The Midlands contains many visitor attractions
Please Note: -
1. The values given in the table below are approximations. Please do not rely on these for time management or costings.
2. The distance & time measurements are for travel from Newark, centres other than Newark will be different.
3. Costings are usually taken from the organisations website, and relate to a childs ticket. This should be checked prior to booking as the childrens age group often covers different ranges, and there maybe group discounts available.
4. Where possible a link to the website of the attraction is included to help you to gather further information.
| Attraction
|
Travel
Distance (Miles)
|
Travel
Time (Mins)
|
Cost
(£'s)
|
The national capital, is 125 miles south of Newark. Easily reachable by coach, but with a travel time of 3 hours each way it is well worth setting aside a day for a visit. There are lots of attractions, and you can use the coach to take a sightseeing tour.
Newark
|
|
Travel
Distance (Miles)
|
Travel
Time (Mins)
|
Cost
(£'s)
|
| MillGate Museum
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Free
|
Millgate Museum has a collection of over 70,000 items and the rich collections offer a snapshot of life in the Newark and Sherwood area over the last 3,000 years! Items range from Artwork, the Civil War, archaelogical artefacts, photographs & social history items.
Newark Castle &
Gilstrap Centre
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Free
|
The castle is set in pleasant grounds, overlooking the River Trent & Riverside Park. Withtin the grounds is a bandstand which is used thoroughout the summer months by local bands. Also featuring in the summer are several plays set in the grounds. Next to the castle is the Guildstrap building containing the Tourist Information Office & displays about the castle.
| Ten Pin Bowling
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
£3.50
|
A fun & enjoyable way to fill a couple of hours. Newark has a 10 lane bowling alley which readily accepts groups of students.
| Newark Air Museum
|
3
|
5
|
£3.25
|
The museum's collection currently stands at 70 aircraft and cockpit sections from across the history of aviation. These include transport, training and reconnaissance aircraft and helicopters and a diverse selection of jet fighters and bombers.
Southwell
|
|
Travel
Distance (Miles)
|
Travel
Time (Mins)
|
Cost
(£'s)
|
| Southwell Minster
|
15
|
20
|
Donation
|
A beautiful church in an unusal setting. Set in the heart of the Nottinghamshire countryside, Southwell Minster is unique in its rural setting.
The Workhouse
(Southwell)
|
15
|
20
|
£2.30
|
The Workhouse survives as the least altered example of its kind in existence today. Visitors can explore the segregated rooms and stairways as well as the master’s quarters to discover the thought-provoking story of the ‘welfare’ system, created by the New Poor Law of 1834. The audio guide, based on archive records, brings the 19th-century inhabitants back to life in the empty rooms. Interactive displays address the issue of poverty through the years and across the country, while children’s games illuminate the life of people who once inhabited the Workhouse.
Robin Hood Country
|
|
Travel
Distance (Miles)
|
Travel
Time (Mins)
|
Cost
(£'s)
|
| Sherwood Forest
|
20
|
30
|
Free
|
The visitor centre, built by Nottinghamshire County Council in 1975 is a short distance from the village of Edwinstowe. It contains a shop & various information points relating to the surrounding Forest. Within a short 15 minute walk is the Major Oak, an old giant tree which legend says hid Robin Hood from the Sheriff men. There is plenty of park land in which to rest & play games before heading home or to a near by attraction.
| Archery in Sherwood
|
20
|
30
|
Various
|
Also on offer at the Sherwood Forest Vistor Centre is a chance to have a go at this ancient sport. So why not be inspired by your surroundings & the spirit of Robin Hood and have a go at Archery.
An adventure playground in the Forest. Challenge yourself to climb, swing & slide your way through the Forest - let your wild side run free! Great fun for children & adults alike, but not for the faint hearted or those scared of heights.
