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. Papplewick
Nestled between Hucknall and Newstead Abbey, the small village of Papplewick boasts a traditional pub and a tea room. The surrounding countryside is easy to explore thanks to the many walking routes signposted around the village. | Alan Murray-Rust Photo: Alan Murray-Rust
2. Cropwell Bishop
Famous for the production of high-quality stilton cheese, the village of Cropwell Bishop is found a few miles south-east of Nottingham, near Cotgrave. The quaint nearby villages of Cropwell Butler and Colston Bassett are easily walkable during the summer months. | Alan Murray-Rust Photo: Alan Murray-Rust
3. Gotham
World-renowned for its links to Batman, Gotham, just south of Clifton, boasts three pubs. The Gotham Heritage trail is a circular 2.7-mile walk taking in the best of the village surrounding countryside. | John Sutton Photo: John Sutton
4. Edwinstowe
Lying just outside Sherwood Forest, Edwinstowe is a must-visit before heading to see the Major Oak. The Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre is found in the village, providing a perfect base to explore the forest itself and other nearby areas. | David Hallam-Jones Photo: David Hallam-Jones