The city of Nottingham is a wonderful location, full of history, sights and myths. The home of legendary outlaw Robin Hood, Nottingham boasts plenty of delights for the whole family to enjoy whether you stay in or out of the city. With green spaces galore for letting the kids run around and burn off all their excess energy to a busy calendar full of wonderful festivals and events. If you’ve been wondering where to take the kids for an exciting city break this year, Nottingham is the place to be.
Centrally located, Nottingham can be reached easily by major roads and train lines and there are plenty of opportunities for hotel stays or campsites if you prefer to be closer to nature. Not only great for families, but the city is also a romance lover’s paradise and offers the perfect inspiration for reliving your favourite first date ideas around Nottingham.
Something New Every Month
There is an event or festival for almost every month of the year in Nottingham and 2020 is no different. Keep an eye out for the following festivals which are sure to excite and amaze and create long-lasting family memories.
March
The Royal Shakespeare Company are coming to Nottingham and to tie-in, several theatres are holding their own Celebrating Shakespeare Festival taking place over 10 days between Monday 24th February to Saturday 7th March. Visit one of the interactive workshops, a storytelling session or a musical performance, all in celebration of the famous playwright who bought us favourites including Romeo and Juliet, The Taming of the Shrew and As You Like It.
May
The Nottingham Puppet Festival will be taking place across the city between Friday 15th May and Sunday 14th June and is sure to be an incredible event with artists coming from all other the world to showcase their talent and skills. The first ever Nottingham Puppet Festival took place in 2018 and was greatly received by all. Check out the various free street theatre shows, take part in an interactive workshop, dance along to some music and enjoy a month of puppetry-themed fun!
June
June is a month of culture and arts with plenty of festivals to choose from all themed around being creative and celebrating all things arts;
10th June – 15th June: Basfest, at Basford Library
13th June – 19th June: Bestwood Cultural Festival, various venues
20th June – 28th June: Sherwood Art Week, various venues
20th June – 28th June: Wollaton Arts Festival, Wollaton Hall and Park and Nottingham Industrial Museum
26th June – 28th June: Forest Live Festival, Sherwood Pines Forest Park
27th June – 4th July: Bilborough Arts Festival, St Martin’s Bilborough
Natural Green Spaces
Nottingham is surrounded by a wide selection of green spaces, including Sherwood Forest – the legendary home of famous Robin Hood and his band of Merry Men. Visit some of the oldest trees in the world, including the Major Oak, a huge oak tree spanning an incredible 28 metres (92ft) and thought to be between 800 to 1000 thousand years old.
If nature walks don’t take your fancy, there are plenty of outdoor activity parks to burn off some steam in, from Go Ape in Sherwood Pines to the expansive Conkers, award-winning outdoor park found in the Heart of the National Forest and Sundown Adventure Land for the littles.
Prefer to get up close with some animals? There are wildlife centres and farms across the entire of Nottinghamshire all with their own varied selection of farmyard favourites and furry friends. Stonebridge City Farm is not far from Nottingham city centre, while slightly further North you can enjoy White Post Farm and the Tropical Butterfly House. Don’t miss out on seeing the majestic wild deer at Wollaton Hall and Park!
If you’ve been wondering where to add to your holiday list this year, take a look at Nottingham and find your favourite location for the whole family!
Image Credits:
Reasons to Take the Family to Nottingham This Year 1
Shutterstock: Royalty-free stock photo ID: 679580560
Council House also known as the city hall in the Old Market Square with a pool and fountain in the foreground, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, England, UK,
By SAKhanPhotography
Reasons to Take the Family to Nottingham This Year 2
Shutterstock: Royalty-free stock photo ID: 1494811853
Red Deer Stag at Wollaton Hall, Nottingham
By Dominic Hodge
