Places to Visit
Attenborough Nature Centre
- Barton Lane, Nottingham NG9 6DY. t. 0115 9721777 f. 0115 9721777
- Email: enquiries@attenboroughnaturecentre.co.uk
- www.attenboroughnaturecentre.co.uk
- The Nature Centre is an award winning eco-friendly visitor attraction surrounded by the tranquil waters of the beautiful Attenborough Nature Reserve. The cafe provides an excellent menu of home cooked, local, fair trade and organic produce with stunning views across the lake.
Besthorpe Nature Reserve
- Trent Lane, Besthorpe. t. 0115 9588242 Email: info@nottswt.co.uk
- www.nottinghamshirewildlife.org
- Besthorpe Nature Reserve is one of Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust’s largest nature reserves and provides ideal habitat for a wide range of birds, wild plants and other wildlife such as great crested newts.
British Horological Institute
- Upton Hall, Upton, Newark, NG23 5TE. t. 01636 813795
- www.bhi.co.uk
- Magnificent Grade 2 listed Georgian Mansion containing fascinating collection of clocks and watches. Group visits/tours available at LIZZYZ in gorunds of hall. Special open days in March, June and October.
Community Orchard
Residents and visitors to Southwell can enjoy ‘open access’ at the orchard, which is near the Greet Bridge and can also be approached from Riverside. Schools andChurch groups are using the orchard for picnics and so are youth clubs and uniformed organisations. For further information see leaflets available at Southwell Library in King Street. Two Information Boards have been put in place, one at each end of the orchard. Please enjoy our orchard and help to keep it safe. Pauline Buttery.
Creswell Crags
- Crags Road,Welbeck,Workshop, Notts S80 3LH. Tel: 01909 720378
- Email: info@creswell-crags.org.uk
- www.creswell-crags.org.uk
- Creswell Crags is a dramatic limestone gorge dotted with caves on the Nottinghamshire/Derbyshire border. Over 100 years of archaeological work at the site has unearthed stone tools and remains of animals revealing a fascinating story of life during the last Ice Age. In 2003 Britain’s only known Ice Age rock art was discovered here. Drawn about 13,000 years ago, they provide a glimpse into the rich culture and fascinating life of our distant relatives.
Clumber Park
- Worksop, Nottinghamshire. t. 01909 544917
- www.nationaltrust.org.uk/clumberpark
- Extensive and varied area of parkland and woods. The longest avenue of lime trees in Europe. Regular kids events from spider walks to teddy bears picnics. Woodland Play Park. Open daily. Admission free. Vehicle entry charge.
Dukes Wood Nature Reserve
- (A617 to Kirklington) t. 0115 9588242
- www.nottinghamshirewildlife.org and www.dukeswoodoilmuseum.co.uk
- 20 acre woodland, a haven for wildlife with a fascinating industrial heritage. Location of the UK’s first onshore oilfield, described as the ‘Best kept secret of World War II’. Open daily. Admission free. Oilfield museum open weekends and on demand. Tel. 01623 882446 for details.
Eakring Meadow Nature Reserve
- Eakring, Notts Tel: 0115 958 8242
- www.nottinghamshirewildlife.org
- One of the best remaining neutral grasslands in the county with good variety of breeding birds including snipe, lapwing, tawny owl, sedge warbler and reed bunting. Flowering plants include great burnet, lady’s smock and ragged robin. Open daily. Admission free.
Farnsfield Acoustic
- www.farnsfieldacoustic.com
- Started in 2005, Farnsfield Acoustic brings the very best in live contemporary folk and acoustic music to the area. Six friends host a gig once a month, where we bring (mainly) well known professional musicians to the area, many of whom are internationally renowned. We are an independent, non profit making organisation, receiving no grants. We charge realistic ticket prices and have supported many charities. Our main venue is Farnsfield Village Centre but we do use other halls depending on size of potential audience, availability and time of year. Tickets and information from Jenny 01623 794700 or Jill 01623 870668.
Great Central Railway
- Mere Way, Ruddington, Nottingham, NG11 6NX. t. 0115 9405705. e. info@gcrn.co.uk
- www.gcrn.co.uk
- The Great Central Railway Nottingham offers over 10 miles of heritage railway running through the beautiful scenery of South Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire. Journeys run between Ruddington, just south of the city to Loughborough. The Ruddington museum includes a model railway, bus collection, engineering facilities, a cafe and gift shop.
