It's been a very wet winter and the field is muddy, so currently you will need to park on the hard standing, which is 2 minutes away from the field.

Things To Do In Nottinghamshire & Surrounding Areas

Local attractions near Little Oak in Nottinghamshire

Things to do near us at Little Oak, Retford, Notts, DN22 0PW. We have not been to all these places, but would love to hear how you rate them if you visit.

 

Transport Help

In the listings below I have put how long it would take to get somewhere by car. If I know there is a direct bus or train I have given that information as well; the timings don’t include the walk to the train station or bus station which will take an extra 20 minutes. There is however a great website which will be able to give you more information about what public transport is available in Retford https://www.traveline.info/

Trains: Retford has excellent train links being on the East Coast Main Line. Lincoln and York are both 35 mins away. London, Durham and Hull are all about 1hr 30 mins away, Newcastle 1hr 45min, Edinburgh 3hr 15 mins. Sheffield 1hr, Doncaster 15 mins. To book train tickets in advance this is the cheapest site I have found https://www.lner.co.uk

Buses: There are two bus companies that serve Retford, https://www.stagecoachbus.com and  https://www.marshallscoaches.co.uk/services

 

Sherwood Forest

Robin Hoods Home - https://www.visit-nottinghamshire.co.uk (20 mins car)

At weekends and sometimes during school holidays there is have a go archery down by the Major Oak. Call the visitors centre for more information on the children’s activities and events the run or join in the festival in August.

KG Archery give one to one lessons - http://www.kgarchery.com/ (15 min car)

Rufford Abbey – Beautiful Ruins, Gardens and Country park with crazy golf and childrens' play are is near by - https://www.parkwoodoutdoors.co.uk/centre/rufford-abbey (25 mins car) -

 

Kids Activities

Locally:

This is a great website to get up to date local information about activities near by. www.dayoutwiththekids.co.uk

Kings park is Retford’s local park and it has won lots of awards and has special play areas and a splash park which is wonderful for hot days (35 mins walk)

Thaymars Ice cream – Lovely Café and Ice cream - https://www.thaymaricecream.co.uk/ (12 mins by car)

The Majestic Theatre in Retford – is very popular showing a wide range of theatre, music and a monthly film - https://www.majesticretford.org/

Beautiful Childrens Bookshop in town - https://barristersbookchamber.com/wonderland

Captains Jack Adventure indoor soft play center - http://www.captainjacksadventure.co.uk/ (10 mins car, 35 mins walk)

 

Theme Parks/Play Centres

Sundown Adventure land- Theme park for under 10s - https://sundownadventureland.co.uk/ (15 mins car)

Wheel Gate – Water Park and Adventure Park - https://www.wheelgatepark.com/ (30 mins car)

Trampolining and more- https://www.flipout.co.uk/locations/doncaster/ (40 mins car)

Laser Tag – http://laserlabyrinth.co.uk/(20 mins car, 20 mins Train)

Ice skating - https://www.dclt.co.uk/venues/the-dome/ice-skating/ (40 mins)

The nearest Cinema is in Worksop (20 mins by car) https://savoyworksop.co.uk/SavoyWorksop.dll/Home but there are big multiplexes

and independent art house cinemas near all the big cities.

 

Animal Fun

White Post Farm - http://www.whitepostfarm.co.uk/ – (35 mins car)

Yorkshire wildlife park - http://www.yorkshirewildlifepark.com/ (30 mins car)

Boston Park Farm – with amazing maze - http://www.bostonpark.com/ ( 40 mins car)

Willow tree farm - https://www.willowtree-farm.co.uk/ (30 mins car)

 

Outdoor fun

Pretty much any sport or adrenalin fuelled fun can be had around here. These examples were chosen because they were close, I haven’t tried them all!

