Things to Do in Nottinghamshire
48 attractions and days out
Photo © károly Somodi, Google Maps
Nottinghamshire's attractions run from the industrial and historical to the thoroughly modern. Nottingham itself accounts for a good share of the county's days out, with escape rooms like Break Escape and AXED sitting alongside adventure golf at Jurassic Cove and family play centres such as Kidzkaboom. Southwell offers a quieter, more heritage-led pace, while Worksop and Mansfield fill out the county's family entertainment and activity venues.
Further afield, sites like Papplewick Pumping Station and the National Holocaust Centre and Museum near Southwell reward those keen on history and reflection, and Laxton's rare open-field farming landscape is worth the detour for anyone curious about rural England before enclosure. Outdoor pursuits are well represented too, from pony trekking to activity grounds such as The Tournament Ground and The Hangar.
With such a spread, it helps to decide whether you want an active day, a historical one, or something aimed squarely at children, since the county's attractions divide fairly clearly along those lines.
⭐ 4.9
Adventure & Activity Centres
AXED Nottingham
This centrally-located Nottingham venue welcomes families with fully accessible facilities throughout, including baby changing areas and wheelchair-friendly spaces. Perfect for active groups seeking indoor entertainment in the heart of the city.
⭐ 4.9
Adventure & Activity Centres
Kidzkaboom playcentre and nursery
This energetic indoor play venue on Nottingham's Millennium Way features climbing frames, slides and active zones for youngsters, plus an onsite restaurant and convenient parking for visiting families.
⭐ 4.9
Parks & Play Areas
Robyn's World
A welcoming community play centre in Nottingham offering accessible fun for all ages, with facilities including baby changing areas, wheelchair access and the option to bring your own picnic.
⭐ 4.9
Adventure & Activity Centres
The Dovecote Barn- Cafe, Bar & Bistro
This accessible Barton venue offers onsite dining with convenient parking and facilities, though families should note there are no baby changing areas and outside food isn't permitted.
⭐ 4.8
Horse Riding
Derbyshire Pony Trekking
Explore scenic Nature Reserve trails on horseback with guided pony treks perfect for families seeking countryside adventure. Wheelchair accessible with onsite parking and facilities available.
⭐ 4.8
Parks & Play Areas
Sherwood Pines
Discover woodland adventure trails and play areas at this accessible forest park, perfect for families with pushchairs, dogs welcome, plus dining options or bring your own picnic.
⭐ 4.8
Museums & Galleries
The National Holocaust Centre and Museum
This moving museum in Nottinghamshire honours Holocaust victims through powerful exhibitions and educational displays. Facilities include free parking, a restaurant, accessible toilets and picnic areas, though wheelchair access is limited.
⭐ 4.7
Short Breaks & Holidays
Gloworm Festival
Experience a magical illuminated celebration at Thoresby Park where families can enjoy dazzling light displays in fully accessible grounds with facilities for babies and wheelchair users.
⭐ 4.7
Adventure & Activity Centres
Russell's International Circus
Experience the magic of traditional big-top entertainment at this family circus near Nottingham, complete with wheelchair access, baby facilities, onsite parking and a restaurant.
⭐ 4.7
Indoor Soft Play
Captain Jacks Adventure Play
Young adventurers can burn off energy at this indoor soft play venue located conveniently on Chancery Lane, offering active fun whatever the weather brings.
⭐ 4.7
High Ropes & Aerial Trails
Go Ape Sherwood Pines
Experience treetop thrills at this Edwinstowe forest location, featuring an exciting aerial course with dozens of high-wire crossings plus segway experiences through the stunning Sherwood woodland.
⭐ 4.7
Railways & Transport
Sherwood Forest Railway
Take the family on an authentic steam train adventure through woodland, with plenty of time to enjoy outdoor play and your own packed lunch at this nostalgic railway experience.
⭐ 4.7
Railways & Transport
Newark Air Museum
Explore vintage aircraft and aviation heritage at this fascinating museum near Newark, perfect for families with accessible facilities, picnic areas and over 70 historic planes to discover.
