6 seriously underrated places to visit in Nottinghamshire from parks to pubs

Here at Nottingham World, we love to celebrate the underdog.

We are huge champions for the places, spaces, and faces, that make our city so special - even if they sometimes don't get the hype they deserve.

So last week, we asked you, our dutiful readers to share your favourite underrated places in Nottinghamshire.

We had some brilliant responses from loving locals including pubs, parks and tourist attractions.

So with a long weekend ahead of us and some time to kill, we decided to create a little guide to Nottingham's best unsung hotspots.

We're planning to head out and visit a few of these places ourselves so let us know if you have any other recommendations by emailing [email protected].

1. Bestwood Country Park

Bestwood was a hunting estate owned by the Crown from the medieval period until the 17th century when King Charles II gave it to his mistress, Nell Gwyn, and their son.

The huge area is a popular walking spot with locals and the varied landscape makes it ideal for wildlife spotting, cycling and more.

Brenda Conway said: "This is a huge area of Forest that was part of the original Sherwood Forest. There are easy short walks or more adventurous ones. Also, you could get a coffee, snack, or main meal at Bestwood Lodge Hotel.

"Go into the bar area and order a drink and snack and the décor is very impressive. I go to the park often as I live nearby and usually end up at the bar for a drink and a delicious snack. However, in all the years I have been walking the trails in the Forest never seen any men in tights but I always live in hope lol."

2. The Robin Hood Experience

Here in Nottingham, we're fans of everything and anything Robin Hood-themed. From tours of the city to walks around Sherwood Forest.

The Robin Hood Experience is a wicked attraction in Nottingham that takes you back in time to medieval times when King John reigned over England and mischievous hero Robin Hood was running amok in the city.

Jordan W Brookes said: "Lovely little museum, couldn't recommend it enough for visitors and locals. Next to the Castle."

3. Bulwell Hall Park

Bulwell Hall Park is a great place for walking, it boasts great views and a lovely cafe, offering a lovely day out that doesn't break the bank.

Deb Thomas said: "Glorious any time of the year but in Autumn unsurpassed. Got ancient woodland, hidden streams, wonderful cafe. Good children's play and exercise area, football pitches, is vast and tranquil."

Brenda Conway added: "I like visiting Bulwell Hall Park. Part of it has a Golf Course with a clubhouse that is open to the public. This clubhouse has very good food and drink at very reasonable prices.

"The park has a small lake and woods and is only a very short walk from the main road through Bulwell. People in the Club House are very welcoming and an ideal place to have a walk and get some refreshments."

4. Thoresby Park

Thoresby Park is a beautiful country estate located in the heart of Nottinghamshire, England. The park has been in the Pierrepont Family for over 400 years and is home to a stunning 17th-century mansion, a world-renowned art collection, and over 1,000 acres of parkland.

Thoresby Park is a popular tourist destination, offering a variety of activities and attractions for visitors of all ages. Visitors can explore the Estate, take a walk through the park, visit the art gallery, or enjoy a picnic in the grounds.

Thanks for the recommendation and great photo (main image) Marc Hellam.

5. Papplewick Pumping Station

This beautiful place was designed in the early 1880s to pump millions of gallons of water to the rapidly increasing population of Nottingham.

Today, thanks to the endeavours of The Papplewick Pumping Station Trust, a Registered Charity dedicated to the preservation of the Pumping Station, and the enthusiasm of the volunteer members of the Papplewick Association you can still experience the most spectacular, preserved water Pumping Station in the British Isles.

6. Suede Bar, Hockley

Enjoy pizza, cocktails, and music at this quirky 1980s-inspired bar in Hockley.

Suede Bar hosts a variety of events from live music to book club and Dungeons and Dragons nights.

It also has an elite pizza menu including the option to build your own.

Thanks for the recommendation Steve Walters!