Green’s Windmill and Science Centre
- Windmill Lane, Sneinton, Nottingham, NG2 4QB. t. 0115 9156878
- www.mynottingham.gov.uk/greensmill
- Working windmill once home to 19th century mathmetician and miller George Green. Grade 2 listed building and the UK’s only inner city windmill. Open Thurs – Sun. Many events throughout the year.
Gunthorpe Leisure Boats
- Trentside, Gunthorpe, Notts, NG14 7EW. t. 07854 004333
- www.gunthorpeleisureboats.co.uk
- Self-drive day boat hire and skippered trips along the beautiful River Trent. Boats take up to 12 people each and are equipped with kitchen, flush toilet, heating and sound system. Available from 2 hours to a full day or evening – all year round. Perfect for small group celebrations or a family day out.
Harley Gallery
- Welbeck,Worksop, Notts S80 3LW. Tel: 01909 501700
- Email: info@harley-weIbeck.co.uk
- www.harleygallery.co.uk
- Situated in the ducal estate of Welbeck in north Nottinghamshire,this free entry venue offers a unique mix of contemporary and historical art exhibitions. There are also art markets, artist open studio days, lectures and workshops, aiming to appeal to all audiences from family groups to those with specialist interests.
Japanese Garden and Meditation Centre
- Pureland, North Clifton, Nr Newark NG23 7AT. t. 01777 228567
- www.buddhamaitreya.co.uk
- Natural landscape of Japan in miniture with mountains, hills, waterfalls and rivers. Featured in AA’s book ‘Inspirational Gardens around the World’. Open end March – end Oct. Tues – Fri 10.30am – 5.30pm, Sat & Sun 10am – 5.30pm. Entrance free.
Laxton Visitor Centre
- Laxton, Newark, Notts NG22 ONX. Tel: 01777 871586 (Dovecote Inn)
- www.laxtonvisitorcentre.org.uk
- Displays and video explaining the medieval Open Field farming system. Only village in England still operating this system. Suggested walks and booklet available. Guide available at a charge. Disabled access and toilets. Open daily dawn to dusk. Admission free but donations welcome.
Lunchtime at the Cathedral
Fridays 12.15-1.00pm
Held at Southwell Minster between April and December; normally on the first and third Fridays of the month. A varied programme including music, dance, singing, ensembles, whole choirs and soloists, poetry drama and talks. No admission charge, but donations are invited. You are welcome to bring your own sandwiches. Tea, coffee and cold drinks available. Tel. 01636 817280 for details.
Mansfield Museum
- Leeming Street, mansfield, Notts NG18 1NG. t. 01623 463088. e. mansfieldmuseum@mansfield.gov.uk
- www.mansfield.gov.uk/musuem
- This dynamic museum and gallery contains a fascinating mix of local art and artefacts.
Newark Castle
Castlegate, Newark on Trent, Notts NG24 1BG
Tel: 01636 655765 (Newark TIC)
Standing proudly on the banks of the River Trent in the pretty market town of Newark, the Castle was built in the l2th Century and is said to have the finest gatehouse in England.The grounds have been restored to Victorian spendour and have been awarded a Green Flag Award. Guided tours of the Castle are available on certain days from the Castle Ranger – for further information call 07971 486324 or enquire at Newark TlC.
Newstead Abbey
- Ravenshead, Notts NG15 8NA Tel: 01623 455900
- www.newsteadabbey.org.uk
- A beautiful historic house set in a glorious landscape of gardens and parkland within the heart of Nottinghamshire. Founded as a monastic house in the late 12th century Newstead became the Seat of the Byron family in 1540 and was home to the poet Lord Byron between 1808 and 1814.
Papplewick Pumping Station
- Off Longdale Lane, Ravenshead, Notts NG15 9AJ. TeI:0115 963 2938
- www.papplewickpumpingstation.co.uk
- Never intended to be seen by the general public, Britain’s finest working Victorian water pumping station has recently undergone extensive restoration and stands proud as a spectacular example of Victorian craftsmanship. Boasting a range of original features the site includes an ornate engine house,ornamental cooling pond and a boiler house, complete with six Lancashire boilers, all set amidst formal landscaped grounds.The Engine House is home to the original twin beam engines, built by James Watt and Co in 1884.