⭐ 4.6
Sightseeing & Attractions
Rufford Abbey Country Park
Explore historic abbey ruins set within beautiful parkland offering accessible paths, baby changing facilities, and affordable wheelchair hire at just £1, making it ideal for families of all ages.
⭐ 4.6
Parks & Play Areas
Clumber Park
Discover vast woodlands, a stunning lake and scenic cycling trails at this National Trust estate in Nottinghamshire, perfect for active families seeking outdoor adventures.
⭐ 4.6
Caves & Mines
Creswell Crags
Journey through a dramatic limestone gorge dotted with Ice Age caves, then delve into the museum to uncover prehistoric secrets and ancient rock art at this remarkable archaeological site.
⭐ 4.5
Parks & Play Areas
Idle Valley
Kids can run wild on adventure playground equipment and discover woodland wildlife using special activity packs at this countryside nature site near Retford.
⭐ 4.3
Indoor Soft Play
Wacky Warehouse - Ashley Hotel
Let energetic youngsters burn off steam at this indoor adventure playground on Carlton Road, complete with climbing frames, slides and soft play zones. The venue features an onsite restaurant, baby changing rooms and accessible facilities for all families.
⭐ 4.2
Indoor Soft Play
Kids Zone
Little ones can burn off energy at this compact indoor play space on Albion Close, though families should note the limited facilities and absence of accessibility features.
⭐ 4.1
Swimming & Leisure Centres
Lammas Leisure Centre
This multi-activity venue offers families everything from pool sessions to ice rink fun, plus courts for racquet sports, with full accessibility and refreshments on-site.
Sightseeing & Attractions
Southwell Minster
This magnificent cathedral church welcomes visitors to explore its stunning Norman architecture and peaceful atmosphere, with wheelchair access, nearby parking and an onsite restaurant for refreshments.
Theme Parks & Funfairs
Sundown Adventureland
This Retford park caters perfectly for younger children with age-appropriate rides and themed play zones. Pushchair-friendly throughout with baby facilities and accessible toilets available.
Indoor Soft Play
Jimmy Beans
This Coxmoor soft play centre offers active indoor fun for children, though families should note limited facilities including no baby changing areas or wheelchair access before visiting.
Sightseeing & Attractions
Sherwood Observatory
Explore the wonders of the night sky at this fascinating astronomical centre in Nottinghamshire, featuring stargazing sessions and educational displays. Free parking, refreshments and facilities make it ideal for families.
⭐ 4.8
Climbing & Bouldering
Clip n Climb Nottingham
Scale thrilling climbing challenges designed for pure enjoyment at this Nottingham adventure centre, where the spectacular 'Leap of Faith' awaits brave climbers of all abilities.
⭐ 4.8
Sightseeing & Attractions
Papplewick Pumping Station
Step back in time at this beautifully preserved Victorian water pumping station in Ravenshead, featuring ornate Victorian engineering and historic steam engines that once supplied Nottingham's water.
⭐ 4.7
Parks & Play Areas
Attenborough Nature Reserve
Nestled in Beeston, this nature reserve offers families a chance to explore diverse wildlife habitats while kids can join the Wild Kids Club for outdoor adventures and discovery.
⭐ 4.7
Sightseeing & Attractions
MeetspaceVR Nottingham
Step into cutting-edge virtual reality adventures at this Nottingham gaming venue, where families can explore immersive free-roam experiences together in a wheelchair-accessible facility.
⭐ 4.7
Museums & Galleries
National Justice Museum
Step into centuries of crime and punishment at this atmospheric museum housed in Nottingham's original courthouse and jail, where interactive exhibits bring notorious criminals and dramatic courtroom tales to life.
⭐ 4.7
Climbing & Bouldering
Nottingham Climbing Centre
Scale exciting indoor walls at this accessible New Basford climbing venue offering parking and facilities, though outside food isn't permitted and baby changing rooms aren't available.
⭐ 4.7
Museums & Galleries
Nottingham Industrial Museum
Discover the engineering heritage of Nottingham at this fascinating museum housed within Wollaton Hall's historic stables, featuring steam engines, transport exhibits and industrial machinery with wheelchair access.
