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Nottinghamshire
TOUR A - CITY OF NOTTINGHAM & WOLLATON HALL OR RIVER TRENT CRUISE
Nicknamed "Queen of the Midlands" & one of only 20 Unesco Cities of Literature
In 2021 after a 30 million pound restoration Nottingham Castle will re-open with new galleries, visitor centre and land train to celebrate and educate its citizens on over one thousand years of history.
Situated on Castle Rock and with a labyrinth of caves to explore below the Castle is the City of Caves or beneath the floor of the Malt Cross, a Victorian Music Hall on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Visit 700 years old Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem nestled in the castle rock and reputed the oldest inn in England, the Museum of Nottingham Life at Brewers yard and the Lace Museum and shop , the first ever machine to make lace was invented in Nottingham in 1706!
Visit Standard Hill where in 1642 Charles 1st raised the Royal Standard marking the start of the Civil War.
Across the market square, (the second largest public space after Trafalgar Square) is the Lace Market with its wonderful buildings and the National Justice Museum which historically was the Shire Hall and gaol. The museum is housed in a Victorian Courtroom, gaol and old Police station dating back to at least 14th Century . Try a ghost tour!! On crossing the square why not have a drink in the Bell Inn which is an ancient pub and claims to be the oldest pub or take the Tours of Castle Rock Brewery conducted by Robin Hood!
A wonderful Theatre Royal, world famous Nottingham University and other historic buildings dominate the skyline of this most historic City.
Just outside Nottingham is the stunning Wollaton Hall, an Elizabethan Country House built in 1560's and houses Nottingham Natural History Museum, with Nottingham Industrial Museum in the outbuildings. The surrounding parkland has a herd of deer, beautiful lake to wander round and makes for a perfect retreat after the hustle and bustle of Nottingham.
Alternatively (book ahead) If you prefer a boat trip the Princess River cruises offers a relaxing and lovely trip on the River Trent and the chance to see iconic Trent Bridge and three famous sports grounds.
If food is your passion Restaurant Sat Bains, Michellin 2 star is just down the road and World Service is up by the Castle.......for a different experience try Annie's burger shack in the Lace Market or wait for December when Winter Wonderland arrives with lots of festive fare.
TOUR B - HISTORIC NORTH NOTINGHAMSHIRE -
Starting to the North of the County is Hodstock Priory set in 800 acres of countryside on the border of Nottinghamshire and South Yorkshire. A family home with breathtaking views, our very own Tudor Gatehouse and five acres of formal gardens, woodland and rolling fields, It is particularly popular in February for the snowdrops and April for the Bluebells..
Down the road is Cresswell Crags, where you delve into Ice Age Man's Northern Frontier and 13,000year old Ice Age Cave and art. Visit the hyena den, beautiful gorge.
Now for Robin Hood Country and a chance to see the Mayor Oak and visit the Sherwood Forest Country Park and visitor centre which opened in 2018 plus Sherwood Forest Arts and Craft Centre.
Enjoy a coffee in the woods after walking the forest pathways. or alternative food and drink can be found in the attractive village of Edwinstowe where Robin Hood married Maid Marian. .
Leaving Sherwood Forest we travel towards Nottingham to Newstead Abbey Historic House and Gardens, the Ancestral Home of the Poet, Lord Byron. Walk amongst the medieval cloisters of this former monastery, enjoy the rhododendrons in late spring and the Japanese maples in autumn. Visitors today can still view Byron's private apartments as well as letters, objects and furniture which belonged to him.
Chose three from four to make a perfect journey
TOUR C - NEWARK ON TRENT, SOUTHWELL & RUFFORD HALL OR KELHAM HALL
Newark has one of the most attractive Georgian market places in the Country and a charter dating back to the 13th century with market days Wednesday, Friday and Saturdays. It is the beating heart of the town, and the vibrant market is surrounded by magnificent architecture with The Church of St Mary Magdalene a very imposing building and bears the scars of cannon ball shot during the Civil Wars. The Town Hall dates back to 1776 and The Palace Theatre was built in 1920's with Newark home to ten great pubs in 1 square mile:)
Situated on the River Trent Newark Castle was a strategic stronghold and rock in troubled times yet one king lost his life in 1216 and another handed over his kingdom! Take the National Civil War Trail (free app) and spend time at the National Civil War Centre. Tour guides from £3.50 are available for all major attractions or the Edwardian river cruiser trip enhances Newark's unique scenery and architecture from a different angle.
There is always events on in Newark, especially on Newark Showground which hosts the largest antique show in the UK and the annual Newark Show in May.On this site is Newark Air Museum with over 77 aircrafts covering the history of aviation.
and across the road is the little known Museum of Timekeeping with exhibits including the watch worn by Captain Scott on his ill fated 1912 polar experience.
En-route to Southwell is Kelham Hall and Country Park, a Victorian stately home with woodland walks.
Southwell is a charming market town with independent shops and tearooms, a beautiful Romanesque Minster with its twin "pepperpot" towers often described as the Country's hidden gem. On the outskirts of the town is the National Trusts Workhouse which provided relief for the Victorian poor, Southwell all weather racecourse and Norwood Park.
If time permits and perhaps as an alternative to Kelham Park is a visit to Rufford Abbey and Mill founded over 870 years ago, now a romantic ruin but substantial one with magnificent lakeside circular walk in the Country Park. Passing through the village of Wellow look out for a 60ft permanent Maypole, a festival celebrated on Spring Bank Holiday.
PLEASE SEE VARIOUS HIDDEN PURSUITS TO ASSIST IN THE PLANNING OF YOUR PERFECT JOURNEY AROUND THIS HISTORIC REGION
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