As Whitsun also coincides with the start of a school half-term week, you have every reason to get out and about. So we have drawn up a list of exciting ideas below for things to do and places to go in the Mansfield and Ashfield area, particularly with families in mind.
Many of you will be keen to fire up the barbecue to mark the first sign of summer. But before that, why not check out the annual maypole dancing day at Wellow, walk with dinosaurs at White Post Farm or enjoy a tour of Sherwood Forest?
There’s also the latest steam day at Papplewick Pumping Station, as well as fun in the sun at Rufford Abbey and Southwell Minster.
Before you set off, please remember to check the individual website of your chosen destination for opening times and admission prices.
And if you would like an upcoming event to be featured here in future weeks, please email me at [email protected]
Have a great weekend!
1. Join the maypole day centenary celebrations at Wellow
The tiny village of Wellow, near Ollerton, is celebrating 100 years of official records documenting maypole dancing on its green. The tradition almost certainly dates back to many years before then, but it is still alive and kicking, with this year's big day on Bank Holiday Monday featuring a range of entertainment, live music, Morris dancing, stalls, food and drink, children's swingboats and Punch and Judy shows, as well as the crowning of the new May queen, Charlotte Baugh. Photo: Submitted
2. Tour of Sherwood Forest with the Sheriff of Nottingham
Want to know more about the legends of Sherwood Forest and its most famous inhabitant, Robin Hood? Sometimes you need a balanced perspective of the county's celebrated outlaw, so who better to do that than his arch-enemy, the Sheriff of Nottingham? Venture into the ancient oaks of Sherwood on Saturday (10 am) for a guided, one-hour walk, suitable for all ages, in which the Sheriff will share stories of medieval life. Photo: Submitted
3. The dinosaurs are coming to White Post Farm!
Brace yourself for a dinosaur invasion at the ever-popular White Post Farm in Farnsfield this Bank Holiday. From Monday until the end of half-term week, there will be a prehistoric takeover with five days of 'roar-some' fun for the whole family. The daily timetable features raptors, reptiles, falcon displays and even sheep racing, plus the chance to take some selfies. Photo: Submitted
4. Chainsaw sculpture at pumping station steam day
Chainsaw sculpture (pictured) will be among the attractions at an artisan fair, the big highlight of the latest steam days at Papplewick Pumping Station in Ravenshead on Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday (10.30 am to 4 pm). It's always a fascinating family day out at Britain's finest Victorian waterworks, with this weekend's event also featuring model warships, reservoir tours, traders, bushcraft, blacksmith demonstrations, 'bug house' trails and much more. Photo: Submitted