⭐ 4.7
Parks & Play Areas
Rushcliffe Country Park
Explore five miles of scenic trails through meadows and wildlife habitats at this accessible Nottingham green space, welcoming families, dogs and picnickers to enjoy nature and refreshments.
⭐ 4.7
Farm Parks
Stonebridge City Farm
Escape the urban hustle at this welcoming Nottingham farm where children can meet cuddly animals and explore peaceful gardens. Fully accessible with parking, picnic areas and an onsite café.
⭐ 4.7
Trails & Treasure Hunts
Wollaton Hall and Deer Park Mystery Treasure Trail
Explore this historic estate while solving puzzles and uncovering clues in a family-friendly adventure that combines sightseeing with code-cracking fun across the stunning deer park grounds.
⭐ 4.7
Historic Houses & Gardens
Wollaton Hall and Park
This magnificent Tudor mansion houses Nottingham's Natural History and Industrial Museums within stunning parkland perfect for family picnics, with full accessibility and dining facilities onsite.
⭐ 4.6
Adventure & Activity Centres
Depot Climbing Nottingham
Scale new heights at this exciting climbing centre offering wall challenges for all abilities, complete with refreshments on-site and facilities for families with young children.
⭐ 4.6
National Parks & Reserves
Highfields Park Nottingham
This scenic Nottingham park offers beautiful lakeside walks and natural landscapes perfect for family picnics, though some paths may prove challenging for pushchairs and wheelchairs.
⭐ 4.6
Bowling Alleys
Nottingham Bowl
Strike up family fun at this Nottingham ten-pin bowling venue on Belward Street, complete with lanes for all abilities, an arcade zone, onsite dining and full accessibility features.
⭐ 4.6
Cinema & Theatre
Showcase Cinema de Lux Nottingham
Enjoy blockbuster movies on impressive XPlus screens at this modern Lenton cinema, complete with snacks, accessible facilities and convenient on-site parking for families.
⭐ 4.6
Boat Tours & Cruises
The Original Nottingham Ghost Walk
Explore Nottingham's spooky side on this accessible walking tour departing from England's oldest inn, where tales of the city's haunted history come alive through the dark streets and alleyways.
⭐ 4.6
Parks & Play Areas
Sherwood Forest Country Park
Step into legend at this ancient woodland home to the famous Major Oak, where families can explore forest trails, enjoy picnics, and discover Robin Hood's stomping ground with full facilities including a café and accessible paths.
⭐ 4.5
Caves & Mines
City of Caves
Journey underground to explore Nottingham's ancient sandstone caves on Garner's Hill, where guided tours led by costumed actors bring centuries of subterranean history to life with interactive family fun.
⭐ 4.5
Museums & Galleries
Green's Mill and Science Centre
Explore hands-on science experiments and watch a working windmill in action at this fascinating Sneinton attraction combining interactive exhibits with historic engineering heritage.
⭐ 4.5
Sightseeing & Attractions
Nottingham Treasure Hunt Trail
Solve puzzles and decode mysteries while discovering a beautiful Victorian arboretum on this interactive walking adventure through Nottingham's historic landmarks starting at Wellington Circus.
⭐ 4.5
Pottery & Ceramic Painting
Razzle Dazzle Pots Ltd
Get creative as a family at this Mapperly pottery studio where everyone can paint their own ceramics. With parking, baby changing facilities and snacks available, it's a fun crafting day out.
⭐ 4.5
Museums & Galleries
National Civil War Centre - Newark Museum
Journey through England's turbulent 17th-century conflict at this immersive museum, where interactive displays and a famous canine companion guide you through dramatic tales of battle and rebellion.
⭐ 4.5
Farm Parks
Pumpkin Picking at Maxeys Farm Shop
Head to this seasonal farm experience where families can wander through the pumpkin patch to select and harvest their perfect autumn prize, with baby changing facilities available on-site.
⭐ 4.5
National Parks & Reserves
Riverside Park Newark
Newark's lively riverside venue hosts year-round family entertainment including festivals, fairground rides and art displays, with parking, toilets and an onsite restaurant for visitor convenience.
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