Golf - https://www.retfordgolfclub.co.uk/ (10 mins car)

Fishing- http://www.haytonlakes.co.uk/ (10 mins car)

Clay pigeon shooting - https://www.haytoncastleclayshoot.com/ ( 20 mins car)

Go Karting - http://www.amencornerkarting.co.uk/ (20 mins car)

Hire bikes at Clumber Park https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/clumber-park/features/cycle-at-clumber-park-nottinghamshire (25 mins car)

Mountain Bike hire – https://www.sherwoodpinescycles.co.uk (30 mins car)

Assault Course/Paint Ball/Quad biking/Archery/Bubble Football and loads of other Outdoor fun - http://www.adrenalinjungle.com/ (30 mins car)

Pony trekking - https://www.derbyshire-pony-trekking.co.uk/ (30 mins car)

Canoeing/Abseiling/Climbing/Caving https://www.peaksandpaddles.org/ (40 mins car) - There are lots of places that do these activities but this one has a family package available

National water sports centre - https://www.nwscnotts.com – Not just water sports, but lots of other outdoor activities and a country park too (50 mins by car)

KG Archery give one to one lessons - http://www.kgarchery.com/ (15 min car)

Go Ape Forest Adventure – Zipwires, Swings, treetop walkways, Segways and a more gentle version for younger ones – https://goape.co.uk (30 mins car)

 

Nature

Nearest nature reserve (10 mins car), others are listed on same site https://www.nottinghamshirewildlife.org/nature-reserves/idle-valley

Guided walks - http://www.nottsarearamblers.org.uk/

National Gardens Scheme – Private gardens open for charity - https://www.ngs.org.uk/

Peak District National Park (1hr by car) - http://www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/

Clumber Park – Parkland - https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/clumber-park (15 mins car)

 

Relaxing

Award winning Ye Olde Bell Spa, Retford– https://www.yeoldebell-hotel.co.uk/spa (15 mins car)

 

Something slightly different

Pick your own - http://www.goforgoachers.co.uk/ (10 mins car) or http://brittainsberries.co.uk/retford (10 min car)

Canal Tours:

http://www.chesterfield-canal-trust.org.uk/on-the-water/trip-boats/

The canal runs from the River Trent to the middle of Chesterfield through Retford and there are several different canal companies going from different places on different days.

Pilgrim Fathers - If you are interested in the pilgrim fathers there is a trail you can take to explore their past - https://www.visit-nottinghamshire.co.uk/ideas-and-inspiration/mayflower-pilgrims/the-mayflower-trail (you will need your own transport)

Escape rooms in Retford and Sheffield - https://enigmarooms.co.uk/retford/

Zombie survival experience see Sheffield

National Video Game Museum – https://www.thenvm.org

The Old Picture House & Haunted Museum (50min car) – https://www.ukghostshunts.com

City of caves – Family cave tour right under Nottingham city - http://www.nationaljusticemuseum.org.uk/venue/city-of-caves/

 

Swimming Pools

South Forest - This one is warm and has a Jacuzzi a winner with adults https://inedwinstowe.co.uk/local-groups-in-edwinstowe/south-forest-complex-swimming/ (25 mins car)

Water Meadows – Great for kids with wave machine, rapids, water cannon etc: - https://www.mansfieldleisure.com/water_meadows/FAC_LeisureWaters (40 mins car)

Retford Pool- Nearest pool but no small pool or fun extras – https://www.bpl.org.uk/retford-leisure-centre (10 mins car)

 

Cities Nearby


Lincoln:
(40 mins car, 35mins Train)

Lincoln castle - https://www.lincolncastle.com/

Lincoln cathedral – https://lincolncathedral.com/

You can get a joint ticket to the castle and cathedral.

Museum of Linconshire Life - see what the ‘olden days’ looked like-

https://www.visitlincoln.com/things-to-do/museum-of-lincolnshire-life

Bishops Palace - https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/lincoln-medieval-bishops-palace/

The Collection – Art and archaeology museum - https://www.thecollectionmuseum.com/

For more attractions visit: https://www.visitlincoln.com/

 

Newark: (30 mins car, 15mins Train)

A pretty town, with great shopping - https://www.visit-newark.co.uk/

Newark Air museum - http://www.newarkairmuseum.org/ (15 mins car)

Newark Castle park and garden, guided tour of Dungeons (30min car) -https://www.newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk/newarkcastle/

Civil War Museum - http://www.nationalcivilwarcentre.com/ (20 mins car, 20 mins train)

