Historical Homes & Castles

Nottinghamshire is packed with amazing historical homes, ancient castles, and grand country estates. In the north of Nottinghamshire, the area known as The Dukeries feature the grand estates of Rufford, Welbeck, Kelham and Clumber, and are popular with visitors today.

Here’s a list of our recommended places to visit, making great days out for the family:
 

Newstead Abbey

A beautiful historic house set in a glorious landscape of gardens and parkland within the heart of Nottinghamshire. Experience the romance and mystery of Newstead Abbey, which from 1808 – 1814 was the home to the notorious 'mad, bad, and dangerous to know' Romantic poet, Lord Byron. Inside the Abbey there is much to explore including Victorian room settings, and the poet’s private apartments, while the vast grounds make for beautiful walks, dotted with Japanese gardens and roaming peacocks. For more information, please click here.

Wollaton Hall & Park

Wollaton Hall is a spectacular Elizabethan mansion designed by Robert Smythson and built by Sir Francis Willoughby between 1580 and 1588 for his family. Now a prominent Grade One listed building, the stunning Hall houses the city's Natural History Museum along with reconstructed room settings. Standing on a natural hill three miles west of Nottingham City Centre, the hall is set in five hundred acres of spectacular gardens and parkland, which also include a Golf Club and Nottingham Industrial Museum. You may recognise the hall from the 2012 Batman film, Dark Knight Rises, in which the hall starred as Wayne Manor. For more information, please click here.

Mr Straw’s House

Discover the family home of a well-to-do tradesman in the 1920s which has been kept preserved as a time capsule. This semi-detached house, National Trust property offers a glimpse into the past: nothing has been thrown away for more than 60 years! Family letters, photos, clothing, Victorian furniture and household objects can all be seen in their rightful places, right where their owners left them, making for a curious and fascinating experience. For more information, please click here.

Rufford Abbey & Country Park

Rufford Abbey Country Park is set in 150 acres of historic parkland, woodland and gardens in the North Nottinghamshire Dukeries. This peaceful and beautiful site features the ruins of a medieval monastery, a contemporary craft centre, gardens, woodland walks, children's play village, sculpture trail, and a lake. Enjoy some food in Lord Saville's Kitchen or the Coach House Cafe or visit for their year round events. For more information, please click here.

The Workhouse, Southwell

Follow the path trodden by hundreds of paupers in the 19th century at The National Trust’s Workhouse. The austere building, the most complete workhouse in existence, was pivotal in the development of our national health and welfare system. For decades this site was where the poorest in society had to work in return for food, shelter and medical care. Explore the segregated work yards, dayrooms, dormitories, master's quarters and cellars using the audio guide, based on archive records, to bring the 19th century inhabitants back to life in the empty rooms. For more information, please click here.

D. H. Lawrence Heritage Birthplace

See the first home of D. H. Lawrence where he was born on 11th September 1885. Today the museum is an astounding re-creation of a Victorian family home, which is brought to life through informative friendly guides. The museum lets you explore the very heart of working class Victorian life through the home of the Lawrence family. For more information, please click here.

Nottingham Castle

Situated on a high rock, Nottingham Castle commands spectacular views over the city. The castle was built by William the Conqueror’s son after the Norman invasion, the first incarnation of the Castle being built in 1068. The history of Nottingham Castle is chequered with sieges, murders and intrigue – it was known as the Legendary home to the Sheriff of Nottingham, Robin Hood’s mortal enemy. When the castle was destroyed after the Civil War, it was replaced by a magnificent ducal mansion in 1674. Then in 1875 it was converted into the first municipal museum and art gallery outside London which still runs today with exhibitions to see. Award-winning cave tours tell all the history and take you down into the passageways and tunnels beneath the building.

Please Note: Due to a fantastic £29.8m Heritage Lottery Funded grant, Nottingham Castle will be closed from 1st July 2018 until 2020. Please visit the Nottingham Castle website for updates and information.

For more information about Nottingham Castle, please click here.

Newark Castle

Newark Castle has stood proudly on the banks of the River Trent for nearly 900 years. The caslte was partly destroyed in 1646 at the end of the English Civil War, with now only one and a half sides of the castle remaining which includes the oldest part of the castle, a large gatehouse. The castle was built in 1133 by Alexander, Bishop of Lincoln, and it remained a seat of the Bishops of Lincoln until 1547 when King Henry VIII took it for the Crown. For more information, please click here.

Kelham Hall & Country Park

Kelham Hall & Country Park is a magnificent Victorian house, built in 1863, set within 44 acres of gardens and parklands and located in the heart of Nottinghamshire. It has a rich history as the ancestral home of the Manners-Sutton family, along with its use as a theological college for an Anglican Order of Monks. The distinct design features of renowned architect Sir George Gilbert Scott make it a fascinating place to visit. The hall and ground tours are well worth coming along for, and there are a number of family facilities to enjoy all year round along with a full events calendar.  For more information, please click here.

Belvoir Castle

Belvoir Castle is an imposing castle that stands to the North East of Leicestershire, commanding outstanding views. The name derives from the French meaning `beautiful view’ but is now pronounced Beaver. The hall and ground tours are well worth coming along for, and there are a number of family facilities to enjoy all year round along with a full events calendar. This castle remains as one of the most magnificent and beautiful Regency houses in England. For more information, please click here.

Bolsover Castle

 

History lives within every inch of Bolsover Castle and it's hard not to be captivated by the tales woven into its past. Dating as far back as the 11th century, the castle owes its origins to William Peveril, a knight under William the Conqueror. It suffered years of neglect until Sir Charles Cavendish built the 'Little Castle' - housing grand interiors and still a magnificent building today offering a great insight into a 17th century aristocratic retreat. It changed hands many times over the years and is now property of English Heritage, who ensure its up-keep and restoration. The Castle is perched upon a high ridge, offering stunning views of the Vale of Scarsdale. For more information, please click here.

Holme Pierrepont Hall
 

Nestled in tranquil country settings, this fascinating Tudor House was built in 1500 by William Pierrepont and is the oldest brick building in Nottinghamshire. Still occupied by descendants of William Pierrepont, the manor house today houses a vast array of portraits and valuable furniture which has been passed down through the centuries. As well as the historic building itself, the gardens surrounding the property command attention and are well worth exploring during a visit. Tours of the house and gardens are available throughout the year, with snowdrop and bluebell season being particularly popular.For more information, please click here.

Thrumpton Hall

Dating back to the 16th century, Thrumpton Hall shares close ties with legendary local writer and romantic poet Lord Byron as it was another of his ancestral homes and frequently visited by his daughter Ada Lovelace. Many of Byron's possessions ended up in the home and are still there today as a result of his marriage to the 16 year old niece of former owner Mr Emerton; who had been lawyer to former owners, the Pigotts. Today, visitors can visit the historic hall and its pristine two acres of landscaped gardens. Tours of the hall can be arranged in advance. For more information, please click here.