THINGS TO DO IN NOTTINGHAMSHIRE
Thoresby Hall
Discover the legends, landscapes and history of the East Midlands. From the ancient oaks of Sherwood Forest to grand country estates, Ice Age caves and historic market towns, Nottinghamshire is full of places to explore.
Whether you want woodland walks, Robin Hood country or a day among stately homes and gardens, there are things to do in Nottinghamshire for every pace. Many of the county's best-loved places to visit sit within a short drive of each other. Stay at Thoresby Hall, set on a historic estate on the edge of Sherwood Forest, and you'll be ideally placed to discover them all.
On the doorstep of the Dukeries
YOUR BASE IN SHERWOOD FOREST
Thoresby Hall
Thoresby Hall sits in the heart of north Nottinghamshire, with Sherwood Forest, Clumber Park and the Welbeck Estate all within easy reach. Spend your days exploring, then return to a relaxed adults-only break with everything taken care of.
Explore Nottinghamshire from Thoresby Hall
Ancient forests, grand estates and a thousand years of history. Nottinghamshire is known for Robin Hood country, the ducal estates of the Dukeries and historic market towns. Stay at Thoresby Hall and discover some of the county's most memorable places, from ancient oaks to Ice Age caves.
Things to do in Sherwood Forest
10 mins from Thoresby Hall
Sherwood Forest National Nature Reserve and the Major Oak
Wander among hundreds of ancient oaks and visit the Major Oak, the forest's most famous tree and a legendary Robin Hood hideout.
10 mins from Thoresby Hall
Edwinstowe
A forest village with tearooms and the medieval St Mary's Church, where legend says Robin Hood married Maid Marian.
15 mins from Thoresby Hall
Sherwood Pines
The largest forest open to the public in the East Midlands, with walking trails, cycle routes and treetop adventures.
10 mins from Thoresby Hall
Rufford Abbey Country Park
Explore the remains of a 12th-century Cistercian abbey, then stroll around the lake, gardens and woodland paths.
Grand estates, gardens and caves near Sherwood
Clumber Park
10 mins from Thoresby Hall
A National Trust estate with a serpentine lake, walled kitchen garden and the 3.5-mile Lime Tree Avenue.
Welbeck Estate and the Harley Gallery
15 mins from Thoresby Hall
Visit the Harley Gallery's art and treasures, then browse the estate's farm shop and independent makers.
Creswell Crags
20 mins from Thoresby Hall
A limestone gorge home to Britain's only known Ice Age cave art and hundreds of carved witch marks.
Hardwick Hall
35 mins from Thoresby Hall
Cross into Derbyshire to see Bess of Hardwick's Elizabethan mansion, famous for its vast windows and formal gardens.
Historic towns and heritage in Nottinghamshire
Laxton
15 mins from Thoresby Hall
The last village in England still farmed using the medieval open field system, with a motte and bailey castle and visitor centre.
Southwell Minster
25 mins from Thoresby Hall
Admire this Norman minster's chapter house, famous for its intricate stone carvings of leaves known as the Leaves of Southwell.
Newark Castle
30 mins from Thoresby Hall
Walk the riverside ruins of the castle where King John died in 1216, then explore Newark's market square.
Newstead Abbey
30 mins from Thoresby Hall
Lord Byron's ancestral home, with medieval priory ruins, lakes and themed gardens to wander through.
Nottingham Castle
45 mins from Thoresby Hall
Start where the Robin Hood legend begins, with galleries, caves and city views from the castle grounds.
Why Warner hotels
 16 Unique locationsTake your pick from 16 stunning locations, all in Great British locations.  Space to be socialConnect, laugh, and make memories or simply soak up the atmosphere with your loved ones. |
 Great value includedFrom breakfast and dinner to entertainment and leisure facilities, it’s all included for a hassle-free getaway.  Grown-up getawaysAll our breaks are exclusively for adults, providing destinations for true time-off. |
 Always something to enjoyWith so much on offer at every hotel, choose to do as much or as little as you want.  Home-away-from-homeOur friendly team take time to get to know you and create memorable moments across your stay. |
Nottinghamshire Breaks FAQs
What are the best things to do in Nottinghamshire?
The best things to do in Nottinghamshire include visiting the Major Oak in Sherwood Forest, exploring Clumber Park and touring the Ice Age caves at Creswell Crags. History lovers can add Southwell Minster, Newark Castle and Newstead Abbey.
Thoresby Hall puts most of these within a 30-minute drive.
Is Sherwood Forest worth visiting?
Yes. Sherwood Forest is one of England's most famous woodlands, home to around 1,000 ancient oaks and the legendary Major Oak. Waymarked trails make it easy to explore at your own pace, and the village of Edwinstowe sits right beside it.
Thoresby Hall is around 10 minutes from the forest's main visitor area.
What is Nottinghamshire best known for?
Nottinghamshire is best known for Robin Hood and Sherwood Forest. It's also famous for the grand Dukeries estates, Lord Byron's home at Newstead Abbey and Laxton, the last village in England to farm using the medieval open field system.
What are the best walks in Nottinghamshire?
Popular walks in Nottinghamshire include the trails around the Major Oak, the lakeside loop at Clumber Park and woodland routes at Sherwood Pines. For a longer challenge, the Robin Hood Way runs around 105 miles across the county.
Several of these start within a short drive of Thoresby Hall.