Are there many feelings better than jumping in the car or on a train and getting away from the city’s hustle and bustle? Nottinghamshire is lucky to be surrounded by a wealth of fantastic green spaces, country parks and grand gardens ripe for exploring, but there is quite the impressive range of shops to discover throughout the countryside, making for a varied and fun day out.
North Nottinghamshire
The north of Nottinghamshire is known as The Dukeries and is home to some spectacular country estates, quaint villages and market towns.
Over at Thoresby Park you can wander around 1000 acres of rich unspoilt English countryside, but don’t forget to look around the shops in Thoresby Courtyard. Here you can browse bespoke jewellery, exquisite fashion, a crystal glass studio, a craft and knitting centre, and lots more. Similarly, at Clumber Park The Laundry Cottage Shop offers a range of quality and local gifts from books to bird boxes, scarves to sculptures and a selection of National Trust favourites such as preserves, teas and biscuits.
In the opulent Welbeck Estate, the award-winning Welbeck Farm Shop presents a vibrant selection artisan food and is a great place to stock up on picnic foods (perfect if you’re nipping across to Creswell Crags!). Similarly, you’ll find Thaymar Farm Shop a delightful stop off. Along with an array of local produce, you can try some of their deliciously creamy homemade ice-cream or indulge in a spot of lunch in their tea room.
For those looking to splash out in style without stretching the purse strings, head down to East Midlands Designer Outlet. A haven for big brand names under one roof, you can get more for your money with up to 60% off the RRP.
Newark and Southwell
The two pretty market towns of Newark and Southwell are not only packed with historical attractions, they also contain some rather lovely shops.
Along with their city centre store, specialist second hand bookshop Bookwise has a branch in Newark and one in Southwell. After all, what's better than a relaxing day exploring a stunning Market Town and buying a new book?
Just a few minutes from Southwell town centre, Reg Taylor's Garden Centre is the place to satisfy all of your gardening needs. Owned by the Taylor family, the space is beautifully presented and contains a tea rooms, swan sanctuary and sculpture garden too.
Nearby to Newark, treasure hunters will love Budby Antiques Vintage Emporium which offers an eclectic mix of furniture, paintings, prints, wall art, sculptures, jewellery, hand-made gifts/crafts and unusual artefacts sold on behalf of a variety of independent traders.
West & South Nottinghamshire
In the rolling countryside south of the city, you’ll find even more excellent independent shops to explore.
If you are a cheese lover there are two fab dairies to discover. Colston Bassett and District Dairy Ltd has been whipping up their signature stilton and Shropshire Blue for over a century. And what better way to top off a cheese pilgrimage than with some fine wines? Hanwell Wine Estate is open most weekends and specialises in English sparkling wines. Along with tastings and tours, they also have a café on site serving tea, coffee, cake and wine, with great views and a large terrace for a sunny day.
Located a stones throw from the beautiful Belvoir Castle you'll find unique rural shopping village The Engine Yard. Set in a hub of historic Victorian cottages, you'll find an array of independent shops, from artisan food producers to fashion and interior design boutiques. Don't miss the Duchess’s Gallery - a fashion and lifestyle collection curated by the Duchess of Rutland herself! After you've hit the shops be sure to stop by the divinely decorated and charmingly quirky Balloon Bar.
More history lies not far away in the quaint village of Ruddington, where the Framework Knitters Museum tells the story of Nottingham’s textile heritage. For modern tailors and haberdashers, make sure to drop into their gift shop, The Textile Emporium, which specialises in locally made textile gifts and cards.
For more information on shopping in Nottinghamshire, check out our Nottingham City Shopping and Independent Shopping pages.
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