Campsites in Nottinghamshire

Nottinghamshire is a region bursting at the seams with amazing days out, fantastic activities and stunning scenery. The huge range of attractions will cater to everyone's tastes, from thrill seekers to those who prefer the relaxing beauty of the countryside.

Our favourite things to do in Nottinghamshire

• Sherwood Forest
• City of Caves
• Nottingham Castle
• The Hawks of Steele

Sightseeing

Castles have always been a huge attraction throughout England, but Nottinghamshire has a truly great selection. The most famous of these is Nottingham Castle. The castle is steeped in history, from invasions to murder, and today features an intriguing museum and art displays. Newark Castle is another striking castle that is situated on the River Trent and features Grade II listed gardens. The castle was constructed in 1133 and visitors can enjoy tours of its towers and dungeons.   

Castles are by no means the only historical buildings that will attract sightseers to the region.  Nottinghamshire is home to a wide range of ancient buildings that will capture the imagination, such as the stunning Southwell Minster. This beautiful cathedral features an awe-inspiring Norman nave and 13th century chapter house. Young visitors can have fun keeping their eyes peeled for the ‘Green Men’ faces amongst the carvings of the chapter house, as well as ten carved mice. Another church that is well worth visiting is one that slips into myth and legend, the small but stunning Church of St Mary in Edwinstowe. The church was built in 1175 in Sherwood Forest and legend claims it is the location where Robin Hood and Maid Marian were married.

The beautiful house of Newstead Abbey is another building that shows off Nottinghamshire's rich historical past. Originally founded as a monastery in the 12th century this stunning house became the home of the poet Lord Byron between 1808 and 1814. Enjoy a visit to the spectacular grounds and picturesque lake or just sit back and enjoy the amazing grandeur of the building. Wollaton Hall and Park is an equally beautiful structure with extensive grounds stretching over 500 acres that are great for picnics and walks. Wollaton Hall is a Grade 1 listed building which was constructed in the 16^th century and is now home to a fascinating natural history museum.

Activities

No trip to Nottinghamshire would be complete without visiting Robin Hood’s famed Sherwood Forest. The woodland once covered more than 30 miles from Nottingham to Worksop. Today you can visit a number of sites around what remains of the huge forest and take in its tranquil beauty. The forest offers a number of fantastic walks including the lesser known Northern Nottinghamshire walks, the Heart of Sherwood Forest and the AA walk. The Nottinghamshire county council  and the Sustrans websites provide a choice of cycle and walking paths that can be taken to explore the whole of the forest.

Another fun activity is to enjoy the majestic forest from horseback. Whether you already know how to ride or are keen to learn there are a host of riding centres that will allow you to meander your way around the great forest, exploring the hidden thickets and occasionally seeing wildlife if you’re lucky.

If you would prefer to spend a leisurely few hours playing golf, Nottinghamshire offers no less than seven golf clubs within Sherwood Forest alone, along with a wide range of golf courses across the county too. 

If you are more of an adrenaline junkie, it doesn’t get much more exciting than leaping out of a plane and this is exactly what’s on offer at Skydive Langar. Here you can push yourself to the max as you jump out a plane, freefall from 13 000 feet for almost a minute and then have your tandem instructor assist you to pull your parachute just as you feel your heart in your throat.

If that is not quite enough thrills then Nottinghamshire also offers the Skirmish Paintball Games where you can charge through bushes, dive in obstacle courses and engage in truly thrilling paintball warfare.

Family Days Out

When it comes to family fun Nottinghamshire is not short on entertaining experiences to suit all ages. Should you fancy yourself a bit of a Robin Hood then take a shot at archery which is a very popular activity to try in Nottinghamshire.  A visit to the magnificent Major Oak in the centre of Sherwood Forest is also not to be missed. According to legend, the Major Oak sheltered Robin Hood and his Merry Men. There is also an abundance of action and adventure available at the Robin Hood Festival which is held at the Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre each year. Visitors can immerse themselves in times gone by thanks to captivating characters in fancy dress, exciting skirmishes, birds of prey and many other attractions that will engross visitors young and old alike.

If you’re seeking animal-themed things to do with the family the Hawks of Steele falconry show is not to be missed. At Hawks of Steele you’ll get the opportunity to see breath-taking flying and hunting displays from amazing birds of prey. Plus every Sunday children aged 8 to 14 years old can experience the thrill of becoming young falconers, with the opportunity to learn about falconry and how to fly the birds, as well as the chance to get involved in den-making and learning about conservation and nature.

The Attenborough Nature Centre is an award-winning centre that boasts picturesque surroundings within the Attenborough Nature Reserve. Once there you can take a walk around one of the many nature trails, visit one of the reserve’s four hides for unparalleled views of the reserve’s wetland habitat or take part in any of the family activities that run throughout the year.

The City of Caves in Nottinghamshire is a day out with a difference. This attraction forms part of a fascinating system of more than 500 caves, some of which date as far back as the Dark Ages. At the City of Caves the whole family can venture down into the caves and explore this wondrous hidden world beneath their feet. Located at the upper mall level of the Broadmarsh Shopping Centre, this exciting journey underground will be an experience no one in the family will forget.

Other attractions

For the speed lovers out there the Amen Corner Karting is where you want to go. This 550-metre karting circuit with its twists, bends, dips and rises is a fantastic thrill ride. There’s also a 300-metre junior circuit for drivers as young as eight years old, so even little action seekers don’t need to miss out on the fun.

Another sightseeing attraction that will please visitors with an interest in history is the D. H. Lawrence Heritage Centre. This award-winning centre is an excellent way to discover the Victorian era in person and combines a museum, heritage centre, art gallery, gift shop, self-guided walking trail, as well as a bistro for replenishing energy levels after an entertaining few hours of exploring.