In the East Midlands, Nottinghamshire is home to one of England’s most frequented cities, alongside numerous towns and villages where history and legend often intertwine.

In the western portion of the county, agricultural and industrial landscapes merge within the area that inspired the novelist D.H. Lawrence, whose significant works were influenced by his upbringing here, alongside the family’s burial site of the Byrons.

The southeast region of Nottinghamshire served as a stronghold for Royalists during the English Civil War, with remnants of the fierce battles still evident in the towns of Newark and Southwell, reflecting the turmoil of the most devastating war fought on English soil.

Let’s explore the top attractions in Nottinghamshire:

1. Nottingham

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Ranked among England’s premier cities for short breaks, Nottingham offers a variety of shopping, dining, entertainment, and cultural experiences synonymous with a historic destination.

The revitalized town center has been made pedestrian-friendly, making it easy to navigate on foot.

Nottingham boasts attractions that are quite unique, such as the Galleries of Justice, which provide opportunities to tour a Victorian jail and courtroom where historic trials and executions took place.

The City of Caves invites exploration of the ancient, man-made tunnels beneath the city, while Wollaton Hall, a stunning Elizabethan palace, has captivated visitors since 1580.

2. Newark-on-Trent

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Situated in the eastern part of the county, near the Lincolnshire border, Newark is a town that historians will recognize for its significance during the civil war of the 17th century.

During England’s most dangerous conflict, Newark remained a Royalist bastion, with Newark Castle as the center of their power; the castle, although partially destroyed and in disrepair thereafter, remains a noteworthy structure.

At Appleton Gate in the town center, the National Civil War Centre provides insights into the key events and causes of this war, enhanced by a Civil War trail leading you to various intriguing sites throughout the charming town.

3. Southwell

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Perhaps Nottinghamshire’s most charming town, Southwell is highlighted by the impressive Norman and Gothic Minster.

The western towers are revered as one of England’s Romanesque masterpieces, complemented by the exquisite tracery of the 14th-century choir screen.

Southwell experienced severe conflict during the Civil War, with historical landmarks such as the Minster and Episcopal Palace revealing scars from the battles fought here over 400 years ago.

As you stroll through the quaint streets lined with local shops and timber-framed houses, visit the Saracen’s Head, the inn where King Charles I spent his final night of freedom in 1647 before the war’s conclusion.

4. Mansfield

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For enthusiasts of D.H. Lawrence’s literary works, Mansfield captures a slice of the industrial Nottinghamshire depicted in novels such as Sons and Lovers.

A short drive west leads to the Pleasley Colliery, which ceased operations in 1983 and subsequently transformed into a museum that conserves its historical significance.

The Victorian engine house, chimney stack, and headstocks represent a vital part of the region’s industrial heritage that has largely vanished.

A visit to Mansfield typically focuses on Market Place, which is home to a market that has operated for over 700 years.

This marketplace was relocated from the Buttercross in the 1800s, signaled by a stone pillar that dates back to the 1500s.

5. Sherwood Forest

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Sherwood Forest is renowned for its connection to the Robin Hood legends; however, the forest was historically referred to as Birklands and Bilhaugh in medieval eras.

This expansive royal hunting ground spanned several counties, encompassing a quarter of present-day Nottinghamshire.

Approximately 430 hectares of heath and woodland featuring birch, pine, and oak trees have been preserved near the village of Edwinstowe.

The county emphasizes its Robin Hood heritage with the annual medieval-themed Robin Hood Festival in August, featuring jousting, minstrels, and markets.

At other times of the year, visitors can admire the ancient Major Oak, considered a natural wonder and believed to be approximately 1,000 years old.

6. Worksop

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Located on the northern edge of Sherwood Forest, Worksop is surrounded by a district known as the Dukeries, which we will explore next.

One of Worksop’s most intriguing sites is the modest Mr. Straw’s House.

This typical Edwardian residence was inherited by two brothers in the 1930s upon their parents’ passing.

It remained undisturbed for six decades until its opening as a National Trust property in the 1990s, serving as a remarkable time capsule depicting the lifestyle of a middle-class family in Edwardian England.

Outside Worksop, visitors can hike through Creswell Crags, a limestone gorge decorated with caves that were once inhabited by prehistoric humans.

These caves provide the northernmost examples of cave art in Europe.

7. The Dukeries

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This exceptional district in the northwest of the county is home to four ducal estates located in close proximity, just south of Worksop.

If grand estates and picturesque gardens appeal to you, then a visit to the Dukeries should be a part of your itinerary.