Rufford Arts
& Crafts
|
20
|
30
|
Free
|
Rufford Craft Centre is set in Rufford Country Park, the grounds of a twelfth century abbey close to Sherwood Forest. The abbey was later converted into a country house and more recently its stable block has become the Craft Centre. A contemporary Sculpture Trail is situated in the park.
Nottingham
|
|
Travel
Distance (Miles)
|
Travel
Time (Mins)
|
Cost
(£'s)
|
A real adventure where you can ride through Medieval Nottingham, UK in unique adventure cars. Smell its smells as you flee from the evil sheriff, see the expertly captured scenes from the original tales of Robin Hood and hear the hustle and bustle of everyday life in the Middle Ages. Joint tickets for The Caves, The Tales of Robin Hood & The Galleries of Justice can be purchased for a discounted rate.
| Nottingham Castle
|
25
|
40
|
£1.50
|
Once the site of a large castle, there is now only minimal remains. Destroyed after the English Civil War the castles remains were almost completely removed in the construction of a 17th century Palace. This too has been destroyed by fire, so the site is now occupied by a museum & gardens, with a bronze statue of Robin Hood outside the front gates.
Situated beneath the Broadmarsh Shopping Centre, visitors experience over 750 years of Nottingham's history told through this unique man-made sandstone cave system. Joint tickets for The Caves, The Tales of Robin Hood & The Galleries of Justice can be purchased for a discounted rate.
As the title suggests this attraction takes you through 300 years of crime & punishment. Demonstrating what it was like to be subjected to trial & the senstences handed out. Joint tickets for The Caves, The Tales of Robin Hood & The Galleries of Justice can be purchased for a discounted rate.
| Brewhouse Yard Museum
|
25
|
40
|
£1.50
|
The museum is a delight for children and adults alike presenting a realistic glimpse of everyday domestic and commercial life in Nottingham over the last 300 years.
With Nottingham being home to the famous Torvill & Dean ice skaters it is only natural that the national ice centre is to be found in the city. With two olympic sized ice pads its the ideal place to have a go at skating. This venue also hosts many other events including Pop Concerts & international boxing.
| Wollaton Hall
|
30
|
45
|
£1.00
|
Set in over 500 acres of historic deer park, Wollaton Hall was completed in 1588, it is now the home to the city's Natural History Museum. Wollaton's Courtyard Stables are home to the city's Industrial Museum, Steam Engine House, Wollaton Visitor Centre and the Yard Gallery, a vibrant exhibition space with a changing programme of exhibitions exploring art and the environment.
Mansfield
|
|
Travel
Distance (Miles)
|
Travel
Time (Mins)
|
Cost
(£'s)
|
Making it! is an "exciting family attraction" based around design & technology - it's fun, entertaining, engaging and educational - fully hands on galleries to keep you inspired and amazed for hours.
See the first home of D. H. Lawrence where he was born nearly 120 years ago on 11th September 1885. Today the museum is an astounding re-creation of a Victorian family home, which is brought to life through informative friendly guides. Explore the very heart of working class Victorian life through the home of the Lawrence family.
The Heritage Centre successfully depicts the Victorian past of Lawrence’s mining hometown as well as offering a range of culturally diverse and interactive exhibitions, including the Rainbow Gallery.
Lincolnshire
|
|
Travel
Distance (Miles)
|
Travel
Time (Mins)
|
Cost
(£'s)
|
Lincoln Castle has a rich history which can be explored by its visitors. Sitting at the top of a steep escarpment the castle enjoys magnificent views of the city & beyond. Within its walls you can enjoy a guided tour taking you through the various phases of the Castles life, from ancient stronghold built by William the Conquorer through to modern life as a museum & site of the County Court. It also holds one of the Magna Carta, and often hosts various re-enactment events.
Lincoln Cathedral is probably one of the great churches in the UK. Located at the top of Steep Hill, it dominates the landscape for miles around. Featuring splendid architecture both inside & outside is well worth a visit you can even try to search out the famous Lincoln Imp carved into the walls of the Cathedral.
