Things to do in Nottinghamshire with your family this summer

If you're struggling with things to keep your family entertained during the summer holidays here are a few suggestions of things you can do in Nottinghamshire.
Visitors to the 32nd annual Robin Hood Festival including local dignitaries, join Robin Hood (Steve Warrington) and the Sheriff of Nottingham (Mark Williams) after the opening ceremony on Monday.Visitors to the 32nd annual Robin Hood Festival including local dignitaries, join Robin Hood (Steve Warrington) and the Sheriff of Nottingham (Mark Williams) after the opening ceremony on Monday.
Visitors to the 32nd annual Robin Hood Festival including local dignitaries, join Robin Hood (Steve Warrington) and the Sheriff of Nottingham (Mark Williams) after the opening ceremony on Monday.

1. Creswell Crags

This archaeological site is set in a limestone gorge with caves and a lake and it is home to Britain’s only known Ice Age cave art.

There is plenty to see and do, whether you want a relaxing picnic or a walk and is an ideal place for families to visit.

There is no charge to visit Creswell Crags site or to walk around the lake and gorge, it is also free to visit the shop and coffee shop.

There is a £2 charge for all day parking and charges are made for the exhibition and Cave Tours.

2. Attenborough Nature Centre

This is an award winning eco-friendly visitor attraction surrounded by the tranquil waters of the beautiful Attenborough Nature Reserve.

The centre has activities throughout the year for people of all ages.

Entry is free and there is a £1.50 donation fee to use the car park.

3. Wollaton Hall

The stunning parkland is home to herds of free roaming deer. The 16th century building houses the city’s Natural History Museum. And the Courtyard Stables are home to an Industrial Museum, Steam Engine House, Visitor Centre and the Yard Gallery, which hosts natural history and science exhibitions. Free entry to the park, Hall and museums. Car parking charge of £2 for 3 hours or £4 per day applies. Please note that additional charges may apply for some tours, events and activities.

4. The beach

Until Sunday, September 4, Nottingham’s Market Square has been transformed into a seaside resort.

With a padding pool, funfair rides, the ever popular beach bar and special events planned throughout the summer, this year’s beach is set to be bigger than ever.

New for 2016 is a high-flying ‘Around the World’ swing ride, offering a thrilling ride above the city with great views of Nottingham in the sunshine.

There will also be the traditional seaside arcade games such as ‘Hook a Duck’ are also on offer.

Plus don’t miss out on the live music performers and entertainers.

5. Take a guided tour of Nottingham.

If you’re feeling brave you could take The Nottingham Ghost Walk. Starting at 7pm every Saturday tickets cost £6 for adults, £3 for children aged from nine to 13-years-old, a family tickets for two adults and two children is available for £15. Children under nine go free. The walk is broadly suitable for children of nine-years-old and above.

Or you can take a heritage audio tour of the Lace Market starting from the Galleries of Justice Museum for just £2.95 each.

6. Nottingham Castle

The castle is a 17th century ducal mansion and is most famous for its position high up on the Castle Rock. But you can also explore the mediaeval caves underneath, including Mortimer’s Hole.

A joint ticket for entry to the Castle’s museum and art gallery, along with The Museum of Nottingham Life at Brewhouse Yard, costs £6 for adults, £5 for concessions (under 16s, over 65s and UK students), under fives are free and a family ticket for two adults and up to three children is £18.

7. Get your skates on

For a rainy day why not wrap up warm and head out on the ice and go ice skating at the Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham. Admission is £6.50 and skate hire is £2. For a family of four, including skate hire it costs £27.

8. Greens Windmill

Climb the levels of this working windmill and see award winning organic flour being made. This windmill is set high on a ridge with great views of Nottingham and the valley of the River Trent.

Find out about the life and work of George Green, the famous 19th century mathematician and test your minds with fun hands-on puzzles and experiments.

Admission is free and it is open Thursday to Sunday.

9. The Robin Hood Festival

Until Sunday, August 7, there will be events at three main locations in Sherwood Forest Country Park, the Visitor Centre, the Major Oak (10 to 15 minutes walk from the Visitor Centre) and the Jousting Arena (10 minute walk from the Visitor Centre). Events include falconry, jousting as well as a selection of evening performances (for an additional ticket price).

Entry is free with a £5 parking charge.

10. Visit the Lost City

Located in the Cornerhouse the underground mini golf course is great fun for all the family. And with two 18 hole courses it will keep everyone entertained for hours.

For an 18 hole course tickets are £7.50, £3.50 for under fives or £24 for a family ticket.

Or for the full 36 hole course tickets are £12.50, £6 for under fives or £37 for a family ticket.