However, with numerous options such as Worksop Manor, Clumber House, Thoresby Hall, and Welbeck Abbey, choosing which to visit may prove challenging, as each offers unique historical significance or stunning gardens to explore.

An additional property, Rufford Abbey, although not a ducal residence, is included on the trail as it was repurposed into a country house following the Dissolution of the Monasteries in the 1500s.

8. Laxton

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Remote from Nottinghamshire’s main thoroughfares, Laxton may appear to be an ordinary rural village; however, it features a remarkable land management system dating back to medieval times.

Laxton is notably the last village in Europe still utilizing the open field system, wherein the village’s three fields are segmented into strips managed by various landowners.

This system can be challenging to explain, yet a heritage center located at the Dovecote pub elucidates the intricacies of this practice.

To the north of Laxton, remnants of Laxton Castle, a Norman motte and bailey fortress from the early 1200s, can still be discerned.

9. Tuxford

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An enchanting village with a distinct historical background, Tuxford once played a crucial role in the East Midlands’ transportation network.

Located on the Great North Road, an important coaching route connecting London to Newcastle, the modern A1 road closely follows this historic pathway.

Tuxford functioned as a coaching town, where stagecoaches would change horses or travelers could rest overnight while traversing the countryside.

The Museum of the Horse, housed in a former coach house, provides compelling insights into the history of horse-drawn transport in England.

Additionally, not far from the village, the Tuxford Windmill operates as a working mill, where flour can be purchased alongside a charming tearoom located in its outbuilding.

10. Retford

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In the northernmost area of the county, Retford is a distinguished market town centered around a spacious market square featuring elegant Georgian townhouses and quaint shopping streets that invite exploration.

If the Town Hall appears somewhat out of place, it’s due to its construction during the Victorian era in the French renaissance architectural style, differing from its surroundings.

Young visitors will particularly enjoy Sundown Adventureland, a well-regarded amusement park designed specifically for children under ten years old.

For adults, the Bassetlaw Museum offers insights into the historical connections between northern Nottinghamshire and the United States.

11. Babworth and Scrooby

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A significant number of individuals aboard the Mayflower for its historic journey to America in 1620 originated from villages just west of Retford.

Notable figures such as William Brewster were Brownists, disenchanted with the Anglican Church and driven to pursue additional reforms beyond those established over the previous century.

Visitors interested in tracing America’s foundational roots will find value in visiting All Saints’ Church in Babworth and St Wilfrid’s Church in Scrooby, where the early expressions of Separatist ideologies were first articulated.

12. Hucknall and Eastwood

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Located just five miles apart in Nottinghamshire’s mining region, Hucknall and Eastwood are both linked to three influential figures from the 19th and 20th centuries.

Begin with the Church of St Mary Magdalene in Hucknall, the resting place of the Byron family vault.

Not only is the romantic poet Lord Byron interred here, but also his daughter Ada Lovelace, who is regarded as the first computer programmer.

In Eastwood, you will find the D. H. Lawrence Birthplace Museum, commemorating the author’s birth in 1885 and showcasing everyday artifacts from his working-class mining family.

13. Kelham

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Following his last night of freedom in Southwell in 1647, Charles I was subsequently taken to Kelham Hall where he was detained by the Scots.

Kelham Hall is a Grade I listed property that underwent a Gothic Revival renovation in the 19th century.

Today, the estate encompasses a 20-hectare country park adorned with beautifully kept gardens, and even accommodates a campsite by the River Trent for summer visitors.

The Hall is available for event hosting, including weddings, and visitors can stop by the tea rooms for refreshments amidst a setting rich in history.

14. East Markham

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Located in the Bassetlaw district, East Markham is a tranquil village with little more than a solitary pub.

A curious aspect of this village is that the Parish Church of St John the Baptist is situated on the southern outskirts, distanced from the village itself.

This unusual arrangement stems from the village’s relocation during medieval times due to plague.

As East Markham is enveloped in a conservation area, it features some of Nottinghamshire’s most scenic landscapes, a tapestry of orchards, vegetable, and cereal farms interspersed with tranquil country lanes, footpaths, and bridleways.

15. Gotham

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Many may recognize the name Gotham from popular culture.

The connection between this picturesque village in Nottinghamshire and Batman’s fictional city is more relevant than one might expect.

DC’s Gotham takes its name from New York, which earned the nickname “Gotham” in the early 19th century from the author Washington Irving.

This is tied to a historical anecdote in which the original Gotham’s residents pretended to be insane to prevent a king’s road from being constructed through their village, sparing them from the attendant responsibilities.

As for the meaning of its name, it translates to “Goat’s Home,” which certainly lacks a touch of glamour!