Days Out – The Best of Nottingham

Whether you’re planning a day trip or long weekend, there is lots to keep everyone entertained in Nottingham.

It’s no secret that dads can struggle to find activities for the whole family, with a quiet round of golf and pub crawl both off the table, but a journey to the East Midlands should offer plenty of fresh inspiration.

It may not be sitting on the tip of your tongue as a UK tourist hotspot, but Nottingham actually plays host to a wealth of fun family activities, featuring everything from Robin Hood-themed events to farms and historic locations.

With spring arriving in full force, check out these great ideas for a family outing:

Robin Hood Town Tour

A Robin Hood Town Tour is a great way to see the city and what better way to do it than with Robin himself? You can join Ezekial Bone as he takes visitors on a tour of the city and tells stories about how the tales of Robin Hood first began 700 years ago, evolving from simple town gossip to an incredible adventure.

Sherwood Forest Exploration

Sherwood Forest is located just a short drive from Nottingham Town Centre and here you can spend time discovering the beautiful woodland that includes Robin’s famed hideout spot, ‘the Major Oak’. Depending on how old your children are, you can also enjoy a multitude of activities from off-road cycling, trail walking or zip lining in the Sherwood Pines area.

Robin Hood Festival

The annual Robin Hood Festival is exactly what it sounds like – a festival completely dedicated to the famed local outlaw! It takes place in Sherwood Forest and includes a fun day of festivities ranging from games to food tasting. 

Cow Vintage

Recently featured as Nottingham’s ‘Hidden Gem’ by Hertz, Cow Vintage offers a wide range of second-hand fashion. If you need a break from all the kid-friendly activities, it may be time for a few hours of shopping therapy. With sourced and handpicked items from across the globe, you’re certain to find something that suits your style.

City of Caves

Found underneath Nottingham’s bustling streets are some surprises that can be explored during a special tour. A selection of sandstone caves are located beneath the city and families can discover them on their own or as part of a guided tour with archaeologists, who can tell you all about their interesting history.

Wollaton Hall and Park

Designed hundreds of years ago and built between 1580 and 1588, Wollaton Hall and Park is now a Grade One listed building and a popular spot for tourists to explore. The hall itself is home to a Natural History Museum, while the parkland – home to a whole host of wildlife including deer and rabbits – remains a firm favourite with children. Wollaton is also famous for its role in the 2012 Batman film Dark Knight Rises, when it was used as none other than Wayne Manor and this will be enough to drag any teenager away from the computer for a few hours!

Trips to Sundown Adventure Park and White Post Farm are perfect for families with younger children, while go-kart driving at ELK Motorsport is great for older kids. Creswell Crags and Hardwick Hall are also good for educational visits, and the Madhatters’ Tearoom is a fun place to enjoy some food.

Time to get the car running, round up your own little band of ‘Merry Men’ and start exploring the wonderful city of Nottingham.