Rufford Abbey Country Park
- nr Ollerton, Newark, Notts NG22 9DF
- Tel: 01623 821338
- www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/ruffordcp and www.ruffordcraftcentre.org.uk
- Parkland with 25 acre lake and the remains of a Cistercian Abbey, Restored Orangery, wildlife, woodland walks, formal gardens, sculptures and adventure playground. Craft Centre and exhibitions, Savile Restaurant for lunches, Coach House for light refreshments. Open daily 9am-5.30pm (closed Christmas Day).Admission free. Car park charge applies at certain times of year.
Sherwood Forest Country Park
- Edwinstowe, Mansfield, Notts NG21 9HN. Tel: 01623 823202 (10am-5pm Mon-Fri)
- www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/sherwoodforestcp
- Sherwood Forest Country Park extends over 450 acres of the famous ancient woodland. Major Oak tree, waymarked walks, footpaths and bridleway. AnnuaI Robin Hood Festival in summer; Robin Hood Exhibition; Forest Table Restaurant; activities centre; adventure playground for young children and visitor information.
- Open: Country Park – daily from dawn to dusk (closed Christmas Day).Visitor Centre – summer 10am-5pm, winter 10am-4.30pm. Admission free. Car park charge applies at certain times during the year.
Sherwood Pines Forest Park
- Forestry Commission, Sherwood Forest District, nr Edwinstowe, Mansfield, Notts NG21 9JL. Tel:01623 822447
- Email: enquiries.sherwood@forestry.gsi.gov.uk
- The largest forest open to the public in the East Midlands and centre for a wide variety of outdoor activities. Facilities include Visitor Centre with cafe, cycle hire, children’s adventure play and toilets. Waymarked woodland walks, cycle trail and mountain biking area. Open daily 8am to dusk. Admission free. Car park charge.
Southwell Racecourse
- Rolleston, nr Southwell, Notts. Tel:01636 814481
- Web: www.southwell-racecourse.co.uk
- This thriving all-weather course offers excellent facilities for the visitor as well as providing the venue for a number of special events such as antique and collectors’ fairs throughout the year. As well as extensive hospitality areas, there is a motel for overnight stays.
Thoresby Gallery
- Thoresby Park, Ollerton, Newark, Notts NG22 9EJ. Tel: 01623 822009. Email: gallery@thoresby.com
- www.thoresby.com
- Set in the imaginative conversion of the Old Stables Courtyard,Thoresby Gallery stages year round exhibitions and sells high quality and affordable art, specialising in artists from the region. Open daily 10.30am – 5pm.Admission free.
Vicar Water Country Park
- Mansfield Road, Clipstone, Notts NG21 9BT. t. 01623 466340
- www.newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk/parks
- 80 hectare Country Park with large fishing lake, small pond for model boats and a variety of wildlife habitats. Green Flag Award winner. Excellent area for walking, cycling, fishing and horse riding. Country Park open daily from dawn until dusk. Visitor Centre open Tuesdays – Sunday.
White Post Farm
Farnsfield NG22 8HL
visit www.whitepostfarm.co.uk for details or call 01623 882977
Free Range Fun everyday from 10.00 a.m. For 20 years we’ve been entertaining millions of kids and adults, giving them the chance to get up close to thousands of friendly animals, like chicks, llamas, rabbits, cows and pigs. The farm’s open every day of the year and with lots to do, rain or shine, it’s perfect for family days out, school trips and birthday parties. As well as meeting the animals, you can zoom around on go-karts, catch a seasonal show, do a little shopping or even pick up a new pet! So put your wellies on and come on down to the farm – you’ll love it!
The Workhouse
Upton Road, Southwell, Notts NG25 OPT. Tel:01636 817260
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/workhouse
The only 19th century workhouse in existence offering visitors the opportunity to explore the building and its history unlocking the stories of the people who lived and worked there and illustrating what life was really like. Open Wed – Sun, March – October. External welcome tour 11 – 12 noon. House opens 12 noon – 5pm.
For more ideas on places to visit and days out contact
Southwell Tourist Information
The Minster Centre, Church Street, Southwell, NG25 OHD.
Tel. 01636 819038, email: info@southwellevents.com
Open Mon – Fri 10am – 4.30pm Saturday 10am – 4pm
Staff and volunteers help provide friendly local information for residents and visitors to Southwell