Gibralter Point
(Skegness)
|
60
|
79
|
Parking
|
Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve is an area of some 430 hectares comprising sandy and muddy seashores, sand-dunes, saltmarshes and freshwater habitats extending for a distance of about 3 miles along the Lincolnshire coast, from the southern end of Skegness to the entrance of the Wash. The Reserve is managed by the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust under a lease from its owners the Lincolnshire County Council and East Lindsey District Council.
The visitor centre is situated near to the South Car Park and is well worth a visit before a walk round the Reserve. It contains fine displays and exhibits. A large panoramic oil painting is related to the view from the windows and to the text illustrations produced in a sketchbook style. Educational material and gifts are on sale. The Centre is open daily from May to October and on weekends and Bank Holidays during the rest of the year.
Leicestershire
|
|
Travel
Distance (Miles)
|
Travel
Time (Mins)
|
Cost
(£'s)
|
Belvoir Castle offers a wide range of tours and group events throughout the year. With manificent views over the surrounding countryside, the Castle houses one of the most magnificent art collections in the country, together with some of the finest furniture.
Beautiful formal gardens feature 17th centuary statues. The duchess' Garden is designed to look spectacular all year round.
A great day out for all the family that is out of this world is not out of reach... The National Space Centre is the UK's largest attraction dedicated to space. From the minute you catch sight of the futuristic 42 metre Rocket Tower, you'll be treated to hours of breathtaking discovery and interactive fun.
Rutland Water is a most important winter wildfowl sanctuary, regularly holding over 20,000 waterfowl. Three lagoons and 9 miles of shore and open water are overlooked by a total of 22 hides. Visitors are welcomed at two visitor centres, one at Egleton and the other at Lyndon Hill. A wide variety of habitats ensures that many species of birds are present throughout the year. There is a wide range of courses and events together with an exciting education programme. Young Ospreys have been translocated to Rutland Water. In 2003 there were 2 succesful nests. It is a scheduled SSSI, Ramsar site and Special Protection Area. Every year the reserve hosts the British Bird Watching Fair. The reserve is open to visitors every day throughout the year.
Twycross Zoo opened in 1963 on a site in Leicestershire. Initially a comparatively modest collection, it has grown into one of the major British zoos, it is famous for its collection of primates. The Zoo occupies over 40 acres and is set in open countryside. Despite its rural location, it is only four miles from the M42/A42 (which links the M1 and M6) making it readily accessible from anywhere in central England.
Yorkshire
|
|
Travel
Distance (Miles)
|
Travel
Time (Mins)
|
Cost
(£'s)
|
Magna Centre
(Sheffield)
|
50
|
55
|
N/A
|
An interactive centre full of thrilling experiences.
Demonstrating the power and force of the four natural elements: air, water, fire and earth. Attractions include learning how to blow giant cloud rings & making music with air. You can experience a tornado & how it feels to fly. In the fire zone you can dodge floor-to-ceiling lightning flashes, stand up to a virtual fireball and brave Britain's only fire tornado. In the water zone you can shoot at human targets with a water cannon and use water power to launch a rocket. You can also create a boiling geyser. In the earth zone you can be involved in a working quarry. You can take control of a JCB, shift huge rocks and even explode a rock face. Plenty more attractions as well.
Discover the story of the world's oceans on a dramatic journey back in time and into the future!
Wonder at the tank containing 2.5 million litres of water and 87 tonnes of salt. See 7 species of shark, huge marine dinosaurs, Conger Eels, Rays and hundreds of other stunning sea creatures.
Witness the waters of the world from the world's only underwater lift and Europe's deepest viewing tunnel!
Learn of the history of the seas and the threats they now face.
Opened in 1996 as the new home for the national collection of arms and armour. Each of the five themed galleries covering War, Tournament, Self-Defence, Hunting and the arms and armour of the Orient offers something to captivate every visitor - Henry VIII's tournament armour for instance, the replica Edwardian Gun Room, or a chance to shoot a crossbow. There is an exciting combination of spectacular displays, dramatic interpretations, live action events, interactive technology and thrilling exhibitions.
