With a great variety of family friendly attractions and days out to choose from, families can find plenty to do in Nottinghamshire. But if you're thinking of exploring further afield and trying out somewhere new but not sure where to go, then we've got a list for you.
From beaches and theme parks, to nature reserves and museums, there's lots of places to visit for a fun day out all the family can enjoy - and won't take too long to get to. Plus, with temperatures set to soar to the high twenties this weekend, what better time to go out and soak up some sun?
To save you trawling the internet for ideas, we've put together a list of various things to do and places to see within a two hour drive of Nottingham - just remember to book in advance and check timings to avoid disappointment.
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Stratford Butterfly Farm - 1hr 29mins
Enjoy the unique pleasure of discovering hundreds of the most beautiful butterflies in the world flying in an exotic environment of tropical blossom with splashing waterfalls and fish-filled pools. Situated in the historic market town of Stratford-upon-Avon, the landscaped tropical greenhouse at Stratford Butterfly Farm is the largest tropical butterfly display in the UK.
Stratford Butterfly Farm, Swan's Nest Lane, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 7LS.
World of Wedgwood - 1hr 10mins
On selected dates - usually in school holidays - adults and children can paint a piece of pottery in the decorating studio above the factory in which Wedgwood is made. Options include hanging decorations, frames, pots, vases, lanterns and more, with prices ranging from £5 to £20 depending on the item chosen.
All ages are welcome and they also provide colouring paper for little ones who aren't ready for pottery yet. The decorating studio uses water-based paint so you can take your pottery home with you on the day.
World of Wedgwood, Wedgwood Dr, Barlaston, Stoke-on-Trent ST12 9ER.
Warwick Castle - 1hr 20mins
The castle has been welcoming visitors across the country since the 17th century and officially opened as a tourist attraction back in 1978. There's plenty to see and do at the attraction including Wars of The Roses Live, an action-packed show to take you back to 1455 with battles involving stunt riding, jousting and state-of-the-art special effects.
Warwick Castle, Castle Ln, Warwick CV34 4QU.
Mablethorpe Beach - 2hrs
Mablethorpe Beach is known for being a stunning golden sandy beach that provides a fun-filled, family friendly day out on the East Coast. Visitors can get stuck into an array of water sports, including swimming, wind surfing, sailing, kayaking, canoeing and much more as Mablethorpe beach has fairly gentle waves and tides and offers a lifeguard service.
It is also close by to various cafés, fish and chip shops as well as a crazy golf attraction and fairground. Mablethorpe also hosts regular events, including the Illumination switch-ons and sandcastle competitions.
Mablethorpe, LN12 1AH.
West Midland Safari Park - 1hr 44mins
West Midland Safari Park attracts families across the country, especially since the opening of its hugely popular luxury lodges, which allows guests to stay overnight at the attraction and get up close to some of its most popular animals. The latest ones will be within a new tiger enclosure and will be open from this summer.
West Midland Safari Park, Spring Grove, Bewdley DY12 1LF.
Cadbury World - 1hr 30mins
The chocolate-themed attraction opened in 1990 on Cadbury's Birmingham manufacturing site in Bournville and has expanded many times since. Visits offer a tour through several exhibitions telling the story of chocolate and Cadbury. These include a re-creation of the premises in Bull Street, Birmingham, where Victorian entrepreneur John Cadbury started the business.
Cadbury World, 69 Linden Rd, Bournville, Birmingham B30 1JR.
Go Ape at Cannock Chase Park - 1hr 8mins
On the Go Ape website, it states: "This outdoor activity centre in Staffordshire hits all the fun and adventure buttons against a backdrop of stunning valley views. In an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty you’ll find the longest combined crossing of any Go Ape location with nearly 1,500 metres of tree-to-tree crossings on our Challenge course.
The Treetop Adventure course is ideal for children (and adults) to find their tree legs and build their climbing confidence. If you’re a ‘keep your feet firmly on the ground’ kind of person, you can enjoy the breathtaking views from the comfort of one of our off-road Segways."
Birches Valley, Rugeley WS15 2UQ.
Dovedale Valley - 1hr 8mins
Looking like a scene from a fantasy epic, Dovedale valley is a breathtakingly stunning spot in the southern end of the national park. Sat directly in the middle of the intriguing limestone formations and several caves is the River Dove which cuts through the landscape and flows between steep, green slopes.
The area is famous for its charming stepping stones which cross the river and have attracted visitors for generations. There are also several caves you can explore in the area which are easy to reach from the path.
Dovedale, Ashbourne DE6 2AY.
King Richard III Visitor Centre - 51mins
The visitor centre stands on the site of the medieval friary of the Grey Friars, where the king’s remains were buried over 500 years ago. The exhibition charts the king’s life and death – and explains the events that led to his hasty burial and eventual rediscovery. On its website, it says it reveals one of the greatest archaeological detective stories ever told and features the first-ever genome sequencing of ancient DNA.
Visitors will be able to see the exact place where Richard’s remains were buried over 500 years ago. This poignant place has been transformed into a glass-floored contemplative space. The centre is a stone's throw away from Leicester Cathedral, which has housed the tomb of King Richard III since a reinternment ceremony in March 2015.
4A St Martins, Leicester LE1 5DB.
Heights of Abraham - 57mins
Set in 60 acres of woodland in Matlock Bath, Derbyshire, the Heights of Abraham is a country park and home to famous show caverns. The tourist attraction is reached by cable car over deep limestone gorge in the Peak District and offers cavern tours, walking trails, fossil exhibitions and cafes.
Heights of Abraham, Dale Rd, Matlock DE4 3NT.
Twycross Zoo - 41mins
With half a million visitors every year, it's easy to see why Twycross Zoo is such a popular destination for family fun. It is a registered charity and famous for its world renowned primate collection. It is the only place in the UK that you can see all four types of great ape - gorilla, chimpanzee, orangutan and bonobo.
You can learn more about the zoo's animals and conservation projects here: https://twycrosszoo.org/conservation.
Twycross Zoo, East Midland Zoological Society, Burton Rd, Atherstone CV9 3PX.
Drayton Manor Resort - 1hr
Whether you’re after a fun filled family ride or seeking adrenaline pumping fun, look no further than Drayton Manor. There are more than 100 theme park rides and attractions, including a brand new Vikings Area, Adventure Cove, Europe’s only Thomas Land, a 15-acre zoo and much more.
Drayton Manor Resort, Drayton Manor Dr, Fazeley, Mile Oak, Tamworth B78 3TW.
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