Newark
Newark is just a 30 mins drive from Blue Bell Self Catering Holiday Cottage.
Newark is a pretty and vibrant market town with interesting medieval and Georgian Architecture.
Market days are: Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Farmers markets first Wednesday of the Month. Newark is famous for its role in the civil war and now hosts the National Civil War Visitor Centre. The ruins of Newark Castle rise majestically over the River Trent. The castle and grounds are free to visit – an excellent place for a picnic bought from the market.
Southwell
Southwell is just a 20 minute drive from The Blue Bell Holiday Cottage.
This picturesque town, bursting with tradition and character is often referred to as ‘The jewel in Nottinghamshire’s crown’.
Explore the magnificent Southwell Minster Cathedral, then stroll along to the town’s centre to find a good selection of independent shops, friendly pubs selling traditional ales, cosy cafés and restaurants. In the afternoon take a tour of Southwell Workhouse (National Trust) open Wednesdays to Sundays. Finish the day with a traditional ale in one of Southwells friendly pubs ( renowned as some of the best in Nottinghamshire)
On Saturdays the Market Square hosts a lively market.
Lincoln
Lincoln is just a 40 minute drive from The Blue Bell Self Catering Holiday Cottage.
At the top of Steep Hill, a popular tourist street lined with independent shops and voted ‘Britain’s best S
treet’ lies Lincoln Cathedral which is arguably the finest medieval cathedral in England. It was used as the double for Westminster Abbey in the film “The Da Vinci Code”.
Surrounding the Cathedral is the medieval shambles and old city, including the Bishops Palace (English Heritage), Roman walls and Lincoln Castle which hold and displays a unique copy of the Magna Carta (follow signs for old city and Cathedral quarter).
Nottingham
Nottingham is 20 miles or a 44 minute journey from Blue Bell Holiday Cottage.
Associated with the ‘man in tights’, Nottingham Castle crowns a sandstone outcrop, wormholed with sandstone caves which can be explored on the tours. The mediaeval keep was destroyed after the execution of King Charles to prevent it being used and was replaced by a Ducal Palace built by Henry Cavendish, Second Duke of Newcastle. The building now houses a municipal museum and fine art collections.
Sat nav for Castle is NG1 6EL.
Cave Tours run between 12pm and 3pm and emerge along the 17th Century cottages comprising the museum of Nottingham Life. The much photographed statute of Robin Hood and The Olde Trip to Jerusalem, the oldest inn in England dating back to 1189 AD.
For city centre shopping, follow sat nav for parking at Victoria Shopping Centre, NG1 3QN. The City centre shopping mall has over 120 stores and doors opening onto the lively city centre awash with a colourful mix of more stylish and unique retailers.
If your party splits up, meet up at the lions on Town Hall steps on the Old Market Square, the largest pedestrianised square in England and the traditional meeting place for those who live in or around the city or meet at the Bell Inn in Nottingham, just off the square cherished in Nottingham and continuously trading from 1467.
Welbeck Abbey
Welbeck is one of the great traditional landed estates. It extends to some 15,000 acres, much of which sits within Sherwood Forest, with Welbeck Abbey at its heart. The Abbey was founded as a monastery in 1153. Be
ss of Hardwick’s youngest son, Sir Charles Cavendish, acquired Welbeck in 1607, and since then the estate has continued to be handed down through the family.
Welbeck Abbey’s State Room guided tours are open to the public for 33 days during the summer. Tickets are available in advance at reception in The Portland Collection and The Harley Gallery or by calling 01909 501 700
For mor information vists the Welbeck Abbey website
Villages
Whilst Ollerton has plenty of its own pubs and restaurants. It is surrounded by picturesque villages with excellent pubs, both for drinking and evening meals.
The Olde Red Lion, Wellow (1.6 miles) NG22 0EG
Charming village pub and the local’s local. Supplies the best pint in the area. Traditional pub fare. The pub overlooks the Maypole, one of only two permanent maypoles in England.
The Dovecote, Laxton (4.7 miles) NG22 0SX
Traditional pub and quality restaurant set in the last remaining medieval farming village opposite an Interpretation Centre explaining Laxton’s medieval strip farming system. Also in Laxton is the National Holocaust Centre (NG22 0PA) founded by a local family’s desire to provide a centre dedicated to teaching and learning the lessons from the holocaust.
Caunton Beck, Caunton (7.9 miles) NG23 6AB
Freehouse with fine dining and fine wines. Open all day. Excellent choice for a late late lunch.
Greendale Oak, Cuckney (7.5 miles) NG20 9NQ
Sophisticated village pub a stones through from Clumber Park and the Welbeck Estate. Quality steaks and cask ales.
The Pough Inn, Egmanton (6.2 miles) NG22 0EZ
Chef and owner is classically trained to Rosette Standard. All food is home cooked and fresh to order. Consistent Winner of Trip Advisor Certificates of Excellence.