A visit to Thoresby Hall wouldn’t be complete without at least taking the time to visit one or two historical landmarks or tourist attractions nearby but within an hour’s drive away.
There are a number of National Trust properties worth exploring as well as the visitor centre and railway at Sherwood Forest. Thoresby Hall hotel is an ideal starting point for visiting the Peak District, Sheffield and Nottinghamshire.
At Thoresby Hall & Park
Of course, if you’re enjoying the hospitality of Warner Leisure at Thoresby Hall, wildlife spotting in Thoresby’s extensive grounds or a visit to the Rose Garden, Courtyard or Spa might be all you’re looking for. There are plenty of scenic walks to enjoy, especially around Thoresby Lake.
Warner’s Evening Entertainment
Exclusive shows from world-famous performers including stars like Ronan Keating.
Nothing really compares to hearing the signature tunes of celebrated musicians, seeing top-flight dancers, and laughing to comedians in an intimate setting. It’s why Warner’s Star Breaks are so popular.
On selected dates, huge names of the stage and screen make private appearances on Thoresby’s stage. This is an opportunity to join a small audience and get up close to a big star, and maybe even meet a few of the performers in person.
Book a Star Break at Thoresby Hall >>
Thoresby Courtyard
Built in 1864, the Grade II* listed Thoresby Courtyard was originally the stables and riding school for Thoresby Hall. Used as a farm equipment store for many years, the Courtyard has now been transformed into a popular visitor destination.
Thoresby Courtyard is a unique shopping experience and is home to a variety of different shops and workshops. Open Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. The Courtyard shops are accepting cash payments as well as card. The coffee shop is open daily from 10am – 4pm (weather dependent). Currently operating card payments only.
The Royal Lancers and Nottinghamshire Yeomanry Museum is located in the courtyard and is open Wednesday to Sunday. Opening times are 10.30 am to 4.30 pm (Last Entry 4.00 pm). The Museum is closed from 1st December to 28th February
Established in 1992 by Lady Rozelle Raynes, Thoresby Gallery hosts a variety of exhibitions and events throughout the year.
Learn more about Thoresby Courtyard >>
Thoresby Spa
Thoresby Hall offers good value spa-ing at sensible prices, in a dramatic Victorian hall in acres of parkland.
The spa has been cleverly designed to work around the restrictions of a listed building, much of it is built into the original courtyards with glass ceilings, so the rooms are light and bright.
There’s a pool with a glass roof; a warm, bubbly hydrotherapy pool; a range of thermal rooms; and an impressive relaxation room.
Thoresby Park
Thoresby Park boasts extensive grounds, covering over 1,000 acres of rich and unspoilt countryside, with a range of facilities and attractions – making it a lovely spot to visit all year around. It’s easy to see why this is a popular choice for weddings, special occasions and outdoor events.
Thoresby Park a great place to enjoy a walk, with a sign-posted circular route taking in the sights and sounds of the estate including the River Meden and St John’s Church in Perlethorpe.
Wheelchair and pushchair-friendly, the walk takes up to an hour. There is also the opportunity to get off the beaten track and follow trails, looking out for some of the ancient oaks and abundance of wildlife in the forest. For cycle lovers there are plenty of routes and the option to hire bikes.
Along with discovering the beautiful outdoors, visitors can also enjoy the Victorian Courtyard with working crafts people, shops, military museum and the acclaimed Gallery featuring regional, national and international artists.
The Park’s Bay Tree Café is fully licensed and offers daily specials and cream teas in the beautiful and relaxed atmosphere of the Courtyard.
Visitors can make Thoresby Park the base of their stay in Sherwood Forest and the surrounding area, with the option to book luxury holiday lodges, holiday homes or caravan pitches.
Thoresby Cricket Club
For cricket lovers, why not catch a game at Thoresby Park Cricket Club.
Search Facebook for the current set of fixtures.
Gloworm Festival (usually August)
The Gloworm festival is the one true family festival (aimed at children under 13) that takes place in the grounds of Thoresby Hall. The festival encourages families to play and have fun in a safe environment.
Gloworm is the 5-time Uk Festival award nominated, family friendly festival that brings music, art and entertainment to the heart of Sherwood Forest.
Gloworm invites festival goers to come and play in warm and welcoming environment. They will inspire the imaginations of children big and small with a wealth of entertainment, from live music to workshops, theatre to cooking, every corner they turn will lead to new activities and adventures to be had.
Beyond Thoresby Hall
Being located on the edge of Sherwood Forest in a part of England rich in history and folklore, you’re never far away from things to do. Here are a number of places to visit that should take no more than an hour to get to by car.
