Itinerary Planner

Family fun itinerary

If you're looking for a family-friendly getaway, then look no further than Nottinghamshire. There's a whole host of fabulous attractions to visit across the county that are perfect for all the family to enjoy. From amusement parks to activity centres, country parks to educational attractions, there are adventures to be had around every corner.

This useful trail gives you a handy list with everything you need to plan your trip, including travel times, addresses, and links to the listing pages to find out more about the attractions. To begin creating your itinerary, click the 'Add All Items to Itinerary' button and from there, you can either keep all the destinations in the pre-prepared list, or amend the itinerary by clicking on the places you are interested in. You can then rename, email, or print the list so it’s always to hand. You can also save your itinerary to view on your mobile phone and tablet.

Day 1 | Morning

For your first night, check into the Ibis Nottingham Centre Hotel, situated in the vibrant location of the world-famous, historic Lace Market. Guests can enjoy perks such as free Wi-Fi, flat screen TVs, and a 24-hour snack menu – perfect for keeping the little ones happy.

Start your morning by exploring the City of Caves: a hidden maze of over 500 original sandstone caves dating back to the Dark Ages. This medieval underground attraction runs exciting guided tours where you can explore everything from the UK’s only medieval underground tannery to WWII bomb shelters. Family tickets are available at a discount price, with under 5s getting in for free. Fancy learning more about the crime and punishment in Nottingham, its rich history and meeting some interesting costumed characters along the way? Head over to The National Justice Museum and enjoy discounted joint entry to both venues at 20% off.

Day 1 | Afternoon

All that history works up quite the appetite – head over to The Pudding Pantry in the heart of the city centre and indulge your little ones’ sweet tooth. For the more health-conscious, don’t despair; Pudding Pantry’s delicious menu features everything from classic dessert favourites to a savoury selection of sandwiches and brunch options. With artisan coffees, freshly-made fruit smoothies and their famous ‘freakshakes’, there’s truly something for everyone to enjoy.

Next, enjoy an action-packed afternoon at The Lost City Adventure Golf (located on the lower ground floor of The Cornerhouse). Embrace your inner Indiana Jones and get lost in this state-of-the-art 18-hole interactive golf complex, complete with moving rocks, writhing snakes, and talking Inca statues. There’s also a fully licensed Tiki bar for mum and dad to take advantage of!

Day 1 | Evening

Finish off the day by working up an appetite on the ice before heading off to Las Iguanas for a taste of the Americas! In the same building as the Motorpoint Arena Nottingham, you’ll find the The National Ice Centre in the Lace Market’s Bolero Square. Famous for being the training ground for Torvill & Dean, a family ticket costs from just £21.75 including boot hire and skating for under 5’s is free! Open evenings between Wednesday – Saturday, look out for their fun ice stability equipment to help little ones get started and their frequent themed parties!

Fill up after your session at Las Iguanas where the whole family can experience a fresh and genuine taste of South America. Incorporating flavours inspired by the cuisines of Mexico, Brazil, Argentina and beyond, their vibrant and extensive menu includes classic family favourites like chicken fajitas and chili con carne to more experimental dishes and spicy curries. For the kids, we recommend the Wacky Tacos or Crazy Quesadillas!

Day 2 | Morning

Wake up bright and early to ensure you arrive at Annie’s Burger Shack before 10:30am, where you can enjoy the most authentic American breakfast this side of the Mississippi (or, at least, in the East Midlands). Fluffy buttermilk pancakes, All-American waffles, and breakfast burritos galore; Annie’s offers a dining experience inspired by the four corners of the United States and is a firm favourite with locals of all ages.

After filling up on Annie’s American-sized portions, take the family on a cross country drive to Farnsfield in Sherwood Forest, where you’ll find two of Nottingham’s best loved family attractions within walking distance of each other. White Post Farm boasts over 25 acres of free-range farmland and offers the opportunity to get up close and personal with the likes of llamas, lambs, and lizards!

Day 2 | Afternoon

Right next door is Robin Hood’s Wheelgate Park, an action-packed family theme and water park open to all ages and for all weather conditions! The various indoor and outdoor play areas, seasonal shows, and exciting rides make Wheelgate Park 30 acres of family-oriented fun. Make sure to check out the brand-new Escape Rooms!

Day 2 | Evening

If you’d like to extend your trip, why not check in to a family room at the award-winning Forest Lodge, an eighteenth-century coaching inn? Enjoy the rustic charm this woodland gem has to offer, cosy up by the open fire and enjoy some hearty pub grub.

(Optional) Day 3

Extending your trip allows you to discover more of the beautiful Sherwood Forest area. From Forest Lodge, you are just a seven-minute drive from embarking on a tree-top adventure at Go Ape. With a variety of Tarzan swings, exhilarating zip wires, and jumbo netted trampolines suitable for all ages, Go Ape is fun for the whole family with all you need on-site. Stop for a bite to eat and drink at the delightful Sherwood Pines Café, master a skill in their bushcraft workshops, or swing by the awesome, netted adventure playground at Sherwood Pines Forest Park.

Adrenalin Jungle is another thrill-seeking destination nearby; kids and adults alike can partake in well over 20 adrenaline-pumping activities such as quad biking, laser tag, paint balling, and numerous assault courses. Hop on a Segway and race through Sherwood forest, or channel Robin Hood and his Merry men and try your hand at some archery. Need to re-fuel? Canned drinks, bottled water, and chocolate bars are available to purchase at multiple check-points on-site. Every activity at Adrenaline Jungle promises to live up to their reputation as the most exciting outdoor entertainment centre in the East Midlands – whether you’re aged 8 or 80!