The school holidays are just around the corner, which means parents across Nottinghamshire will be busy planning six weeks worth of days out.
It’s easy to get caught up in the hype of the school holidays by paying silly money for naff activities.
But in a county as beautiful as Nottinghamshire, there really isn’t any need to splash the cash on overpriced days out when there are so many hidden gems to explore.
Nottinghamshire’s charming villages are a great place to kick off the summer holidays, particularly on a day when the sun is shining.
A day out in a village might not sound like the most exciting day out for a youngster, but scratch beneath the surface and you’ll find that they’re full of history, great places to eat and drink and fun activities.
Here are 13 charming villages that are ideal for a family day out over the summer holidays:
1. Bleasby
Just a short walk from the River Trent, Bleasby is a typical English village. Home to just 840 people, the centre point of the village is the Waggon and Horses pub. The pub has been serving locals since 1832, with its low ceilings perfectly capturing that rustic charm. | Mat Fascione Photo: Mat Fascione
2. Papplewick
The charming village of Papplewick is worth a visit during autumn 2025. Papplewick is a very beautiful village to the north of Nottinghamshire, just outside of Hucknall. Quietly nestled away from the major roads that run through Nottinghamshire, the village has a rather quaint charm with the odd village pub thrown in for good measure. | David Lally Photo: David Lally
3. Edwinstowe
Lying just outside Sherwood Forest, Edwinstowe is a must-visit before heading to see the Major Oak. You'd do well to find somewhere better to see autumn colours than Sherwood Forest! | David Hallam-Jones Photo: David Hallam-Jones
4. Gonalston
With rolling fields and idyllic footpaths, Gonalston really is one of the county's most underrated villages. Home to just over 80 people, the village is the perfect place to escape to for peace and quiet. | AMR Photo: AMR