Staycations around Nottingham – 7 of the best places to visit
Cottages, resorts, farms, and more...
If you’re looking to treat yourself and your loved ones to some much-needed R&R without having to go too far away or step on a plane, why not go on a staycation around Nottingham?
We’ve rounded up a range of places within the county and around the border, whether you’re looking for family-friendly fun, a romantic retreat, time in the city, or even the whole place to yourselves. We have narrowed these down based on their uniqueness, amenities, and value for money.
When it comes to things to do in Nottingham, holidaying around our very own area is an excellent idea. For more guides like these, subscribe to The Notts Edit to receive our articles in your inbox for free.
7 of the best staycation spots around Nottingham
By Katherine Aucock
1. Wolds Wine Estate
Where: Thurlby Lane, near Keyworth, NG12 5BS
How much: From £140 a night
Located on 11 acres of gorgeous family-owned vineyards, these one- and two bed glamping pods come in a range of sizes, making them a brilliant choice for couples, families, and friends. Each pod is privately placed and is fully self-contained with private bedrooms, a living area, kitchens and bathrooms. Visit during peak growing season for a bright summer escape, or hunker down during the cooler months with the help of double glazing and radiators.
During your stay, be sure to book onto one of the vineyard tours, where you will take a relaxing stroll around the property’s vineyards and orchards, before finishing the day off with a wine and cider tasting, fresh from the estate itself. To remember your trip, head to the shop for a few bottles of its small-batch drinks, as well as local artisan produce and handmade treats.
Visit if: You’d love to go on a countryside stay with stunning vineyard views.
2. Hart’s Hotel
Where: Standard Hill, Park Row, Nottingham, NG1 6GN
How much: From £175 per room per night
Sitting up by the prestigious Park Estate, this four-star hotel has 32 bedrooms that are all relaxed yet refined. Classic, Family, and Garden rooms are all lovely choices – or for an extra treat, Superior rooms and Suites are also available. Its two-rosette restaurant serves afternoon tea and à la carte meals. You might even spot a famous face or two during your stay – peep the wall at the restaurant for stars that have previously stayed.
From here, Nottingham Castle (nottinghamcastle.org.uk) and the Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem (England’s oldest inn, greeneking.co.uk) are all within a breezy downhill stroll. Or, head up Derby Road for pastries at Tough Mary’s (@toughmarysbakehouse), drinks at The Good Fellow George (@thegoodfellowgeorge), and dinner at Michelin-star restaurant Alchemilla (alchemillarestaurant.uk). And, of course, the beauty of being in the city is that you’re able to reach plenty of eateries, galleries, and theatres.
Visit if: You’re looking for a luxury city stay that makes it easy to explore Nottingham’s history and creativity.
3. Southwell Holiday Cottage
Where: Lavender Cottage, Southwell, NG25 0LQ
How much: From £300 for two nights
Nestled on a private terrace in Southwell, Lavender Cottage is the perfect English countryside cottage to enjoy award-winning hospitality. This 18th century farm workers cottage has had a full upgrade, and provides five star accommodation with a charming feel. On arrival, you’ll find personalised gifts left for children and a welcome hamper brimming with local goodies, so you can truly make yourself at home.
In the wider town, there’s plenty to keep you occupied. Southwell Minster (southwellminster.org) is beautiful for a wander and often has musical and artistic events on. For beautiful gifts and trinkets, Last Night I Dreamt (lastnightidreamt.co.uk) and Love at First Sight Vintage (@loveatfirstsightvintage) are excellent for browsing. Plus, we highly recommend picking up a loaf of sourdough from Little Brunette Bakery (@littlebrunettebakery) and even stopping for brunch.
Visit if: You’d like to escape to a nearby Nottinghamshire place – Southwell is one of the loveliest towns in the county.
southwell-holiday-cottage.co.uk
4. Ye Olde Bell Hotel & Spa
Where: Great North Road, Retford, DN22 8QS
How much: From £200 per room
This 17th-century, four-star hotel mixes timeless character with a premium feel. The rooms at the Ye Olde Bell Hotel are all individually designed rooms, with rich fabrics, opulent furnishings, and indulgent bathrooms. Staying here, you won’t want to leave the site’s extensive grounds. The on-site spa (easy to walk to in flip-flops) has 11 thermal experiences, including a salt room, saunas, and a tropical shower. It’s also a treat to lounge by the pool and order drinks – hot chocolate by the fire is a wonderful experience.
We recommend lunching at the spa, then dining at the AA Rosette restaurant. If you do decide to venture out, the market town of Retford is a 10-minute drive away and lovely for a spot of shopping. Just under an hour from Nottingham, it is an ideal break from the bustling city.
Visit if: Your ideal staycation looks like spa time, excellent food, and pure, uninterrupted bliss.
5. Center Parcs Sherwood Forest
Where: Sherwood Forest Holiday Village, Newark, NG22 9DN
How much: Prices start from £549, staying in a two-bedroom Woodland Lodge
A staycation perfect for all ages, this is a real paradise nestled in the heart of Nottinghamshire’s famous forest. Choose from Woodland and Forest lodges, Woodland Premium Lodges and Grand Forest Lodges, or immerse yourself fully in a luxury Treehouse, featuring a private outdoor hot tub, sauna and games room.
Your days will be kept plenty busy, with 400 acres of woodland to explore, as well as an all-weather Subtropical Swimming Paradise for cooling off. There are also cycle trails, playgrounds, a diverse choice of restaurants, and activities such as bowling and adventure golf. For an extra relaxing trip, head to the Aqua Sana Forest Spa, which has up to 25 nature-inspired spa experiences to enjoy as well as a Treetop Sauna – exclusive to Sherwood Forest.
Visit if: You’re looking for a family-friendly staycation that feels like a true getaway.
6. Thoresby
Where: Thoresby Park, Ollerton, Newark, NG22 9EP
How much: From £400 for two nights
For those looking for either a peaceful countryside break or a more active stay, staying on one of our county’s most famous estates is an excellent idea. Choose from Lake View, which has a modern interior and is perfect for couples, Butterfields which is ideal for groups and is colourful and bright, and the quaint Century House which boasts plenty of original features.
A 15-minute walk takes you to Thoresby Estate’s 16th-century courtyard where you will find a café, brewery, children’s playground, shops and access to Sustrans’ cycle route. There are also plenty of activities nearby, including paintball, archery, and jewellery workshops. Plus, if you time your visit just right, you might even catch an event at the estate, which it regularly hosts.
Visit if: You’d like to combine relaxation, adventure, and quality time with loved ones all in one place.
7. Bonington Farm
Where: Sutton Bonington, LE12 5RQ
How much: From £200 per night
While this isn’t in Nottinghamshire, it’s a really beautiful offering and is just a 25 minute drive from the city. It has a host of different stays within the site – Freya’s Farmhouse for larger gatherings, Pamella’s Place for ‘sleepover’ style gatherings (perhaps for wedding hen-dos?), Molly’s Cabin for couples, and The Grain Store for couples and solo-travellers. The stays are self-catered, meaning they have all the essentials, including soft towels and linens, as well as tea and coffee.
The outdoor space is a breeze to explore, with horses to see and a treehouse to spend a little extra time in. Freya’s and Pamella’s both include a hot tub, while Freya’s also includes a sauna. And, for a cosy evening in, the Film House can be booked separately. Draped in yellow velvet and fitted with deep, comfy sofas, a large projector screen, and cinema-style surround sound, here you can have your own private cinema experience.
Visit if: You’re looking for something outside of Nottinghamshire that’s a true home away from home.
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