To provide you with the best experience, cookies are used on this site. Find out more here.
Finding a good work-life balance can be hard, especially in this day and age when it’s all about achieving your dreams and being the best version of yourself. It’s time to lower the pressure and put all your energy towards yourself to get back that spring in your step. This two-day itinerary takes you on a tour that is serenely relaxing whilst exploring the beautiful Nottinghamshire …
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
Check in at the Ye Olde Bell Hotel & Spa, 17th Century AA 4-Star Hotel with Rosette. You can expect traditional period features, antiques and rich furnishings that are complemented with contemporary bathrooms, power showers, flatscreen tvs and fluffy duvets. With a range of accommodations, restaurants, a bar and even a luxurious spa you won’t be short of anything during your stay. Situated on the edge of Sherwood Forest, and only a short drive away from the beautiful Clumber Park, you will find yourself surrounded by the calm of nature.
Only a 20 minute drive away, you’ll find the beautiful Sherwood Forest. The royal forest might be known for it’s association with the one and only Robin Hood, but besides being the hideaway for everyone’s favourite outlaw, the woods of Sherwood can bring you unrivalled tranquillity. Indulge yourself in forest bathing – the ancient Japanese practice of observing the nature around you whilst breathing in the fresh air and quietly taking in your surroundings. Why not leave your electronic devices behind and go on a peaceful woodland walk to connect with nature and focus on your wellbeing.
Day 1 | Afternoon
Some say churches are a place of healing. In the quaint village of Edwinstowe just next to Sherwood Forest, St Mary’s Church dates back to 1175 and has since seen many a prayer and worship. It is even believed that this is the place where Robin Hood and Maid Marian got married. You will find a statue in Edwinstowe in honour of the legend, showing Robin and Marian together - the perfect photo opportunity.
Next head to The Harley Cafe. Situated in The Courtyard at Welbeck, the Harley Café sits in a building that was once used as a lime store and dates back to 1893. Located next door to the Harley Gallery, the Portland Collection Museum and the award-winning Welbeck Farm Shop. The friendly team serve homemade hot and cold food by Head Chef, Ricky Stephenson, made with top-quality ingredients, including cakes, scones, sandwiches and salads, plus everyday favourites alongside a seasonal menu.
Walk off your delicious lunch in the grounds of Rufford Abbey Country Park. Take a gentle stroll around the lake and explore the beautiful gardens of the former 12 century Cistercian Monastery and country house. Listen to the sounds of chirping birds and wind blowing through the trees whilst enjoying a drink and a snack at one of the various cafés in the Rufford estate.
Day 1 | Evening
After a day in nature’s finest, it’s time for dinner 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.
Retreat back to your hotel and end the day with well-deserved spa evening at Ye Olde Bell Hotel & Spa. They are the first spa in the UK to offer the HaloIR™ breathe and detox spa treatment and one of only three spas in the country with a Stonebath steam room. Only a handful of spas Worldwide offer a Snowstorm spa too; just some examples of their 11 thermal experiences.
Day 2 | Morning
Start your last day with a good breakfast at the hotel before a little trip to see what Clumber Park is all about. Discover the National Trust property (which once belonged to the Duke of Newcastle) by bike as you follow their cycle route, taking in the entire 3800 acres of the park. Despite the mansion being demolished in 1938, original features such as the magnificent 19th-century glasshouses, a Victorian chapel and a Gothic Revival ‘mini-cathedral are still standing tall.
There is a children's outdoor play area as well as a recently developed Discovery Centre in the main visitor facilities. You'll also find an outdoor coffee shop and a cafe/restaurant selling local produce food here too. This means it is the perfect place to grab some lunch before enjoying your afternoon.
Day 2 | Afternoon
Head over to Newark for an exfernoon of exploring this hidden gem in the Nottinghamshire county. You can walk in the footsteps of Civil War history at various sites including Newark Castle and Gardens and the National Civil War Centre. Why not take a couple of hours to enjoy the Civil War Trail?
Take a stroll through the streets of Newark to browse the shops and afer a five minute walk you’ll find yourself at St Mary Magdalene. This Medieval Parish Church is one of the largests and finests of its sort. The spire of the Parish Church dates back to the early 13th century and was used as a look-out post during the English Civil War. To this day, a hole in the spire, where a Parliamentarian cannonball is said to have struck in 1644, is still visible.
Day 2 | Evening
Round off your trip in the heart of the historic town of Newark at The Organ Grinder. The Organ Grinder is a very traditional pub, it has won both the CAMRA Pub of the year and CAMRA Cider Pub of the year the last few years. It has an excellent array of Real Ales, Craft Ales, Ciders and Lagers along with competitively priced wines & spirits. Food offerings are as follows with a wide selection of locally made Pork Pies & pickles, Traditional Ploughman's lunch and Chicken in a basket available throughout the day.
Mansfield
Ollerton
Worksop
From | To | Distance * (metric) |
---|---|---|
Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre & National Nature Reserve (53.20295,-1.06399) | Ollerton Watermill & Teashop (53.19847,-1.02237) | 2.54 |
Ollerton Watermill & Teashop (53.19847,-1.02237) | St Mary's Church Edwinstowe (53.19521,-1.06437) | 2.54 |
St Mary's Church Edwinstowe (53.19521,-1.06437) | Rufford Abbey Country Park (53.17597,-1.03594) | 2.58 |
Rufford Abbey Country Park (53.17597,-1.03594) | Clumber Park (53.26842,-1.06083) | 9.38 |
Clumber Park (53.26842,-1.06083) | Cycling at Clumber Park (53.26242,-1.06724) | 0.71 |
Cycling at Clumber Park (53.26242,-1.06724) | St Mary Magdalene Newark (53.07514,-0.80721) | 24.42 |
St Mary Magdalene Newark (53.07514,-0.80721) | Pure Land Japanese Garden and Meditation Centre (53.2408,-0.76924) | 16.76 |
Total Distance * | 58.91 miles | |
Estimated Journey Time | 1.9 hours |
* Approximate distance by road