With another bank holiday weekend coming up, and hopefully sunnier days on the horizon, we got to thinking about some of the fabulous beauty spots in Nottinghamshire and the surrounding areas. Places where folk could happily while away a few hours.
There are some stunning gems on our doorstep, including hidden gardens, historic homes and nature reserves brimming with wildlife. Plus, the beauty spots we've highlighted are all around an hour's drive or less from the city.
So, if you have some spare time this weekend, why not discover just what our local area has to offer visitors? While they may be well signposted once you get on the road to discover them, you may not have ventured to the locations for a day out. You may be surprised by what you find and how good for the soul a day out can be.
Idle Valley Nature Reserve
Idle Valley was once gravel pits and is now a site of special scientific interest. North west of Retford, it is the furthest destination on our list and will take you around an hour to drive there from Nottingham city centre.
It is the largest of Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust's nature reserves, in fact, one of the largest in the East Midlands under the stewardship of the Trust. With so much space to explore, it is great for families looking to get some fresh air, and with a treehouse play area, will keep little ones entertained (and possibly wear them out, too. There is a pushchair and wheelchair-friendly lakeside area).
READ MORE: Primark shoppers are 'all over' the latest £14 Disney must-have bags
Nature is in abundance here with the Trust saying it is "one of the richest birding sites in the region". Species to look out for in winter including gadwall and little grebe, in spring and summer see if you can spot Chiffchaff, while lapwing are year-round visitors.
In addition, Beavers were introduced to the site in 2021. It is the first time the beaver has been back in Nottinghamshire in more than 400 years.
Entry to the site is free, however, there is a recommended £3 donation for parking. The café and shop are open between 10am and 3pm for drinks, cakes and snacks.
Doddington Hall & Gardens
Venturing out of Nottinghamshire and over the border into Lincolnshire, Doddington Hall and Gardens is a real treat. On a good day, Nottingham city residents could be at the hall in around 50 minutes - it's 35 miles from the city centre.
An all-round day out, you can visit the manor house, pop into the farm shop, or pick up homeware, gifts... even country clothing at one of the stores in the courtyard alongside the house, or pop in for lunch, coffee or afternoon tea at one of the eateries. There's also a giant bike shop on the site.
Entry to the farmshop and courtyard shopping area is free, but the garden and manor house command a fee to enter. The Elizabethan manor house is still family owned and open Wednesday, Friday, Sunday and Bank Holiday Mondays from 12noon until 4pm. Entry to the hall is by timed ticket, however, there is no need to book for the gardens, which are open 10am-4pm on those days.
Tickets for the gardens only start from £4.50 for children up to family entry for £22. House and garden tickets start from £6.50 for a child up to family tickets for £36. Historic House members are free. The hall and gardens close to visitors from Monday, September 26, 2022.
Belvoir Castle
While Belvoir Castle stands prominently on the horizon as you travel along with A52 from Nottingham towards Grantham, the castle has plenty of hidden gems to enjoy. Ramble through the spring gardens, stroll around the lakes and Japanese Woodland, discover the Duchess's garden or pop into the castle itself.
The castle was the location for the 1980 film Little Lord Fauntleroy starring Sir Alec Guinness, as well as being one of the locations for Netflix's The Crown. You'll even get a glimpse of it in The Da Vinci Code movie.
Plans for the castle grounds include the creation of an adventure playground, due to be opened in Summer 2022. There are also various events held within the grounds throughout the year - just check prior to a visit as restrictions may apply.
Of course, in the shadow of the castle is The Engine Yard, a unique little shopping village, with shops, cafes, beauty spots and a bar. There is even a boutique B&B if you fancy staying over.
Castle and garden entry prices vary depending upon the time of the year - see Belvoir's website for details - entry to the Engine Yard is free. Located at NG32 1PE it takes around 35 minutes to drive to the castle from Nottingham city centre.
Pure Land Meditation Centre and Japanese Garden
If you are searching for a little calm in your life, head for the Pure Land Mediation Centre and Japanese Garden. It is halfway between Newark and Gainsborough and has been designed and created by a former monk.
Referring to himself as ‘Buddha Maitreya’ the keeper of the garden has spent 45 years building a "miniature landscape of Japan" in this corner of Nottinghamshire. The garden is beautiful, with vista after vista, an array of colourful and thoughtfully sited plants, and four connected ponds with koi fish in them. There are a few bridges thrown in, too.
Located in North Clifton, near Newark NG23 7AT. It will take around 55 minutes to reach the garden from Nottingham city centre, depending upon the route you drive.
Prices range from £4 for children up to £7.00 for adults. However, the current season opening date has been delayed, so check the Pure Land Centre website for updates before setting off. The centre could open at short notice.
