Nottinghamshire: Our Guide to Road Tripping in your Motorhome or Campervan

Once you’ve bagged yourself a fantastic used motorhome or campervan from rove! the excitement will build for your first trip. You’re going to want to get out on the road as soon as possible – but where to go? May we boldly suggest Nottinghamshire? Our county is a true delight and offers a travelable mix of scenic countryside, cultural landmarks and vibrant towns. From the legendary Sherwood Forest of outlaw figure Robin Hood to the charming stately homes of the hoi polloi, and everything in between, Nottinghamshire has it all.

Here’s our handy guide to ten must-visit road trip destinations…

No road trip around Nottinghamshire is complete without visiting the iconic Sherwood Forest. Steeped in the legend of Robin Hood, this magnificent and mysterious woodland is perfect for a leisurely day out. You’ll find dedicated motorhome parking facilities near the visitor centre, making it the ideal stop to disembark and take a stroll to see the Major Oak. This massive 800-year-old tree is where, according to legend, the actual Robin Hood and his merry men took shelter. The forest’s many trails also offer diverting opportunities for hikes and wildlife spotting. Sherwood Forest is an essential destination for nature lovers and history buffs alike and the aforementioned visitor centre provides plenty of information as well as great food and drink.

This beautifully preserved 12th-century Cistercian monastery is two miles south of Ollerton and set amidst a picturesque country park. There are expansive serene gardens to explore on foot, with many objets d’art to enjoy dotted around. Rufford Abbey is easily accessible by leisure vehicle, there is ample parking and even a dedicated area for larger vehicles. The 1147 abbey ruins are impressive, and younger members of the family will enjoy the adventure playground and picnic areas. The Coach House café offers light refreshments.

This historic market town on the river Trent is brimming with charm and character, with impressive castle ruins overlooking the waters. The castle dates back to the 12th century, and at the town’s National Civil War Centre museum you can learn about Newark’s turbulent history during the English Civil War, a pivotal period in English history. Two miles outside town is the fascinating Newark Air Museum, where you can learn about Lincolnshire’s integral role in British aerial military history.

A stop-off at Southwell Minster is high on the list of ‘must see’ destinations when travelling through Nottinghamshire. This stunning cathedral is a masterpiece of Norman and Gothic architecture, with an interior filled with intricate stonework and stained glass windows. It’s surrounded by tranquil gardens to explore, and the town itself is quaint with cobbled streets, independent shops and pleasant tea rooms.

Managed by the National Trust, Clumber Park offers a tranquil escape in the heart of Nottinghamshire. The park’s vast expanse of woodland, heathland and open space makes it an excellent stop for motorhome or campervan travellers. There are designated parking areas, and you can spend a leisurely day cycling around the lake, exploring the Victorian walled kitchen garden or just enjoying a picnic of your own amidst stunning scenery. Clumber Park’s setting and rich history make it the perfect spot to unwind.

The Workhouse in Southwell is one of the more curious destinations on our road trip. It’s a well-preserved example of a Victorian workhouse, offering a compelling glimpse into the social history of our country during the 19th century. The audio-guided tour takes you through the austere rooms and offers an insight into the harsh realities faced by the poor who sought refuge here. It will ‘bring you up short’ as you realise how difficult life can be and, for that, it’s life affirming and fills you with a sense of gratitude for the progress society has made. The restored gardens and orchard provide a pleasant space to ponder these things after your visit to the main building.

Welbeck Abbey and its estate is located in the picturesque Dukeries area of Nottinghamshire and provides the perfect blend of history, art and beautiful parkland. Although the abbey itself is not actually open to the public, the estate’s Harley Gallery showcases an impressive art collection and exhibitions. There’s also a farm shop, where you can stock up on local produce and artisanal goods for your road trip!

Creswell Crags is a limestone gorge offering the chance to step right back in time to the prehistoric era. It’s dotted with caves that were once home to Ice Age humans – and the guided tours of the caves and well-curated museum offer some amazing insight as well as archaeological finds. After exploring the caves themselves, you can take a relaxing walk around the picturesque lake. This place is a fascinating mix of natural beauty and ancient history.

Thoresby Park is another historic estate in the Dukeries region. Known for its stately home, art gallery and vibrant artisan courtyard this is a great spot for a leisurely exploration. The house itself is not open to the public, but the grounds are beautiful and the Courtyard offers local crafts, a glass-blowing studio and a charming cafe.

For those travellers who want to embrace the urban side of Nottinghamshire, there’s certainly plenty to see and do! A visit to the distinctive-looking Nottingham Castle and its surrounding city centre is a must – perhaps stopping off to pay your respects to the great football manager Brian Clough at his proudly standing statue. The recently renovated castle offers interactive exhibits delving deep into the city’s history (including its connections to Robin Hood) as well as art galleries, manicured grounds and panoramic views of the city.

Navigating Nottinghamshire’s scenic and historic destinations in a used motorhome or campervan is relatively straightforward. Roads around the county are well-maintained and there’s clear signposting for all the destinations we’ve mentioned. However, it’s advisable to plan your route in advance, especially when visiting slightly more rural sites, as some areas may have narrower lanes. Many of the attractions offer dedicated motorhome and campervan parking – but it’s always worth going online and checking in advance or arriving early during peak times to secure your spot.

Nottinghamshire’s blend of historical landmarks, scenic parks and cultural treasures mean it’s one of the UK’s most fantastic regions for a road trip. Once you’ve got your top quality used motorhome from rove! there’s nothing stopping you!