The Easter holidays are upon us and the sun is currently shining. It's the perfect time for families to get out and about to have some fun.
We know there are plenty of great things to do in Nottingham and the rest of Nottinghamshire. But sometimes it's nice to take a trip elsewhere for a lovely day out.
With that in mind, we've put together the below list of various brilliant outings within around an hour's drive of Nottingham. Don't forget to book in advance if required and check times and so on before you head out to avoid disappointment.
Are you planning an event for King Charles III's Coronation? Let us know here
And while you're here, don't forget to suggest your favourite family days out in the comments section.
Heights of Abraham - around 50 minutes' drive
Located in 60 acres of woodland in Matlock Bath, Derbyshire, the Heights of Abraham is a spectacular country park. It is famous for its cable cars, which take visitors on an thrilling flight through the scenic Derwent Valley, passing over river, road and rail before reaching the summit of Masson Hill.
Once there, families can enjoy things like cavern tours, walking trails, fossil exhibitions and cafes. It is a very special place.
Heights of Abraham, Dale Road, Matlock Bath, DE4 3NT. More information here.
Twycross Zoo - around 40 minutes' drive
A zoo always provides a fantastic family day out. Twycross Zoo near Norton Juxta Twycross, Leicestershire, is incredibly popular and puts a smile on millions of people's faces every year.
It is the the only zoo in the UK, and one of only four worldwide, where visitors can see all four great apes - gorilla, orangutan, chimpanzee and bonobo - plus many, many more animals. They're guaranteed to entertain you.
Twycross Zoo, East Midland Zoological Society, Burton Road, Atherstone, CV9 3PX. More information here.
Belvoir Castle Adventure Playground - around 40 minutes' drive
Belvoir Castle Adventure Playground has been in the news recently. Set in magical woodland in Grantham, Lincolnshire, the attraction was named the 'best for all ages' by The Times newspaper.
Featuring a giant timber fortress, along with a ship and towers, the playground offers something for all ages in an open-air adventure. The Times article said: "There are four acres in which to tire out little legs at this new playground in the grounds of 11th-century Belvoir Castle.
"Children can wage battle in their own giant timber fortress, race through tunnels to a secret climbing wall and explore the wooden replica of HMS Resolution, peering through portholes, scrambling up climbing nets and exiting via a zip wire that snakes through the trees. Bring tiny adventurers too — they'll love the mini bridge, slide and tunnel."
Belvoir Castle, Grantham, NG32 1PE. More information here.
Drayton Manor Resort - around an hour's drive
Whether you're after a family-friendly ride or seeking adrenaline-fuelled fun on a major rollercoaster, look no further than Drayton Manor near Tamworth, Staffordshire. There are more than 100 rides and attractions, including the Vikings Area, Adventure Cove, Europe's only Thomas Land, a 15-acre zoo and plenty more.
Drayton Manor Resort, Drayton Manor Drive, near Tamworth, B78 3TW. More information here.
Go Ape Cannock Chase Forest - around an hour's drive
This outdoor activity centre in Rugeley, Staffordshire, hits all the fun and adventure buttons against a backdrop of stunning valley views. Go Ape's website states: "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."
Go Ape, Cannock Chase Forest, Birches Valley, Rugeley, WS15 2UQ. More information here.
Chatsworth House - around an hour's drive
There's always something to do at Chatsworth House near Bakewell, Derbyshire. You can tour a historic home, art, and sculpture collection, 105-acre garden, farmyard and playground, and free-to-access woodland and parkland.
This Easter, families are invited to meet the new arrivals at Chatsworth's farmyard and take part in themed craft activities, tractor and trailer rides, Easter egg hunts and more.
Chatsworth House, near Bakewell, DE45 1PP. More information here.
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