Car hire near Nottinghamshire
Nottinghamshire rubs up against some superb cities and towns. You can pick your car up if you land at East Midlands Airport, or choose these other great locations:
- East Midlands Airport – from here you’re only a short drive away from Nottingham, Leicester, Derby, Loughborough and the rich Nottinghamshire countryside.
- Derby – choose car hire here to see the best of a thriving riverfront city, then head out for the Derbyshire hills and the Peak District beyond.
- Lincoln – consecrated in 1082, Lincoln Cathedral is the majestic centrepiece of this city, but car hire here will let you discover the fens and hills, dotted with windmills and the wolds.
Best things to see and do in Nottinghamshire
Center Parcs
Sherwood Forest Holiday Village, Newark, NG22 9DN
Ideal for activity-packed family holidays, Center Parcs sits within Sherwood Forest and is a vast playground with excellent accommodation. Make for the subtropical swimming paradise with its wave pool, slides, rides and splash zone, book in to try your hand at archery, kayaking, go karts, golf and more. Or simply explore the forest at your own pace.
Newark Castle
31 Castle Gate, Newark, NG24 1BG
Both Nottingham and Newark-on-Trent boast wonderful, storied castles. The latter sits on the River Trent, built originally in timber, then rebuilt in stone at the end of the 12th century. It has since been restored and is now an atmospheric visitor attraction where you can learn about history or attend concerts and events.
Clumber Park
Worksop, S80 3AZ
This National Trust park covers 3,800 acres of gorgeous countryside. A former country estate of the Dukes of Newcastle, it’s now a slice of picturesque rural bliss. Relax in the gardens, hike through the woods and uncover the remains of the Ducal estate, including a walled garden and Gothic chapel. Look out for the 18th century ornamental bridge and Europe’s longest lime tree avenue, over two miles long.
Best places to stay in Nottinghamshire
Center Parcs
Sherwood Forest Holiday Village, Newark, NG22 9DN
While you can get day passes to Center Parcs, the best way to make the most of all it has to offer is to stay on site. Accommodation ranges from hotels and apartments, to lodges and even treehouses. The latter have tremendous views of the forest, a games den and a private hot tub, while some of the executive lodges have pool tables, a steam room and sauna.
Birdholme Glamping
Birdholme Wood, Melton Road, Stanton-on-the-Wolds, NG12 5BQ
The ultimate in ‘escape-from-it-all’, Birdholme offers supreme safari lodges, set in private woodland. The lake views are enhanced by the dragonflies dancing in the air, the fascinating birdlife and deer roaming the woods. The lodges have a premium finish, with cosy interiors and, outside, hot tubs and wood burners – so you can relax in the great outdoors.
Ye Olde Bell
Barnby Moor, Retford, DN22 8QS
This old coaching inn on the Great North Road has tremendous pedigree. Rest your head on a pillow here and imagine the illustrious former guests – Queen Victoria, Charlie Chaplin, Bing Crosby and, more recently, One Direction. A sympathetic restoration has retained much of the charm, while adding a stunning state-of-the-art spa. Rooms are luxurious and comfortable – roll-top baths, canopied beds – and the dining is excellent too.