With the summer holidays just around the corner and most of the UK’s covid restrictions to be reduced on 19th July, we thought it would be a good time to share our second instalment of the hidden gems in Nottingham and Derby. And, now almost a year has passed, we’ve found even more things to do in the local area.
In case you missed it, here’s the first instalment of our top 10 hidden gems in Nottingham and Derby.
If you don’t already know, our independent financial advisers primarily work in Nottingham and Derby. Although remote working and technology have meant location is no obstacle, we hope to return to our West Bridgford office very soon.
But whether you already live in Nottingham or Derby, or you plan on passing through at some point, here’s our top ten quirky things to do in Nottingham and Derby:
Nottingham
Green’s Mill
Start your day with a bit of physical activity, both good for the heart and the mind, and head to Green’s Windmill, just a short 20-minute walk from the centre of town.
Green’s Mill is a restored and working 19th-century tower windmill. In the early 1800s, it was owned and operated by the mathematical physicist George Green. Here you can learn about the history of the windmill and George Green, explore the science centre and visit the windmill shop, where you can buy organic flour that continues to be milled in the windmill today.
The William Booth Trail
Not too far away from Green’s Mill, you will find the birthplace of William Booth; the founder of The Salvation Army. Nottingham’s most famous preacher and social reformer. Unfortunately, the museum remains closed, but the William Booth walking tour will provide you with an insight into the man behind the Salvation Army.
Born in Nottingham in 1829 in Sneinton, Booth first worked as an apprentice in a pawnbroker when he was 13, and this is where he first saw the hardship of the poorest in town. Following a move to London, he became a Methodist Minister and then began preaching at a tent in Whitechapel, and The Christian Mission formed. The Christian Mission was then later renamed The Salvation Army in 1878.
Since then, for over 150 years the Salvation Army has been fighting against social inequality and transforming lives.
Sneinton Market
If you want to get your shopping fix, then just outside the city centre and in the heart of Nottingham’s Creative Quarter, you’ll find Sneinton Market. Home to a collection of quirky shops, independent eateries and creative workshops.
Here you can find anything from house plants, vintage clothing and jewellery, to vegan chocolates and craft beer. On a warm day, the plaza is a great space to sit down and relax for a while. And if you’re lucky, you might stumble across one of the independent markets or pop-up street vendors that often pay a visit.
Museum of Timekeeping
Tick tock, it’s museum o’clock. If you want to go back in time and delve into the history of different watches, clocks and timepieces, then maybe you’d fancy a trip to the museum of timekeeping.
Established in 1994, the museum holds a unique collection of artefacts, with approximately 8,000 – 10,000 timepieces, photographs and archives. The impressive collection also features the watch worn by Captain Robert Falcon Scott during his ill-fated British Antarctic expedition of 1912.
H. Lawerence Birthplace Museum
Did you know that the famous writer and poet D.H. Lawerence was born in the ex-mining town of Eastwood?
Son of a miner in late Victorian England, Lawrence grew up surrounded by the Nottinghamshire countryside, which he described as ‘The country of my heart’. Best-known for Lady’s Chatterley’s Lover, Lawrence was first a teacher before his works were published.
To understand a bit more about the influences on Lawrence’s work, you can visit his birthplace museum in Eastwood. The museum is now re-open, and they are taking bookings online; £5 for an adult and children go free.
Derby/Derbyshire
Haunted pubs
If you like beer or ghost stories, or both, then you’ll love Derby.
Not only is Derby one of the most haunted cities in the world, but Lonely Planet also described it as one of the best places to drink real ale in the world.
Combine the two with a trip to Ye Olde Dolphin Inne, one of the oldest pubs in Derby that has a reputation of being haunted, with visitors claiming to have seen a ‘blue lady’.
Charnwood Forest Alpacas
Situated on the Leicestershire and Derbyshire border, you’ll find the Charnwood Forest Alpacas at Scamhazel farm. You can take a stroll along their ‘farm walk’, meeting their magnificent alpacas, horses, donkeys, chickens and pigs along the route. We all need a pick-me-up from time to time, so why not get your serotonin boost with a wholesome farm trip?
Poole’s Cavern & Buxton Country Park
Featuring one of the longest stalactite formations in the region, if you want to take a delve below ground, we recommend a visit to Poole’s Cavern to explore the unique limestone caverns.
And, why not follow this up with a peaceful walk through the country park woodland trails leading to a magnificent panoramic view of the peak district at the vantage point known as Solomon’s Temple.
Wirksworth’s StarDisc
For an experience that is out of this world, you’ll want to pay a visit to StarDisc, a stone circle and celestial amphitheatre created by Aidan Shingler. The stone circle features a star chart carved into black granite that mirrors the northern hemisphere’s night sky, complete with inscriptions of the constellations that make up the Milky Way. When the night falls, dark skies illuminate the lighting that surrounds StarDisc.
Amber Valley Vineyards
You might imagine visiting a winery or vineyard in the hills of Italy or even in the South East of England, but did you know you could get this experience as close as Derbyshire. Treat yourself to a sophisticated afternoon of grapes and bubbles. You can tour the vineyard, sample local wines and visit the Cellar Door shop and bar. And it’s not just any vineyard. Amber Valley is home to the international award-winning Lindway Brook sparkling wine.
If you can think of any more unusual things to do in Nottingham and Derby, we’d love to hear about them. And, if you want to discuss anything else, please feel free to get in touch with us and speak to one of our financial planners.
