Caravan Holidays Nottinghamshire: 10 Places to Visit

Now that the year has turned and we are heading full speed towards spring, the season where our horizons open up again after the hunkering down of winter, it’s time for one of our blogs offering suggestions of places to visit. Whether you have invested in new or used campervans, caravans or motorhomes, when you’re out and about in your leisure vehicle it’s always good to aim it in the direction of somewhere interesting or relaxing. We’ve come up with an eclectic mix of the two, focusing on what Nottinghamshire itself has to offer.

1.    Wollaton Hall

This Elizabethan house and estate was built in the 1580s and is now partly a natural history museum. It currently includes Titus, an imposing and impressive display of a full T-Rex skeleton – and once you’ve got over that awe-inspiring sight there are plenty of other things to see. The house itself, the grounds, the oldest cast-iron glasshouse in Europe… Film fans will find value here, too, as Wollaton Hall was the shooting location for the home of Bruce Wayne in The Dark Knight Rises. Bruce Wayne, of course, is the one and only Batman!    

2.    Sherwood Forest

The legend of Robin Hood is of an outlaw living in Sherwood Forest and taking from the rich to give to the poor. Sounds like a medieval superhero, really, making sure needs were met! Whether Robin and his band of merry men existed in quite the form described in those old stories is open to debate, but you can certainly walk amongst their scenery by visiting this beautiful forest. Around 450 acres of it is accessible by the public, including heathland as well as woods, and there’s a great visitor’s centre. A focus for your trip could be the Major Oak – the 1,000-year old tree around which Robin and co. were reputed to live.

3.    National Holocaust Centre

If digging in to 20th-century history is your thing, then this relatively new museum on the edge of Sherwood Forest might be just the ticket. Dedicated to Holocaust remembrance and education, it’s a thoroughly engaging place which stands as testament to the power of the human spirit – and a reminder to be vigilant against its occasional horrors. Sobering – but ultimately peaceful and poignant – this Centre is well worth some of your time.

4.    Rufford Abbey

In truth, Nottinghamshire feels particularly rich for historical estates and country parks. Rufford Abbey is one of the finest. Set in beautiful parkland, Rufford Abbey boasts almost 90 years of history, from origins as a 12th century Cistercian monastery to a period as a Jacobean era family home. There’s plenty for the family to explore – walks through the woodlands, a lake and the wonderful gardens – plus a range of attractions, activities (including golf, archery and boating) and places to relax and eat. A guaranteed great day out!

5.    Trent Bridge

One of the true homes of English cricket, Trent Bridge regularly hosts Test Matches as well as lesser international and domestic competitions (including The Hundred, the colourful, fizzy and fun league designed to engage kids and the casually interested). The ground, in West Bridgford, Nottingham, is a remarkable mix of history and modernity, with the original Pavilion and various newer stands combining in eclectic but highly attractive fashion to provide a wonderful sporting arena. Trent Bridge is the site of many glorious moments over the years, and you can book a tour and get to see everything behind the scenes. If football is your thing, not cricket, then the grounds of both Nottingham clubs are nearby too. Speaking of which…

6.    Brian Clough and the City Centre

There are not many modern-day figures who are honoured by statues. Okay, so charismatic and quirky Notts Forest manager Brian Clough is from the previous era of our country’s football, but his legend does remain. ‘Old Big Head’ was the driver of the club’s remarkable success forty years ago, so was integral to the way a whole generation of the city’s people felt about their lives – and it’s no wonder there is a lovely statue in the city centre paying tribute to him. Once you’ve visited that, you can take in some of the many shops, cafes and bars and relax before venturing to one of our next three suggestions…

7.    National Justice Museum

This independent museum on High Pavement in the Lace Market area of Nottingham is housed in a former Victorian courtroom, gaol and police station – so it’s a genuine historic site where criminals could be arrested, tried, sentenced and even executed! Costumed characters and exhibitions throughout enhance the visitor experience, which is spread over five fascinating floors. The museum is an unorthodox way but hugely enjoyable and interesting way to spend some leisure time.

8.    City of Caves

Interesting Fact! The Celtic name for Nottingham translated to “place of caves” and this surprising visitor attraction explores some of them – right in the middle of the city. Visitors can experience England’s only known underground tannery (cut in the 13th century and used for tanning from the start of the 16th). The cave system was also used as an air raid shelter during the Blitz in May 1941, and City Of Caves offers accounts of the attack. Another of our unorthodox suggestions, but we do sometimes love to send you to places slightly off the beaten track.

9.    Industrial Museum

Again in Nottingham, this museum is dedicated to telling the stories of the people, companies and industries which made the city famous around the world. Five galleries relate to key industries (textiles, transport, communication, mining and power) and there is a collection of many artefacts on display, including a working Basford Beam steam engine and an original Thomas Humber bicycle. Those names might not mean too much to you while you’re reading this – but once you’ve visited the museum, you’ll have a new appreciation for the ingenuity and skills of Nottingham’s workforce!

10.   Clumber Park

This estate was taken over by the National Trust just after the Second World War, and is a fantastic 3,500 acre spot for walking, cycling or enjoying a picnic. Within the park you’ll find some great buildings, though the original mansion house no longer exists. The Gothic Revival church and the Victorian glasshouses (dedicated to palms and vines). Are worth exploring, and there is a fantastic serpentine lake which is great for birdwatching. Clumber Park is a really relaxing country environment.     Lowdhams is absolutely your go-to. We offer an unrivalled service across the Nottingham area, providing you not just with a great choice of vehicles but brilliant customer service based on expertise and our dedication to providing you with the best possible experience. To see what vehicles we have on offer check out the current stock on our website or, for more information and to answer any queries you might have, simply get in touch and one of our team will be more than happy to help!