Nottinghamshire is a county full of wonder, much of which is well-publicised and for good reason. That being said, there’s so much of the county that even those who live here are unaware of but deserves just as much love and attention as the big name attractions.

At KLG Rutland, we’re passionate about Nottinghamshire and ensuring everything that’s wonderful about our local area is fully appreciated. As such, we have put together a list of some of our favourite hidden gems of Nottinghamshire, encouraging all readers to get out there and make the most of Notts. There’s options for solo explorers, couples looking for date ideas and families wanting something both adults and kids can enjoy.

Places To Visit In Nottinghamshire

In no particular order, here are some of our favourite spots in Notts that might just become your new favourites too.

  • Creswell Crags: On the border of Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire near Worksop lies Creswell Crags, where you can walk in the footsteps of early human beings and the animals of prehistoric times. This archaeological wonder encompasses the Creswell Crags caves, gorge and museum. This one for history buffs!
  • Sherwood Pines Forest Park: It’s not just Robin Hood who loves Sherwood Pines Forest, as there’s a fantastic range of outdoor activities on offer within the largest woods in the East Midlands. Mountain biking, activity trails, high ropes courses and bushcraft activities are just some of what the family can expect.
  • The Dukeries: The Dukeries is a collection of four stately homes in Nottinghamshire which once contained four ducal seats – where Duke and Duchesses lived. Located in the North of the county, The Dukeries include Worksop Manor, Welbeck Abbey, Thoresby Hall and Clumber House, all of which boast stunning architecture and grounds.
  • Newark Air Museum: Anybody who’s into their aviation or RAF history simply has to visit Newark Air Museum. In the former RAF station at Winthorpe you can view an amazing range of aircraft, from fighters to bombers and everything in-between. View important World War Two history in Newark.
  • Nottingham Industrial Museum: In the stables block of Wollaton Hall you will find the volunteer-run Nottingham Industrial Museum, open on weekends and bank holidays. The museum showcases the city’s role in the industrial revolution, with artefacts and exhibitions across the textiles, transport, communications, mining and steam industries.
  • The Park Tunnel: Hidden in Nottingham city centre is The Park Tunnel, constructed in 1855 to all horse-drawn carriages to reach The Park Estate from Derby Road. Now a Grade II listed building, the tunnel forms a beautiful part of walks around the estate.
  • Cave Escape: We’ve all heard of bog-standard escape rooms these days, but Cave Escape takes it to the next level and is the world’s only subterranean escape venue located in real caves. Hidden underground to the north of Nottingham city centre, Cave Escape is suitable for friends, family and work colleagues.
  • Bromley House Library: Book worms need look no further than Bromley House Library – a subscription library on Angel Row. This grade II listed Georgian building provides the perfect oasis for study and leisure reading and recently celebrated its 200th birthday as a library.
  • Papplewick Pumping Station: This Victorian marvel of engineering near the village of Papplewick is often called the “Cathedral of Steam.” Now a museum, this pumping station was built to pump drinking water to Nottingham and features two enormous beam engines. Visit for a view into the industrial 1800s and marvel at human engineering.
  • The Druid Stone: The so-called Druid Stone is well-worth a visit, located near Blidworth in north Nottinghamshire. This natural rock formation has a manmade passage through the middle and dates back thousands of years. Its use is debated, but it is undoubtedly another jewel in the Notts crown and can be viewed from many gorgeous walks in the area.
  • Framework Knitters’ Museum: In Ruddington you’ll find the award-winning Framework Knitters’ Museum, a unique example of a framework knitters’ yard from the 1800s. This restored living museum offers a glimpse into the area’s lace-making history and tells 400 years of history. Also on-site is the quaint Parkers’ Yard cafe open all week.
  • Green’s Windmill: Green’s Windmill and Science Centre is a place all the family can enjoy. The windmill was built in the early 19th century and was renovated in the 1980s to become a tourist attraction that demonstrates how windmills actually worked. As a bonus, you even get a great view over Nottingham from the windmill.
  • Nottingham’s Curry Mile: Indian food-lovers will be well aware of the ‘curry mile’ through Nottingham, down Maid Marian Way. A host of fantastic Indian restaurants line this street and offer some of the best independent food the area has to offer.

One gem we haven’t mentioned yet is our wonderful showroom and headquarters in Beeston, where you can see first-hand the amazing glazing products available to upgrade your home. If you’re in the East Midlands area and you’re considering a home improvement project, KLG Rutland is the only name you need to consider. We have over half a century of experience in making the homes and lives of local residents better, so why not you too?