Group_Leisure___Travel_-_April_2020

While on the theme of museums, the region houses the
National Holocaust Centre which helps tell the story of
the Jewish population during World War Two. Through
two thought-provoking exhibitions and other events, the
museum informs visitors of the harshness faced
by Jewish people and other communities
while under Nazi rule. Groups of 15 or
more qualify for special rates.

If your members enjoy
uncovering the past with
visits to historic venues,
Newstead Abbey is a
beautiful house that can
be exclusively toured
by groups, founded as a
monastic venue in the late
12th century. It became
home to the poet Lord
Byron between 1808 – 1814,
with many Victorian room
settings and the poet’s private
apartments to be seen still.

A 30-minute drive down the A
from Newstead will land you at Wo l l a t o n
Hall, another grand venue waiting to be
explored. The stunning Grade I Elizabethan mansion
is set in 500 acres of natural parkland. The Natural
History Museum, which can be found in its hall, has been
welcoming visitors since opening in 1926, displaying rare
wildlife exhibits among its collection of 750,000 objects.
While touring the grounds, look out for the Camellia
House which is supposedly the oldest cast iron glasshouse
in Europe.

To see where the legendary Robin Hood is said to have

hidden away with his merry men, Sherwood Forest in

Edwinstowe has conjured up visions of its most famous

resident for centuries. Today it is a national park and

boasts 375 hectares of beauty, home to hundreds

of species of animals, insects and trees

• including the legendary Major
  Oak tree which is estimated to be
  around 1,000 years old.

For a look at religious

sites, Southwell Minster

provides fine examples of

architecture, particularly

Norman and early English

to be seen. The cathedral

of Nottingham has a

strong musical tradition

with Evensong sung during

term time by its choir,

with special concerts held

throughout the year. Digital

audio guides are available for

visitors, to help point out key areas

of the building.

Should there be time to squeeze in some

live theatre, not many places in the county compare to

Nottingham’s Theatre Royal & Royal Concert Hall. Its

spectacular interiors are enough to tempt anyone with

a visit, let alone the fantastic touring productions and

concerts that are staged throughout the year. Another

option is a backstage guided tour of the two venues, giving

visitors a behind-the-scenes look into how shows are put

together, as well as finding out about its heritage.

Photo credit: Andy Andrews.

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16 April 2020 groupleisureandtravel.com

Explore: Nottinghamshire