Car Hire Nottinghamshire

Main roads and motorways in Nottinghamshire

• The M1 is the main motorway that cuts north to south through Nottinghamshire and skirts the western edge of Nottingham itself.
• The A60 connects Nottingham with Mansfield to the north, then continues on to the west of Sherwood Forest.
• The A614 links to the A60 and travels out from Nottingham, leading to Center Parcs at Sherwood Forest.
• The A46 runs north-east to south-west through the heart of Newark-on-Trent.

How to get to Sherwood Forest

The Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre (Sherwood Forest, Edwinstowe, Mansfield NG21 9RN) is in Edwinstowe, near Ollerton.

• From the north – follow the A1 southbound until the junction for the A57 and A614. Next, take the A614 south to Ollerton, turning right on to Ollerton Road, A6075. The visitor centre is a five-minute drive away from there.
• From the south – exit the M1 at junction 29 and follow the A617/A6191 for Mansfield. Then join the A614 Old Rufford Road, and you’ll see signs for Sherwood Forest.

How to get to Clumber Park

Clumber Park (Worksop, S80 3AZ) is just south of Worksop and north of Ollerton.

• From the north or south – from the M1, take the A619 east to Worksop, then join the A57 south and east. At the Apley Interchange, take the 4^th exit for Blyth Road (A614) and turn right onto Limetree Avenue.
• From Nottingham – head north on the M60, then fork right for the A614. This road will take you along the east side of Clumber Park, where you then need to take a left onto Limetree Avenue to arrive.

When to go to Nottinghamshire

Clumber Park and Sherwood Forest are at their best from spring to autumn, with each season showcasing a different aspect of these gorgeous natural areas. Come in summer for sunshine, autumn for russet leaves and spring as the parks come back to life with wildlife and visitors.

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 12^th 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 18^th 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.