Art Holiday Travel and Vacation information for Nottinghamshire

"Nottinghamshire, Nottingham, or Notts, north-midland county of England, bounded N. by Yorkshire, E. by Lincolnshire, S. by Leicestershire, and W. by Derbyshire; greatest length, N. to S., about 50 miles; greatest breadth, E. to W., about 25 miles; area, 527,752 acres, population 391,815. ... The soil is varied, but cannot be spoken of as being highly productive. Green crops are the principal growth, and the common cereals are cultivated. Hop plantations are numerous, while in proximity to Nottingham and Newark there are many market gardens. Magnesian limestone and old red sandstone overlying coal prevail in the W.; in the other districts are formations of marl, new red sandstone, and lias, with quartz and gravel in the Forest. In a few places coal is worked. The principal manufactures are laces of various descriptions, in recent years a great development being apparent in the production of lace curtains. Hosiery manufacturers, woollen mills, cotton mills, and iron foundries are also actively productive. Nottinghamshlre comprises 6 wapentakes, 273 pars. with parts of 5 others, the parliamentary and municipal borough of Nottingham (3 members), and the municipal borough of East Retford and Newark. It is almost entirely in the diocese of Southwell." [Bartholomew's Gazetteer of the British Isles, 1887]

Nottingham is well worth a visit; some good outings elsewhere, with interesting towns and villages, fine landscapes and generally low prices Nottingham has lots of good free museums, other interesting places to visit including the exceptional Galleries of Justice, and plenty of life.

Elsewhere, the county has some charming and interesting villages, and one or two attractive old towns such as Newark and Southwell. Other highlights include Mr Straw's House in Worksop and Newstead Abbey outside Ravenshead (these two places in fascinating contrast at opposite ends of the housing spectrum). White Post farm at Farnsfield is a real treat for young children, and the World of Robin Hood at Haughton (excellent value) and Creswell Crags are also very enjoyable family outings. There's some pleasant countryside, especially in the rewarding area known as the Dukeries in the N, with its extensive tracts of landscaped wooded parkland - though the grand houses and families which gave the area its name are long gone. Clumber Park is a choice example. Many villages are attractive and interesting, and Newark and Southwell are small towns of real character.