St John’s Church, Perlethorpe
Only a short walking distance from Thoresby Hall, you’ll find the tiny hamlet of Perlethorpe.
The Parish Church of St John the Evangelist at Perlethorpe stands in the ancient grounds of Thoresby, as listed in the Domesday Book. It is likely that Thoresby Halls’ previous aristocratic owners would have worshipped in here in centuries gone by. Several generations of the Pierrepont family are buried in the cemetery.
Skirmish Sherwood Forest Activity Centre
For those looking for some real fun and adventure, look no further that the Skirmish Centre which offers a range of a fantastic activities for both adults and children.
Choose from archery, cross bows, air rifle shooting, axe and knife throwing, paintball, airsoft, crazy buggies, and archery assault.
Their Nottingham activity centre is renowned for providing invigorating outdoor experiences for adults, children and parties alike. They offer complete facilities to ensure you have everything you need for a full day’s escapade. They are the UK’s number one supplier of paintballing packages for all ages and are proud to boast over 25 years of experience in the industry.
National Trust – Clumber Park
Clumber Park is a country park in The Dukeries near Worksop in Nottinghamshire, England. The estate, which was the seat of the Pelham-Clintons, Dukes of Newcastle, was purchased by the National Trust in 1946. It is listed Grade I on the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens.[2]
The main house was demolished in 1938 after damage by several fires. The nearby Grade I listed chapel in Gothic Revival style and a four-acre walled kitchen garden still survive.
The gardens and the estate are managed by the National Trust and are open to the public all year round. In 2020-21 over 350,000 people visited Clumber Park, making it one of the National Trust’s top ten most visited properties.
Woodthorpe Grange Park
Woodthorpe Grange Park is a Green Flag–awarded public park located in Sherwood, Nottingham, Nottingham, on the northern edge of the city.
One of the largest parks in the city, it includes a tropical plant house, a nursery, formal landscaped gardens and a café. Sporting facilities include football pitches, a children’s play area and a pitch and putt course. Regular events are held in the park.
Rufford Abbey
A beautiful country park set around the 12th-century ruins of Rufford Abbey.
Gardens, lakeside walks & woodland, shops, cafe, restaurant, tea shop, and a small exhibition about the life of the medieval monks who once lived here. Play area for young children. Good access for prams, pushchairs, mobility scooters and wheelchairs. Accessible loos.
We open every day except Xmas Day and it’s free to enter. Car park charge. Dogs welcome on a lead. A relaxing and magical place to visit.
Sherwood Forest Railway
Sherwood Forest Railway is a real steam railway in miniature with 6 locomotives 12 coaches, signals, level crossings, and tunnel all perfectly recreated in miniature which kids love to experience.
To make the day even more memorable they also offer free of charge an adventure play area, under 5,s play area, picnic area and offer drinks and refreshments at very reasonable prices.
Sherwood Pines
Have an adventurous day out in the great outdoors, at any time of the year.
Come and explore one of the Midland’s most well-known forests! With activity trails, play areas, bike hire, wild running and mountain biking trails, Sherwood Pines will set the scene for a great day out for all. Get back to basics on one of our bushcraft experiences or soar through the trees on Go Ape’s famous zip wires.
If you are feeling a bit peckish after adventuring around the forest, drop in to the Sherwood Pines Café for a range of locally sourced snacks. Top off your trip with an overnight stay! Forest Holidays have a selection of stunning cabins located in the heart of the forest, perfect if you are looking to escape the everyday.
Camping in the Forest also provide the perfect spot to pitch your tent and stay in the great outdoors, opening spring 2021.
The Major Oak
The Major Oak is a large English oak (Quercus robur) near the village of Edwinstowe in the midst of Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire, England.
According to local folklore, it was Robin Hood’s shelter where he and his merry men slept. It weighs an estimated 23 tons, has a girth of 33 feet (10 metres), a canopy of 92 feet (28 metres), and is about 800–1000 years old. In 2014, it was voted ‘England’s Tree of the Year’ by a public poll by the Woodland Trust, receiving 18% of the votes.
White Post Farm
Creswell Crags
Vicar Water Country Park
Holme Pierrepont Hall
Floralands Farm Park
Gedling Country Park
Newark Castle and Gardens
National Trust – Mr Straw’s House
Robin Hoods Wheelgate Park
National Trust – Hardwick Hall
The National Holocaust Centre & Museum
Basselaw Museum
The Nature Centre at Center Parks Sherwood Forest
The Harley Gallery
Welbeck Estate
Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre
Edwinstowe Hall
Image Credit: goodspaguide.co.uk/directory/the-spa-at-thoresby-hall