 

Sheffield: (50 mins car, 45 mins train)

Millennium Gallery – Art Gallery – http://www.museums-sheffield.org.uk/

Sheffield Industrial Museum - http://www.simt.co.uk/ (45 mins car, 1 hr train)

Winter Garden – Larges temperate glass house – http://www.welcometosheffield.co.uk/

Kelham Island Museum – Industrial museum with Europe’s largest working steam engine http://www.simt.co.uk/kelham-island-museum

Moor Market – Foodie Haven - https://sheffieldmarkets.com/markets/moor-market

Escape Room Puzzles - https://www.escape-sheffield.co.uk/www.thegreatescapegame.co.uk;

Zombie Survival Experience – http://zombieinfection.co.uk/

National Video Game Museum – https://www.thenvm.org

Outside of town:

Tropical butterfly house – https://www.butterflyhouse.co.uk/

Sheffield Botanical Gardens –http://www.sbg.org.uk/

 

York (1hr 20 mins car, 35 mins train)

York Minster – https://yorkminster.org/

Cliffords Tower – With panoramic view of the city - https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/cliffords-tower-york/

Jorvick Viking Center – https://www.jorvikvikingcentre.co.uk/

York dungeons – Scary Fun - https://www.thedungeons.com/york/en/

National Railway Museum - https://www.railwaymuseum.org.uk/

York Castle Museum - https://www.yorkcastlemuseum.org.uk/

Boat Trip - https://www.citycruisesyork.com/

Yorks Chocolate Museum - https://www.yorkschocolatestory.com/

For more attractions visit: https://www.visityork.org/ and for a visitors pass www.yorkpass.com/

 

Nottingham (1hr Car,1hr 15 mins by train )

Nottingham is a busy city and it is expensive to park there. You can use the park and ride facilities and get a tram the last bit of the journey. https://www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/information-for-residents/transport-parking-and-streets/parking-and-permits/park-and-ride

Nottingham castle - https://www.nottinghamcastle.org.uk/ - Currently undergoing renovation.

City of caves – Family cave tour right under the city - http://www.nationaljusticemuseum.org.uk/venue/city-of-caves/

Trip To Jerusalem - Oldest Inn in England- https://www.greeneking-pubs.co.uk/pubs/nottinghamshire/ye-olde-trip-to-jerusalem/

Industrial museum - https://www.nottinghamindustrialmuseum.org.uk/

Contemporary Art gallery - http://www.nottinghamcontemporary.org/

Walks and Tours - http://www.ezekialbone.com/

For more attractions visit: https://www.visit-nottinghamshire.co.uk/

 

Doncaster (30 mins car, 15 mins train)

The first two attractions are not in the town centre but regular busses will take you to them.

South Yorkshire Aircraft museum – https://www.southyorkshireaircraftmuseum.org.uk/

Lakeside village – Named brands offering discounts - https://www.lakeside-village.co.uk/

Doncaster Minster - http://www.doncasterminster.co.uk/

For more attractions visit: - http://www.visitdoncaster.com/

 

Museums not mentioned in the city listings but well worth a visit

Creswell Crags (30 Mins By Car)
Ice Age Cave Paintings https://www.creswell-crags.org.uk/ (30 mins car)

Science Museum (40 Mins By Car)
https://www.visitmagna.co.uk/

Bassetlaw Museum (Retford)
Is only worth going to if it's raining and there is nothing else to do.

 

Country Houses

Not National Trust or English Heritage:

Newstead Abbey - Lord Bryons home and gardens- https://www.newsteadabbey.org.uk/ (50 mins car)

Thorseby estate - http://whatsonatthoresby.co.uk - you'll find working crafts people, shops, cafe, a museum and art gallery and cross country Segway.

