Itinerary Planner

The Dukeries Two Day Itinerary

Quaintly named, the Dukeries is an area of North Nottinghamshire encompassing some of the county’s finest former Ducal estates and countryside. If rolling green fields, English country gardens and locally produced food sound appealing, you’ve come to the right place! Within an hour of Nottingham city centre, the Dukeries area provides a peaceful country escape, perfect for a short break.

This useful trail gives you a handy list with everything you need to plan your trip, including travel times, addresses, and links to the listing pages to find out more about the attractions. To begin creating your itinerary, click the 'Add All Items to Itinerary' button and from there, you can either keep all the destinations in the pre-prepared list, or amend the itinerary by clicking on the places you are interested in.

You can then rename, email, or print the list so it’s always to hand. You can also save your itinerary to view on your mobile phone and tablet. 

---

Day 1 | Morning

Start your Dukeries adventure at the grand Welbeck Estate, a treasure trove of brilliant attractions, and among the most intriguing of all the landed estates in Nottinghamshire. The original Abbey dates back further than the Doomsday Book and has been home to the Dukes of Portland since 1607, including the eccentric ‘burrowing Duke’, who commissioned a wealth of beautiful buildings, along with curious a maze of underground tunnels. The Abbey remains a private residence, but this thriving community of artists and makers, including The School of Artisan Food, has much to see and do throughout the year.

After a delicious breakfast in the Harley Café – well known for serving up a seasonal, locally sourced menu in a relaxed setting – start the day with an inspiring morning at the award-winning Harley Gallery. They host a range of contemporary exhibitions by leading visual artists, which range from ceramics to photography. The Portland Collection gallery displays works of art from Welbeck’s internationally significant historic collection, showcasing the paintings, jewellery and other art collected by the Dukes of Portland and their families over the centuries.  

After perusing the impressive art collections on display, take in the stunning Nottinghamshire scenery on the Welbeck Estate Hidden Gem Walk. From the starting point in the Welbeck car park, adjacent to the Harley Gallery, the 2.5 mile route will take you through pretty countryside, including the majestic limestone gorge of Creswell Crags and the picturesque town of Holbeck. 

The Welbeck Farm Shop is the perfect place to pick up a picnic to enjoy in the Welbeck grounds or at Creswell Crags, so before you jump in the car and head on the next stage of your Dukeries adventure, pick up some delicious deli items or sweet treats to enjoy during your trip. Along with an array of locally produced delights, two thirds of the shop’s impressive product range are sourced from or prepared at the historic Welbeck estate, from the internationally acclaimed ‘Stichelton’ blue cheese - which is made from the estate’s own raw milk - through to the brilliant Welbeck Abbey Brewery beers.

---

Day 1 | Afternoon

Alas, there’s not much left to see of Worksop Manor, one of the original four estates which made up the Dukeries area, but there’s another historic attraction well worth a visit while in Worksop. Mr Straws House is a fascinating National Trust building, and quite the opposite of a grand manor house or mansion, but equally intriguing. The modest semi-detached house at number 7, Blyth Grove has remained virtually unchanged since the Straws moved here in 1923. For over 60 years they threw little away and chose to live without many of the modern comforts we take for granted today, creating a perfectly preserved time capsule.

Please note: Mr Straws House is open Tuesday - Saturday between March and November each year. Access to the property is by pre-booked tickets only, please call 01909 482380 to arrange your booking. 

---

Day 1 | Evening

Head to the charming village of Edwinstowe where you’ll find Dukeries Lodge, an 18th century coaching inn, lovingly restored and full of character. Once you’ve checked into your comfortable room, why not check out their extensive range of beers and wines in the bar downstairs. Just a short walk away through the pretty village is the fabulous Launay's Restaurant and Bar, a lovely 16th century cottage which serves an incredible seasonal menu fusing traditional English and French cuisine.   

---

Day 2 | Morning

After a tasty breakfast at Dukeries Lodge it’s time to set off to Thoresby Park. Aside from expansive parkland to explore, (on foot, or even on Segway if you’re feeling adventurous) there’s plenty to do - from the Military Museum to the Thoresby Gallery, plus a great range of independent shops to explore in the Courtyard. There’s also a cute café if you’re in need of a caffeine hit or a quick bite.

If you’re looking for a little indulgence, Thoresby Hall, the one-time home of the Dukes of Kingston, is now a grand hotel and spa offering luxurious treatments and decadent Afternoon Teas in stunning surrounds.   

---

Day 2 | Afternoon

After a little refreshment it’s time to head to Clumber Park, the former seat of the Dukes of Newcastle. Although the mansion was demolished in 1938, many original Clumber Park estate features survive, including the Victorian chapel - a Gothic Revival 'mini-cathedral' – the stable yard and ornate entrance lodges. Enjoy a gentle stroll along the longest avenue of Lime Trees in Europe, wander around the magnificent serpentine lake and explore the fascinating 19th century glasshouses.

---

Day 2 | Evening

Head back to Edwinstowe where a warm welcome and a well-earned, hearty evening meal awaits at the cosy Forest Lodge Pub, Unwind with a pint of local ale by the fire – we recommend their very own Forest Lodge Pale brewed by Welbeck Abbey Brewery. If you’ve got any energy left after an action packed few days, Sherwood Forest is just a five minute walk away should you fancy an evening stroll amongst the majestic, ancient oaks.  

---