The Best Things to Do in Nottinghamshire
Whether you’re looking for a relaxed day out exploring picturesque local villages or an action-packed adventure for the whole family, there are plenty of things to do for all ages. From theme parks to historic estates, Nottinghamshire residents are spoilt for choice when it comes to planning memorable days out.
Things to do with your kids in Nottinghamshire
Sundown Adventureland
A theme park designed for children under 10, Sundown Adventureland is one of the region’s most popular family attractions. The theme park features a variety of gentle rides, interactive play areas and fun themed lands inspired by nursery rhymes and famous stories, making it one of the top things to do with your kids in Nottinghamshire. Offering both indoor and outdoor attractions, it can be enjoyed no matter the weather.
White Post Farm
White Post Farm is home to a wide range of friendly farm animals and exotic species, with opportunities to take part in feeding experiences and listen to fascinating animal talks. This wildlife park also has indoor and outdoor play areas, tractor rides and hosts seasonal events throughout the year, making it one of the best things to do for families in Nottinghamshire.
Wheelgate Park
Designed for hours of fun, Wheelgate Park is home to rides, attractions, splash parks, indoor play areas, and animal encounters, making it a fantastic choice all year round. Seasonal and themed events also ensure there’s something new to enjoy even for regular visitors.
Sherwood Pines
As one of the largest forests in the East Midlands, Sherwood Pines offers a range of things to do for all ages. Walking, cycling and activity trails weave through the area, while adventure play areas, Go Ape high ropes courses and seasonal events make it a popular destination for those with kids looking for days out in Nottinghamshire.
Things to do in Nottinghamshire for adults
Explore Nottinghamshire’s culinary scene
From cosy country pubs to award-winning restaurants, you’ll find a thriving culinary scene unfold across Nottinghamshire. In Nottingham city centre, you’ll find a wide choice of independent eateries, cocktail bars and cafés, while nearby West Bridgford is known for its relaxed brunch spots, riverside pubs and lively dining scene.
Whether you’re meeting friends for lunch or celebrating a special occasion, there’s no shortage of excellent places to eat and drink.
Take a brewery or gin-tasting experience
Nottinghamshire offers several breweries and distilleries where you can enjoy tours and tasting experiences. In Nottingham, Castle Rock Brewery gives visitors the chance to discover more about traditional brewing, while Nottingham Craft Brewery is known for its small-batch beers and relaxed tasting sessions.
Just outside the county, Warner’s Distillery in Harrington provides a countryside setting for gin experiences, where you can sample a range of botanical-led spirits.
Enjoy days out in Nottinghamshire’s towns and villages
Across the county, Nottinghamshire’s towns and villages each have their own character and charm. Hockley is known for its independent boutiques and artisan coffee shops, making it a great place to browse during a relaxed afternoon. Further afield, Southwell offers a historic setting with traditional market streets and spots for delicious artisan treats. Newark-on-Trent offers riverside walks and a bustling market town to explore.
Enjoy an evening at the Theatre Royal & Royal Concert Hall
For live entertainment, the Theatre Royal & Royal Concert Hall hosts an exciting programme of West End musicals, comedy shows, live music, and dance performances throughout the year.
Outdoor things to do around Nottinghamshire
Creswell Crags
Straddling the Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire border, Creswell Crags is an archaeological park where visitors can enjoy walking trails through the limestone gorge, guided cave tours and interactive exhibitions that tell the story of the Ice Age hunters who once lived here. The park also has an accompanying museum, café and gift shop,
Clumber Park
Managed by the National Trust, Clumber Park is situated within a historic estate, spread across over 3,800 acres of parkland, heath and woodland. Alongside miles of walking and cycling routes, it’s home to a peaceful lake, the Gothic Chapel of St Mary the Virgin, a Grade II listed bridge, and a walled kitchen garden – dating back to when the grounds formed the country estate of the Dukes of Newcastle.
Wollaton Hall, Gardens and Deer Park
Wollaton Hall is a Grade I-listed Elizabethan mansion, surrounded by 500 acres of parkland where herds of wild deer roam. Its famous lake provides a spot for birdwatchers, while its Formal and Botanical gardens provide a picturesque place to wander around. For those with young kids, the two play areas in Wollaton Park give children the chance to run around and burn off some energy. The hall also houses Nottingham’s Natural History Museum, making it a popular attraction for all ages.
Things to do near Nottinghamshire
Peak District National Park
Less than an hour from north-west Nottinghamshire, the Peak District National Park offers endless scenic hiking and cycling routes, spectacular viewpoints and traditional market towns, providing an ideal day in the countryside.
Chatsworth House
With a range of things to do for both adults and kids, Chatsworth House is well worth the journey. Located just outside of Nottinghamshire, it offers a fun and memorable family day out where visitors can explore its magnificent house and landscaped gardens, meet animals at the farmyard, enjoy the adventure playground, or attend an event from their full and varied year-round calendar.
Donnington Park Circuit
Just over the border in Derbyshire, Donington Park is one of the UK’s best-known motorsport venues. Throughout the year it hosts an exciting calendar of racing events, including touring cars and superbikes, making it a must-visit for motorsport enthusiasts.
National Memorial Arboretum
Located in Staffordshire, the National Memorial Arboretum is one of the more peaceful things to do near Nottinghamshire. Set within 150 acres of landscaped grounds, it features hundreds of memorials and walking trails.
Explore more about life in Nottinghamshire
From outdoor adventures to bustling market towns, Nottinghamshire offers something for everyone. If you’re considering a move to the area, why not explore some of our developments in Nottinghamshire.