the kids in Nottingham.
Make memories in the forest
Stay in a woodland cabin at Sherwood Forest and enjoy a host of forest experiences. As it’s Robin Hood country, try your hand at archery or explore the forest with our Forest Ranger. Go pony trekking, try a forest art class or join a forest yoga class. All these Nottinghamshire things to do can be booked with us in advance when you stay at Sherwood Forest.