Nottinghamshire
Nottinghamshire Features:–
This is not a thorough tourist guide to Nottinghamshire but a look at some of my favourite places in the north of the county which are only a short drive from Rotherham. Although most of you will associate Robin Hood with Sherwood Forest and the city of Nottingham some theorists would have it that Robin of Lockesley was a South Yorkshireman. In the Middle Ages many people did not have, or use surnames and were identified by the place from which they came, as in the French "de" or the German "von". Lockesley is supposed to be the present day Loxley in Sheffield. Rather more to the point is the that Robin's cousin and eventual betrayer was his cousin Elizabeth de Steynton. I believe that she was an actual historical figure and that her family owned land at Stainton (just over the Rotherham border in the Borough of Doncaster) near Maltby. Whatever the evidence I can't claim Robin was a Rotherham man but you can still visit the remains of the forests where, legend has it, the Merry Men roamed (you'd be pretty merry too if you didn't have to pay taxes).
Other Places to Visit in Nottinghamshire
These are all on the north side of Nottingham within 40 miles of Rotherham as the crow flies. The roads very rarely take the same route.
Bassetlaw Museum
The museum is situated in Retford town centre in Amcott House, an 18th century town house which retains many of its original features. An art gallery was built in 1994, partly financed by the Percy Laws Memorial Fund of the Rotary Club of Retford. Address:- Bassetlaw Museum, Amcott House, 40 Grove Street, Retford, Nottinghamshire, DN22 6LD. Tel. 44 (0) 1777 713749. Email bassetlaw.museumatbassetlaw.gov.uk (remember to replace at with @). Website www.bassetlawmuseum.org.uk.
Bestwood Country Park
650 acres country park 4 miles north of Nottingham between Arnold and Bestwood Village. There are Mill Lakes full with water birds, meadows of wildflowers, ancient oak woodland to a reclaimed pit tip. Also a fantastic piece of industrial heritage called Bestwood Winding Engine House. Visit www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk
Children's Play
Sundown Kiddies Adventureland, in the wilds between Treswell and Rampton.
Tumbletown, Mansfield Road, Arnold.
Tumbletown, Mansfield Road, Arnold.
Cotgrave Country Park
There are around five kilometres of paths and trails and also an extensive orienteering course, for which a free leaflet is available on request. Most paths are stone surfaced and suitable for walkers, wheelchairs, prams and pushchairs, but please be aware that some of the lower lying paths may get wet and muddy during spells of bad weather. There's a wide variety of natural habitats at Cotgrave Country Park, including the lovely Heron Lake, conservation areas and a Nature Trail. There is also a horse riding trail of approximately 1.3 km around the edge of the site, with sections of surfaced gallops. Visit www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk
D H Lawrence Heritage
Address:- 8a Victoria Street, Eastwood, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG16 3AW. Tel. 01773 717353. Website www.broxtowe.gov.uk.
Felley Priory Gardens
Address:- Felley Priory, Underwood, Nottinghamshire, NG16 5FJ. Tel. 44 (0) 1773 810230 Fax. 44 (0) 1773 580440. Entry on website
britainsfinest.co.uk/gardens/gardens.cfm/searchazref/81001226FELA.
britainsfinest.co.uk/gardens/gardens.cfm/searchazref/81001226FELA.
Green's Mill & Science Centre
Once home of the mathematical physicist, George Green.
(1793-1841) Address:- Sneinton, Nottingham, U.K. Tel. 44 (0) 115 915 6878. Email. greensmillatnottinghamcity.gov.uk (remember to replace at with @).
Longdale Rural Craft Centre
The award winning Longdale Craft Centre, Museum & Restaurant. Located in the heart of Sherwood Forest. Address:- Longdale Lane, Ravenhead, Nottinghamshire, NG15 9AH. Tel. and Fax. 44 (0) 1623 794858 Email longdaleatlongdale.co.uk (remember to replace at with @).
Mansfield
Mansfield Museum - The Palace Theatre - Water Meadows Swimming and Fitness Complex.
Mattersey Priory
The remains of a small Gilbertine monastery, which was founded for six canons in 1185. Address:- Mattersey, Nottinghamshire. Website www.english-heritage.org.uk.
National Watersports Centre
Watersports, indoor sports, country park, accommodation. Address:- Adbolton Lane, Holme Pierrepont, Nottingham, NG12 2LU. Tel. 44(0)115 982 1212 Fax 44 (0)115 945 5213. Website www.nwscnotts.com.
Nottingham Independent Museums
Newark Air Museum - British Horological Institute, Upton Hall, nr. Southwell BHI Members and pre-booked groups only - Wollaton Dovecot - The Holocaust Centre, Beth Shalom
North Leverton Windmill
A unique windmill that has never stopped milling. Address:- North Leverton with Habblesthorpe, nr. Retford, Nottinghamshire. Website north-leverton-windmill.co.uk.
Papplewick Pumping Station
This is Britain's finest Victorian Water Works and the only one in the Midlands to be preserved as a complete working water pumping station. Address:- Website papplewickpumpingstation.co.uk.
Southwell
Southwell is a delightful market town which has much to offer the visitor. It has a rich historical and architectural heritage, including the magnificent Minster and numerous Prebendal houses. Address:- Website www.southwellcouncil.com.
Southwell Minster Website www.southwellminster.co.uk.
Southwell Racecourse - The Workhouse
Vina Cooke Museum of Dolls and Bygone Childhood
The Vina Cooke museum houses a large collection of dolls dating from the 18th century to the present day. The collection is brought together in a late 17th century Dower house and former Rectory, which is itself of considerable interest. Address:- The Old Rectory, Great North Road, Cromwell, Newark, Nottinghamshire NG23 6JE. Tel.: 44 (0) 1636 821364 Email infoatvinasdolls.co.uk (remember to replace at with @). Website www.vinasdolls.co.uk.
Walks of Life
A nationally important collection of handcarts and hand powered agricultural machinery. Address:- 33 Lincoln Road, Tuxford, Newark, Notts NG22 0HR. Tel. 01777 870427. Website Walks of Life.
White Post Modern Farm Centre
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. Address:- White Post, near Rainworth, Nottinghamshire. Tel. 01623 882977. Email helloatwhitepostfarm.co.uk (remember to replace at with @). Website whitepostfarmcentre.co.uk.
Nottinghamshire Events
Riverside Festival
Victoria Embankment, Nottingham Early August each year.
Nottingham Goose Fair
Forest Recreation Ground, Nottingham Early October each year.
Robin Hood Pageant
Nottingham Castle October each year.
Robin Hood Festival
Sherwood Forest August each year.
For more information about tourism and other places to visit in Nottinghamshire Tel. 08444 77 5678 or visit the website www.visitnotts.com.
Other Links
Hucknall and Sutton in Ashfield www.ashfield-dc.gov.uk Tourism Tel. 44 (0)1623 450000.