Download Day Trip Itinerary
Day One
Morning
Start your day off with some retail therapy at the East Midlands Designer Outlet where you will find over 70 stores, designer and high street brands, all with up to 60% off RRP every day.
Lunch
Take a break at one of our many coffee shops or food outlets. Try a coffee and Panini at Starbucks, or perhaps enjoy a break at Thornton’s, Harry Ramsden’s, and Subway amongst many others.
Afternoon
Head into the cosmopolitan city of Nottingham via famous romantic poet Lord Byron’s birthplace at Newstead Abbey and enjoy more than 300 acres of the estate – just a 10 minute drive away. Once within Nottingham City, experience a host of historical, cultural and modern day attractions including Nottingham Castle and its award winning caves. Whilst you’re there, a visit to the oldest inn in England is a must. Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem is set into the walls of the castle caves and its dusty ‘Cursed Galloen’ is rumoured to bring horror on anyone who dares to move it!
If horror and gore is more your thing, then head on foot across the city centre to the Galleries of Justice, where you can find out more about the horror and justice brought upon Nottingham’s very own outlaws since 600AD.
Evening
Treat yourself to a Michelin Starred dinner courtesy of the Sat Bains restaurant – due to popularity, booking is essential. Or experience Nottingham’s vibrant night life with an evening at the Playhouse followed by cocktails at one of Nottingham’s many bars – why not try the Corner House first?!
Day Two
Morning
Start the day at Bolsover Castle and meander throughout the fairy tale ‘Little Castle’ and marvel at the elaborately design fireplaces, wall carvings and winding stairwells. Set on a hilltop, take time to admire the dramatic views both to the castle and overlooking the town. Nearby is also Creswell Crags – well worth a visit – or so our Ice Age Ancestors thought as it was the most northerly place they visited!
Lunch
Visit Hardwick Hall and gardens. Home to Bess of Hardwick, there is a vast collection of embroideries, tapestries and furniture, matched by walled courtyards, ponds and parklands outside. The smells and colours of the classic herb garden will get your mouth watering for lunch in the Great Kitchen Restaurant or nearby Hardwick Inn.
Afternoon
Head to Chesterfield and marvel at the crooked spire before taking a slow winding route through the countryside, stopping at villages in the heart of the Peak District including Barlow and Holymoorside, which are venues for well dressings in the Summer months, and also Ashover, often used in the filming of Peak Practice. Then stop off at Bakewell, home of the Bakewell Pudding.
Evening
If action and thrills are more your thing then head towards Matlock for a day full of action and beauty taking in youngsters theme park Gulliver’s Kingdom – with rides and attractions especially designed for families with children aged between two and 13. Then try out a daring cable car ride to the top of the steep slopes of Masson Hill – otherwise known as The Heights of Abraham. This ride allows unique, unspoilt views over the Peak District and takes you to discover Roman mining caves.