The Midland Railway Centre is a lovely half day out for anyone who likes trains, no matter what…read moreage! There is a small cafe on the site offering hot and cold food and drinks. There is also a small play area for kids, although it is just a collection of unused childrens toys and slides in a penned off area. There is a tin church that has been relocated to this site, which is fascinating to see and read about. The Centre is accessed via Butterley or Golden Valley, and both sites are linked by a nature walk. There is no entrance fee, only if you want to catch one of the trains, then it gets expensive! They have regular outings of Thomas, and host a Santa Special at Christmas (obviously!) Personally I think the train trips are too expensive, and its definitely something to do as a special occasion, rather than a regular outing.

Excellent local museum about DH Lawrence. If you've never been and you're a local, you really need…read moreto. Anyone who's interested in DH Lawrence must visit too. Really friendly and knowledgable staff.

There's a bit of a literary/cultural trail in Nottinghamshire, and popping out to Eastwood on a…read morepilgrimage to Lawrence's birthplace should be part of the grand tour. It's the humble home of a collier's family, furnished as it would have been in his childhood - the front parlour kept for best. Interesting to realise where he finished, given where he started. Really worth making the time to visit. [Follow the trail around the town if you've got the time too] http://www.theheritagetrail.co.uk/notable%20houses/dhlawrence%20house.htm

As a musician myself, I have performed at the Royal Concert Hall in Nottingham on many occasions…read more The back stage staff are always pleasant, polite and helpful, and I always have a good time there. The acoustics of the hall are incredible. The best way to hear a performance in that place in my opinion is to have no amplification whatsoever. Acoustic concerts are just beautiful there - unfortunately, this can result in the opposite when too much mikeing up is used. I went to see a Rhythm and blues band and the sound was overpowering and swam around the room without clarity. So, pick your show carefully - the programme is always varied and interesting. There's plenty of stuff to see, and at reasonable prices. The seats are comfy, bars convenient and toilets accessible.

The Royal centre is the name given to the Nottingham Theatre Royal and the Nottingham Concert Hall…read moreas they are joined together. Many great productions are shown here and almost every UK touring production will perform at one of the two buildings. Offer discounts for Students, OAP's and Children. Also offer fun summer activties for children and hold theatre related events such as backstage tours and workshops.

Shugborough is a charming estate with a lively house. We came here often in my childhood, and it…read morehas been well kept the grounds house events such as classic car shows and charming sculpture walks. The courtyard host coffee shops and ice cream, and I live the bridges. The passing bridge is still a favourite for pooh sticks even though I'm a fully grown woman. Nice place, great for a picnic too. PS, its a cracking place to collect conkers!

Shugborough Hall is a National Trust Property located in Stafford. The location and the Christmas…read moremarket event they were holding on the weekend made it the perfect place for the annual Jewellery Quarter residents trip (yes, I am of an age that I go on Coach trips). I have vague memories of maybe visiting this place in the depths of time gone by, although with most National Trust properties - they are much of a muchness. Once you've seen one stately home you kinda get the gist. As you would expect, it's pretty impressive. The driveway must be nearly a mile long to get to the property (and is a little dicey, so be prepared to close your eyes if you're an insecure passenger) and the place is surrounded by rolling green fields. I would imagine in the summer you might see deer (or at least cattle) strolling around as you approach the house. The house itself is pretty magnificent. Some of it's buildings are constructed in what I imagine to be sandstone and the main building is bright white and looks very well kept. There is plenty of parking to be had on site and as well as the house there are gorgeous gardens, a tea room a gift shop and all of the facilities you would expect from a National Trust property. The Christmas event is wonderful. As well as numerous market stalls under cover at the front of the building with lots of craft and local produce, there was live music and food being served all through the day. Once we had gotten in to the market, we grabbed a hot food and a warm drink and began to plan our day. The market had a great selection of gifts to be had! Everything from handmade toys, jewellery, clothing and food was on offer for very reasonable prices. We picked up some great presents (and a little something for me, of course) and had a really nice time chatting to the stall holders who explained how everything was made and where ingredients etc were sourced from. The inside of Shugborough had been specially with a "Christmas by candlelight" theme. Only the downstairs was open (apparently the upstairs is open normally) and all of the rooms were decorated with gorgeous bouquets of flowers, candles and decked out with Christmas trinkets. The staff were also wearing the clothing of the era and were on hand to answer any questions about the house, the history or anything in the rooms. Entrance for an adult to get into both the hall and the market was £8 in advance. I felt this was a fair price to have a look around the house, the gardens and the markets. Obviously a lot of effort goes into making everything look just right for the occasion and it felt very festive. I would recommend a visit to Shugborough during the Christmas event or at any point in the year if you're a fan of stately homes. The gardens must look magnificent in the Summer when everything is in bloom, but even in winter we had a lovely wander around admiring them. I would recommend the hall as a nice afternoon out for the family.

