Itinerary Planner

North Nottinghamshire Three Day Itinerary

The north of Nottinghamshire, also proudly known as Robin Hood Country, is a vast area of beautiful scenery; acres of ancient forests, glorious parklands and historic houses. Add some excellent eateries offering the very best in local produce, world-class attractions, the quaintest of B&Bs and the grandest of hotels into the mix, and you’ve got a pretty amazing selection of things to do whilst spending two or three days in north Nottinghamshire.

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Day 1 | Morning

Check in to the delightful Bridleways. Situated in a private, quiet, semi-rural setting between Mansfield and Ollerton, Bridleways offers bed & breakfast, recently refurbished accommodation in the Guest House or self-catering accommodation in the Ploughman’s cottage and deluxe static caravans for those seeking that home-away-from-home feel.

Start your day the right way with a delicious breakfast at the delightfully quaint Thaymar Tea Room. Famed for its top-notch ice cream, this tea room also offers a range of breakfast options. We suggest their hearty ‘farmhouse breakfast’ to set you up for a busy day ahead, or their ‘scrambled egg and smoked salmon bagel’ for smaller appetites.

A short drive away is Rufford Abbey, a former 12^th century Cistercian Monastery and country house set in beautiful grounds. Enjoy a gentle stroll around the lake and gardens, while little adventurers will love the fantastic children’s play area.

Next, head to the brand-new Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre. Grab a coffee in the café before heading out to walk amongst the ancient oaks and discover the legend of Robin Hood for yourself. No visit to Sherwood Forest is complete without seeing the Major Oak, a massive and majestic tree which has watched over the landscape for a millennium.

Day 1 | Afternoon

If all that walking has whet your appetite, head to the ducal Welbeck Estate for a spot of lunch in the Harley Café (we love their Stilchelton seasonal salad). Get your culture fix in the Harley Gallery, which shows contemporary exhibitions by leading visual artists, and see the Portland Collection with its internationally significant historical treasures. Don’t forget to pick up some artisan local produce from the Welbeck Farm Shop, too.

A short drive away is the breath-taking Creswell Crags, a limestone gorge honeycombed with caves. Experience their incredible archaeological discoveries, such as stone tools, the remains of ancient animals and Britain’s only verified Ice Age rock art. Just when you thought it couldn’t get any cooler, they also discovered a massive concentration of ‘witches marks’ at the end of 2018, which were believed to protect against evil spirits in the underworld. See them for yourself on their brand-new tour.

Day 1 | Evening

Just next door is Go Ape at Sherwood Pines. They have six action-packed adventures to keep you and your Tribe entertained including ziplines and Tarzan Swings to trampoline nets and Forest Segways. Whether it's an action-packed day out in the summer, a unique thing to do on a Bank Holiday weekend or an action-packed Half Term - Go Ape come "highly" recommended.

Head to Ye Olde Bell restaurant for a fancy evening meal to round off your day in style. You can treat yourself to one of the high-end dishes from their extensive menu (such as loin of lamb crepinette with rosemary farce, pink fir apple potato, celery and mint tuilleplus) or play it safe with a traditional favourite such as steak and ale pie; there’s something for all tastes here!

Day 2 | Morning

Head out for a brisk morning stroll around the stunning grounds of Thoresby Park, which covers over a thousand acres of rich unspoilt English countryside. Next, head back to the courtyard café for a breakfast of Danish pastries and a cup of strong coffee. If the weather’s nice, why not sit outside? Don’t forget to visit the other shops in the Victorian courtyard and pick up some charming, artisan souvenirs while you’re there. Don't miss their gallery, the military Queens Royal Lancers and Nottinghamshire Yeomany Museum and off-roading treks through the estate with Segway Events!

Grab some lunch at their Courtyard Cafe, which is an ideal spot to refuel ahead of an exciting afternoon.

Day 2 | Afternoon

Next, visit Bilsthorpe Heritage Museum to learn about the local coal mining history and the fascinating story of how it changed the landscape and the social development of Bilsthorpe village. The story is told through a great collection of artefacts and memorabilia dedicated to the mining industry along with knowledgeable staff (often ex-miners) on hand to guide you through the displays.

Day 2 | Evening

Finish your day with a delicious meal at Launay's Restaurant and Bar. A lovely 16th Century cottage with a fabulous Orangery, Launay's restaurant and bar in Edwinstowe offers excellent food, friendly service and a warm atmosphere. All of the food is freshly cooked, using local suppliers as well as own grown vegetables, herbs and salad, while pastry, ice-cream and pasta is made on the premises.

Day 3 | Morning

Kick off your third and final day with a visit to White Post Farm, which offers a unique day out with plenty of opportunities to get up close to the animals! There are farm animals such as cows, goats and pigs, as well as some more exotic animals such as llamas, wallabies and reptiles. There’s an outdoor play area, with a large play fort, adventure trail, den building area, trampolines and a go-kart track, and indoor play areas including a sledge run, soft play and sand pit.

If you're needing to recharge your batteries after all that excitement, then drive to the Garden Teahouse at Clumber Park. Try their Maid Marion Rarebit or the freshly made Clumber Apple Sausage Roll for a real local treat, and take a stroll around the expansive gardens and serpentine lake at this National Trust property before you leave. Be sure to visit their famous avenue of limes, a breath-taking 2 miles long.

Day 3 | Afternoon

Next it’s off to Walesby Forest, an International Outdoor Activity Centre located in the heart of Robin Hood County, spanning over 250 acres of beautiful woodland just waiting to be explored. This not-for-profit organisation has been welcoming visitors from across the Midlands and further afield since 1938, offering bespoke and inclusive outdoor experiences to suit any adventurer.

Why not finish your trip on a high with dinner at Woodborough Hall Restaurant and Bar? Woodborough Hall is an historic Grade II* venue located twenty minutes from the city centre. The Hall is nestled in the quintessentially English village location of Woodborough in Nottinghamshire and has a long and proud history, with many notable inhabitants. The friendly team look forward to extending a warm welcome to this lovingly restored hall where professional service is always guaranteed. Their food offer ranges from casual to fine dining.