For days out there are many options whether your interest is in historic buildings, museums, stately homes, nature and wildlife or general sightseeing.

In order of distance, Edwinstowe and Old Ollerton are the closest at around ten minutes by car. Newark is around twenty-five minutes, Nottingham is thirty and Lincoln is only forty-five minutes.

Edwinstowe

Edwinstowe is a relatively small town and so everything is in easy walking distance from the Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre and Art and Crafts Centre, to St Mary’s Church of Robin and Marion fame; along with shops, pubs, bistros and restaurants.

Old Ollerton

Old Ollerton is a peaceful village that straddles the river Maun where the oldest working water mill in Nottinghamshire is situated, along with the White Hart pub and our most frequently visited restaurant the Bella Vita. This wonderful Italian restaurant is family and dog friendly with a wide choice of dishes to suit most tastes and has an outdoor bar and seating area overlooking the river.

Newark

Newark is home to the Newark Showground, Air Museum, Market Square, Antiques Fayre, Newark Castle and a floating pub/restaurant which is a must visit!

Nottingham

Nottingham town centre has a great deal of night life with many music venues and clubs. Daytime attractions include the castle (reopening July 2023), the City of Caves which is the largest network of medieval tunnels rich in history and legend, and Ye Olde Trip To Jerusalem which is reputedly the oldest inn in England carved into the rock beneath the castle. The National Justice Museum is another popular destination which is both educational and macabre.

Southwell

Another favourite is the historic town of Southwell which is known for both its impressive Minster and its famous racecourse. There are also many pubs and inns, one of which is a converted train station that makes use of the original platform as seating in a courtyard setting alongside a section of the original rail track. The Final Whistle will delight fans of the locomotive era where you can enjoy a pint while sat in the VIP waiting room or ticket office booth. You can also get a hair cut while enjoying a pint and watching sports at McCarrolls Barbers & Bar.

Southwell Workhouse is a reminder that times were once a lot worse than they are now and the full story is both inspirational and uplifting, though you might want a reflective refreshment or two afterwards!

Castles

While staying at The East Wing, Rufford Park Lodge, don’t be surprised if your interest in castellated buildings and castles is stoked. After Newark and Nottingham, Lincoln Castle is the next nearest, and only forty-five minutes away with Newark roughly midway between. Other attractions to consider in Lincoln are the Cathedral and the International Bomber Command Centre.

Natural History

Fans of natural history have a choice of Creswell Crags and the impressive Natural History Museum at Wollaton Hall.

Shopping

While there is a wide variety of independent shops and high street chains in the main towns, if retail therapy is high on your list then the Designer Outlet East Midlands village in South Normanton is the place to head. Here you will find many of the top brand stores, restaurants and coffee bars, just thirty minutes away.

For a general guide to activities in the area, Newark and Sherwood D.C. have a lot of information on their website newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk

There is also a guide to What’s On which will alert you to any special interest events that coincide with your stay.

For the nearest attractions see also Maps