There’s plenty to get up to in Nottingham this summer, but it’s worth remembering that the city is surrounded by hundreds of miles of lush countryside.
With consistent temperatures north of 20C forecast for the next couple of weeks, now is the perfect time to leave the city for a day and explore what lies beyond.
Many of the county’s tiny villages are home to top-rated pubs and picturesque walks, making them a perfect place to spend a day this summer.
We’ve picked out five charming Nottinghamshire villages which definitely deserve a visit this summer.
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