Impressive castle ruin (well, mostly) in the heart of Derbyshire. On the English Heritage website,…read moreit's No.6 of their top ten of castles and mansions in Britain. I wouldn't go that far, but it's certainly worth the 30min bus ride from Chesterfield. And there's a well-above-average Wetherspoon pub just around the corner that you can relax in after your visit to the castle. What's not to like? "Bolsover Castle was founded in the 12th century by the Peverel family, who also owned Peveril Castle in Derbyshire, and came under royal control in 1155. The site is now in the care of English Heritage and is a Grade I listed building and a Scheduled Ancient Monument." Unfortunately, it was also besieged and partly destroyed during the English Civil War, as its owner sided with King Charles I. against Cromwell and his men - which turned out to be not such a great idea. This is why the main halls of the castle lie in ruins. Only the stables (the Duke pretty much invented modern horse dressage singlehandedly, or so they'll tell you) and the adjacent "little" castle still have a roof, and a tiny part of their former decor. Actually, the smaller castle is the greater attraction as it allows you to get a better picture of what life was like with the duke and his family in the 17th century. Bolsover Castle remains an impressive construction, and there are some re-creations that show you what the decor in the main halls must have been like. All in all, it's well-prepared and cared for by English Heritage, and most certainly worth the modest entry fee. There's also a small souvenir shop and a café as you enter/leave the grounds. Bolsover itself isn't exactly spectacular - it's mostly a commuter's village I guess. But there are a couple of promising-looking pubs, in addition to the Spoon. My recommendation would be to go to Chesterfield by train and then take the 30min bus ride (no changes - the bus stops almost exactly in front of the castle).

This is an english heritage castle It more is more like a…read morepicturesce house tha a castle You wander from room to room looking at the wonderful carvings and fantastic fireplaces and there are little doors into small rooms with more fantsatic scenes There is a fantastic stables there where the duke brought horses to be taught dressage and ballet There is a nice little cafe and a shop Its a wonderful place which has loads of unexpected little things in it

Buxton Museum & Art Gallery is a smallish venue in the town centre, with modest exhibits of…read morehistorical objects and paintings (on the upper floor) which also offers a glimpse into the history of Buxton. There are some genuine artefacts on display, most obviously the "Buxton Mermaid" (see photo) - in the 19th century, people like the infamous P.T. Barnum displayed such objects as genuine "mummified mermaids"! Unfortunately, it's all downhill from there: the mostly modern paintings on the upper floor are insignificant, made by local artists - but they do add to the "community feel" of the place, and as suggested by the many posters and leaflets lying around, the museum plays an important part in the communal activities of the town. The entry is free, and you're allowed to take photos. So if you're close by, why not drop in for a half hour on a rainy day.

Some great displays and amazing art work, especially the art work from local schools.read more

Obviously if you're looking at a review of a racecourse you must like racing so I won't go too much…read moreinto racing itself, although I really enjoy going to the races. Uttoxeter is a nice racecourse with good food and drink facilities and great betting stands. You can wander round and watch the horses before they go to the track and then search for the best odds around the different betting stands. Its great fun and more fun if you go with lots of friends, not expecting to win. If you go expecting to win then you will not have a good time. You have to go with money in your pocket that you expect to spend not to get back and then you will be amazed if you do happen to win.

I really like Nottingham racecourse. I've only been midweek but found it had a good atmosphere…read morewithout being too busy. Nicely laid out venue so it is easy to get from watching the horses parade round the ring then to the front to put a bet on and to watch the race. When we went we booked a fairly priced deal where you got a bite to eat included - think it was sandwiches and a drink etc. You can also buy other food such as hot roast sarnies on site. I would recommend here for an enjoyable day out.

It's an ok night out to be had here, they do good special offers for food and admissions…read more Its supposed to be laugh having a bet on the dogs. however the tote staff can be a little on the impatient and rude side. Other than that the rest of the staff are lovely. The Booze is a bit pricey and the food is so so but it can be a right laugh especially if you go in a big group.