Hi ho, off to Robin Hood country we go!
Looking for a relaxing family holiday exploring historic Nottinghamshire? We’ve found the perfect Sherwood hideaway for you and your band of merry men. From journeying through ancient acres of woodland to wandering the creepy caves below Nottingham Castle, the many fun-filled, educational activities on offer in Nottinghamshire make this a popular, must-see destination.
Travel back in time in one of England’s most historical cities with the affordable comfort of these holiday parks.
1. Ashbourne Heights Country Park
Holiday park location: Ashbourne, Derbyshire
Best for: A nature-based family holiday close to Nottingham
Nestled in the beautiful countryside of the Peak District National Park, only 30 miles from Nottinghamshire, holidays here are relaxing to the max. Walking and cycling trails, such as the Tissington Trail, start right at your caravan’s patio, so step into the stunning scenery and let nature do the rest.
There’s plenty to do on-site and in the area. Why not live out your Jane Austen dreams and pay a visit to the historic Chatsworth House (did someone say Mr Darcy)? Then, if you find swooning over afternoon tea wasn’t quite thrilling enough, Alton Towers is practically just around the corner! Surely a few loop-de-loops will have the whole family giddy in no time.
Sherwood Forest Adventures
After all that excitement, you can wind down with a stroll through the royal Sherwood Forest. Known to have been the Sherwood hideaway of Robin Hood and his band of merry men, this ancient forest is rich with history and lore. While wandering the woods, you must pay a visit to the gnarled and infamous forest celebrity, the Major Oak. This tree is thought to be somewhere between 800 and 1100 years old, meaning that it has stood strong from the days of Vikings all the way to this world of iPhones. We love Nottingham and the Peak District, but if you’re in the mood for more nature walks, take a look at these 6 Best Lake District Weekend Breaks.
Facilities: Ashbourne Heights Country Park offers a selection of luxury lodges to choose from, all self-catered and perfect for an affordable and independent holiday. The facilities on-site include a convenience shop, which makes it easy to pick up any forgotten bits and bobs, but if you don’t want to do all the cooking, just swing by the new Farmhouse Tea Room & Bar for a treat. Cool down with a splash in the indoor swimming pool, or let the little ones roam around on the outdoor playground. Select lodges are dog-friendly, and there are even dog showers on site, so treat those puppers to a swimming holiday of their own.
2. Parkdean Resorts Sunnydale
Holiday park location: Saltfleet, Lincolnshire
Best for: Sweet seaside holidays away with award-winning beaches
Settle into coastal caravan life at Parkdean Resorts Sunnydale. Just a stone’s throw from the award-winning beach town of Mablethorpe, you can fill your mornings with seaside swimming before heading back to your caravan, packing a picnic and setting off for the woodland parks in Nottinghamshire. It’ll take about an hour and a half to drive to Sherwood Forest, passing through the scenic Lincolnshire Wolds nature reserve on the way.
After a relaxing picnic in the forest, pop over to Rufford Abbey, an exquisite mansion with the ruins of a 12th-century abbey. The on-site activities for kids are awesome, from climbing and zip wires to slides and sandpits. You’re sure to really feel like Robin Hood with a round or two of archery, or get some putting in and try your hand at adventure golf, all with the austere backdrop of the country estate in the infamous Sherwood Forest.
Head Into The Nottingham
Later, you can finish the drive into the city of Nottingham. You’ll find a good deal of sights to see in town, but you definitely want to make time for the National Justice Museum. Though the name may sound a bit humdrum to the young ones, they’ll forget all about that once inside. Based in the historic Lace Market, there are original courtrooms, ominous dungeons and eerie prison cells to tour. Then take a stroll through the City of Caves, and see a sprawling underground world of man-made caves from 1250 AD hidden beneath the local shopping centre. This popular Nottingham haunt is sure to send shivers down your spine all the way home, till you’re safely tucked in back at the holiday park.
Facilities: From swimming in the indoor pool to casting a line with on-site fishing, you’ll find fun activities and facilities for everyone just steps from your caravan or lodge. The kids can run wild in the amusement arcade or the adventure playground on-site, or they can make some friends in the two kids clubs provided – Star Tots and Star Landers. If you don’t feel like cooking, rest easy and let the Boathouse Bar & Restaurant take care of dinner. Then for after-dinner-delights, see what’s on in the entertainment venue before winding down the day in your comfy caravan. With selected pet-friendly lodges available, not even the doggos will be missing out. If you’re looking for more pet-friendly holiday parks, you should have a look at The Best Dog Friendly Log Cabins in the Lake District.
Sherwood Forest and Beyond
The range of unique activities and holiday parks around Nottingham makes this a favourite holiday spot of ours, but we know everyone’s tastes are unique. So whether you’re looking for holidays filled with peaceful woodland frolics around the parks in Nottinghamshire, or thrilling weekends riding roller coasters in Blackpool (or even Paris!), we’ve got all you need to make booking your perfect touring trip a breeze. Head to the Breakfree Holidays site to see our full selection of lodges, caravans and touring holiday parks today.