Rushcliffe

In keeping with our sporting heritage, Nottingham has its own racecourse. Located in 280 acres of parkland at Colwick on the edge of the city, flat race and evening fixtures can be seen from April to September. The course has a strong reputation and has attracted top jockeys including Kieren Fallon and Frankie Detorri.

The National Water Sport Centre at Holme Pierrepont is set in 270 acres of parkland - a peaceful backdrop for sailing and kayaking. But don’t be misled by the tranquility, this centre has white water rapids, a 2,000 metre regatta course and a water slalom. 

On the cheese side ...

There’s a pocket of countryside on the Nottinghamshire Leicestershire border where fine cheese is made. Near the Vale of Belvoir are Colston Basset and Cropwell Bishop creameries, producing some of the region’s finest cheeses including a range of Stilton and distinctive Shropshire Blue. And near to the grounds of Belvoir Castle is a popular cordial maker. Belvoir Cordials use fruits, flowers, spices and natural sweeteners to create their delicious drinks.

While in the far south of the county skip over into Leicestershire for a great family day out. Kids will love Manor Farm Donkey Sanctuary, Conkers - the National Forest visitor centre - and the National Space Centre, the UK’s largest attraction dedicated to space. Twin Lakes is a 70 acre theme park based at Melton Mowbray. Its sister site is located at Farnsfield just a few miles from Sherwood Forest Country Park.   

One4all offer great group packages, whether it’s paint balling, quad biking or creating havoc in go carts. If mud and dirt is your kind of thing head out to Langar Airfield for a boys (or girls) day out. 

Rushcliffe has a few quirky places of interest. The red shale cliffs of the River Trent gave Radcliffe on Trent its name. Rad is Saxon for Red. The cliffs were formed by an undercrop carved out by the river.

And Nottinghamshire gave Batman’s home its name. Back in 1540 a book entitled The Merry Tales of the Mad Men of Gotham was peddled by travelling salesmen. It contained a series of anecdotes about the villagers of Gotham. Its popularity spread and Gotham was renowned as a place of fools and madmen. It’s this reference that takes us to the name for Batman’s home, a city run by madmen and fools.

Those arriving in Nottingham by private plane or whirly bird can land at Nottingham Airport situated 3.5 miles from the city centre at Tollerton. You can take flying lessons here and stock up on pilots’ supplies.