The fun and excitement continues outside in the summer months where you can enjoy skilled demonstrations of jousting, falconry and horsemanship. By watching our expert gunmakers and leatherworkers in the Craft Court, you can discover how history was made. You can also see animals at close quarters in the Menagerie.
The Brontës were the world's most famous literary family and Haworth Parsonage, now the Brontë Parsonage Museum, was their home from 1820 to 1861. Charlotte, Emily and Anne Brontë were the authors of some of the best-loved books in the English language. Charlotte's novel Jane Eyre (1847), Emily's Wuthering Heights (1847), and Anne's The Tenant of Wildfell Hall (1848) were written in this house over a hundred and fifty years ago, yet their power still moves readers today.
Visit the museum & village of Haworth to learn more about this famously talented family.
Derbyshire
|
|
Travel
Distance (Miles)
|
Travel
Time (Mins)
|
Cost
(£'s)
|
Since opening to the public in 1780 people have travelled from all over the world to the Heights of Abraham to explore its underground caverns, wander the woodland paths and enjoy the breathtaking views.
The Museum tells the story of the development of a community from prehistoric to modern times. Eyam attracts attention due to the tragic epidemic of Bubonic Plague in the middle of the 17th century, its subsequent social and industrial development, and its fascinating geology and prehistory. It is worth building on the story of human disaster during the Plague, to learn more about the relationship of men and women to each other and to their environment through the ages. That is what our museum aims to do.
Chatsworth is one of Britain’s best loved historic houses and estates, offering something for everyone to enjoy, from famous works of art and the spectacular fountains in the garden to the finest shopping, food and drink and many miles of free walks. The home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire is set in the magnificent landscape of Derbyshire’s Peak District National Park.
Theme park with associated Zoo. Great for hours of fun as you can experience many of the white knuckle rides as well as the more leisurely rides. Alternatively relax as you walk around the Zoo. Group discounts are available - see web site for details.
A favourite local theme park attraction. Located on the Notts & Derbyshire border this park is currently undergoing a facelift, however it still has many exciting rides for the adventurous to enjoy.
Cambridgeshire
|
|
Travel
Distance (Miles)
|
Travel
Time (Mins)
|
Cost
(£'s)
|
Alongside Oxford, the city of Cambridge is home to the UK's most famous University. Visit this beautiful city and experience life in a popular but not too busy university city.
Duxford is Europe's premier aviation museum - as well as having one of the finest collections of tanks, military vehicles and naval exhibits in the country.
This famous heritage site began as an airfield in the First World War and also played a vital role in the Second World War, firstly as an RAF fighter station and later as an American fighter base.
Warwickshire
|
|
Travel
Distance (Miles)
|
Travel
Time (Mins)
|
Cost
(£'s)
|
Probably the best kept medieval castle left in the UK. Open to the public you can enjoy various events here all linked to life in the castle and medieval times.
| Stratford on Avon
|
85
|
120
|
various
|
Pretty town next to the River Avon. Historically known as the birthplace of William Shakespear. It is now home to The Royal Shakespear Company and had many museums dedicated to the life of the 'bard'.
The National Exhibition Centre, Indoor Area & NEC Arena in Birmingham host a variety of events & exhibitions. From Music concerts to Fashion Shows, there is something for everyone throughout the year.
Come and learn about chocolate with Cadburys own attraction dedicated to chocolate, its history & manufacturing. Take a look at the various interactive displays and get some hands-on experience in the demonstation area. Pre-booking is advisable.
Staffordshire
|
|
Travel
Distance (Miles)
|
Travel
Time (Mins)
|
Cost
(£'s)
|
Alton Towers is one of UK's most popular theme park, home to legendary thrills like Oblivion, Nemesis and Air. New for 2005, Rita - Queen of Speed launches into action.