Wollaton Hall – Elizabethan house and gardens - https://www.wollatonhall.org.uk/ (1hr car)

Chatsworth – Stunning House and Gardens, used in lots of film including Pride & Prejudice, Death Comes to Pemberly and The Duchess - http://https://www.chatsworth.org/ (1hr 10 mins car)

 

English Heritage:

Gainsborough Old Hall -500 years old timber framed house - https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/gainsborough-old-hall/ (25 mins car, 15 min Train + walk)

Rufford Abbey – Beautiful Ruins, Gardens and Country park - https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/rufford-abbey/ (25 mins car) - FREE

Bolsover castle – 17th century- https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/bolsover-castle/ (40 mins car)

Conisbrough Castle -12th century- https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/conisbrough-castle/ (40 mins car)

Brodsworth Hall - Victorian country house and https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/brodsworth-hall-and-gardens/ - (50 mins car)

Bishops Palace - https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/lincoln-medieval-bishops-palace/

Cliffords Tower – With panoramic view of the city - https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/cliffords-tower-york/

 

National Trust:

Clumber Park – Parkland - https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/clumber-park (15 mins car)

The Workhouse – https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/the-workhouse-southwell – (40 mins car)

Mr Straws House – Step back in time to a 1920s Grocers –https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/mr-straws-house (20 mins car, 30 mins Train)

Hardwick Hall – Elizabethan house and grounds - https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hardwick-hall (45 mins car) and very near

Working Water Mill which grinds flour on Hardwick Estate - https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hardwick-estate-stainsby-mill - (45 mins car)

Tattershall Castle – 15th century Red Brick castle – https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/tattershall-castle (1 hr by car)

 

For Sports Fans

Doncaster racecourse - https://www.doncaster-racecourse.co.uk/ (15 mins Train with shuttle bush to racecourse on all race days, 30 mins car)

Trent Bridge – Nottingham Cricket Ground- www.trentbridge.co.uk (45 mins car)

Nottingham Forest football ground - https://www.nottinghamforest.co.uk/ (45 mins car)

Notts County football ground. - https://www.nottscountyfc.co.uk/ (45 mins car)

The Crucible – Snookers world championships venue - https://www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk/ (45 mins car, 45 mins train)

 

Where To Eat

Supermarkets & Farm Shops:

There are three supermarkets – Aldi, Asda (10 mins by car, 30 mins walking), and Morrisons. (12 mins by car, 40 mins walking),

There is lots of paid car parking in town, but if you pop into Asda they give you 2 hours to do your shopping in.

There is also a guy who sells his own vegetables on Goosmore Lane (5 mins by car, 20 mins walking)

Westlands Farm Shop- https://westlandsfarmshop.com/ (12 mins by car)

Places To Eat:

There are lots of places to eat in town, to suit all budgets and tastes.

The nearest: The Gastropub the White houses, it might be best to book here as this is popular – www.whitehousesretford.co.uk (3 min by car,12 walking)

Cheap eats at the elms hotel - https://www.theelmsretford.co.uk/about/dining (4 min by car ,15 walking)

In Town: (10 mins by car, 25-35 mins walking),

Some of my favourites:

Dante’s an Italian - https://www.facebook.com/dantesitalian/

Taste, vegan-friendly restaurant -https://www.facebook.com/TasteBistroRetford/

Vegan only restaurant, near the park, check opening times these vary a lot - https://go-v.co.uk

Gorgeous English Fare - No 5 - http://www.no5-restaurant-retford.co.uk/

The ship Inn, Good Pub Grub - http://www.theshipinnretford.com/

The Barristers book chamber - Afternoon tea and books at the https://barristersbookchamber.com/

Breakfast or lunch at the BayTree overlooking the canal - https://www.facebook.com/Bay-Tree-Retford-829292120483822/

 

A Bit Further Afield:

Best West Retford Hotel For coffee & drinks

https://www.westretfordhotel.co.uk (10 min car)

Thaymars Ice Cream. Lovely Café and Ice cream https://www.thaymaricecream.co.uk/ (12 mins by car)

Gasro Pubs:

Caunton Beck- http://www.wigandmitre.com/the-caunton-beck/ (30 mins car)

Wig & Mitre - http://www.wigandmitre.com/wig-mitre/ (35 mins car)

King William – https://www.facebook.com/Kingwilliamscaftworth/ (20 mins car)

White Horse – https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/British-Restaurant/White-Horse-Inn-Barnby-Moor-1744679622445590/ (15 mins car)