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Blue Bell Holiday Cottage - Southwell

Local Towns, Cities & Villages Near Sherwood Forest

Explore the best market towns, historic cities and picturesque villages near Blue Bell Self Catering Holiday Cottage in the heart of Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire. From medieval castles and cathedrals to traditional pubs and independent shops, these nearby destinations offer excellent day trips for couples, families and holiday guests staying in Robin Hood Country.

Newark-on-Trent – Historic Market Town & Civil War Heritage

Approx. 30 minutes from Blue Bell Holiday Cottage

Newark-on-Trent is one of Nottinghamshire’s most attractive and vibrant market towns, known for its rich English Civil War history, Georgian architecture and riverside setting on the River Trent.

Things to See & Do in Newark

  • Explore the ruins of Newark Castle overlooking the River Trent
  • Visit the National Civil War Centre and discover Newark’s important role in British history
  • Enjoy Newark’s bustling traditional markets:
    • Wednesday
    • Friday
    • Saturday
    • Farmers’ Market on the first Wednesday of each month
  • Browse independent shops, cafés and antique stores
  • Relax with a riverside picnic near Newark Castle Gardens

Newark is ideal for visitors interested in history, architecture, antiques and traditional English market towns.

Southwell – The Jewel of Nottinghamshire

Approx. 20 minutes from Blue Bell Holiday Cottage

Southwell is a charming historic town full of character, heritage and independent businesses. Often called “the jewel in Nottinghamshire’s crown”, it makes a perfect relaxing day out.

Highlights of Southwell

  • Visit the magnificent Southwell Minster, one of England’s finest Norman cathedrals
  • Explore independent boutiques, tea rooms, cafés and traditional pubs
  • Enjoy local ales in some of Nottinghamshire’s best-loved inns
  • Visit the National Trust Workhouse, one of Britain’s best-preserved Victorian workhouses
  • Browse the lively Saturday market in the town square

Southwell is especially popular with visitors seeking:

  • Historic towns in Nottinghamshire
  • Traditional English pubs
  • Cathedral towns near Sherwood Forest
  • National Trust attractions
  • Southwell Horse Racecourse

Lincoln – Cathedral City & Medieval Heritage

Approx. 40 minutes from Blue Bell Holiday Cottage

Lincoln is one of the UK’s most beautiful historic cities and an excellent day trip from Sherwood Forest.

Top Attractions in Lincoln

  • Walk up the famous Steep Hill, voted one of Britain’s best streets
  • Visit Lincoln Cathedral, regarded as one of the finest medieval cathedrals in England
  • Explore Lincoln Castle and see one of the original copies of the Magna Carta
  • Discover the medieval Cathedral Quarter, Roman walls and historic streets
  • Visit the Bishop’s Palace ruins managed by English Heritage
  • Shop in independent boutiques, cafés and artisan stores

Film fans may recognise Lincoln Cathedral from The Da Vinci Code, where it doubled as Westminster Abbey.

Lincoln is ideal for:

  • History lovers
  • Cathedral and castle visits
  • Medieval city breaks
  • Shopping and culture days out

Nottingham – Robin Hood, Castles & City Shopping

Approx. 44 minutes / 20 miles from Blue Bell Holiday Cottage

Nottingham combines medieval history, Robin Hood legends, shopping, nightlife and family attractions, making it one of the East Midlands’ most popular cities to visit.

Best Things to Do in Nottingham

  • Visit Nottingham Castle and its historic sandstone caves
  • Take guided cave tours beneath the city
  • See the famous Robin Hood statue
  • Enjoy a drink at Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, reputedly one of England’s oldest pubs dating back to 1189
  • Explore Old Market Square, the largest public square in England
  • Shop at Victoria Centre with over 120 stores and restaurants
  • Visit Nottingham’s museums, galleries and historic Lace Market district

Useful Information

  • Nottingham Castle SAT NAV: NG1 6EL
  • Victoria Centre Parking: NG1 3QN

Nottingham is perfect for:

  • Robin Hood history
  • Shopping weekends
  • Family city breaks
  • Historic pubs and nightlife

Welbeck Abbey & Estate – Historic Estate in Sherwood Forest

Approx. 20 minutes from Blue Bell Holiday Cottage

Welbeck Abbey is one of the great historic landed estates in Nottinghamshire, set within 15,000 acres of beautiful Sherwood Forest countryside.

Founded as a monastery in 1153, Welbeck later became home to the Cavendish family and remains closely connected to the Dukeries and Devonshire estates.

Attractions at Welbeck Estate

  • Guided summer tours of Welbeck Abbey State Rooms
  • The Harley Gallery and Portland Collection
  • Contemporary art exhibitions
  • Welbeck Farm Shop and cafés
  • Open Studios and artisan workshops
  • Woodland walks and countryside scenery

Welbeck is one of the most popular heritage attractions in Sherwood Forest.

Traditional Villages & Country Pubs Near Sherwood Forest

The villages surrounding Ollerton and Sherwood Forest are home to some of Nottinghamshire’s best traditional pubs, countryside restaurants and historic rural communities.

Wellow – Traditional Nottinghamshire Village

1.6 miles from Blue Bell Holiday Cottage

The Olde Red Lion – NG22 0EG

A charming traditional village pub overlooking Wellow’s famous maypole — one of only two permanent maypoles in England.

Popular for:

  • Traditional pub food
  • Local ales
  • Friendly village atmosphere
  • Countryside walks

Laxton – England’s Last Medieval Farming Village

4.7 miles from Blue Bell Holiday Cottage

The Dovecote Inn – NG22 0SX

A traditional village pub and quality restaurant located opposite Laxton’s famous medieval strip farming interpretation centre.

Nearby:

Laxton is internationally known for preserving England’s last remaining open-field farming system.

Caunton – Village Dining & Fine Wines

7.9 miles from Blue Bell Holiday Cottage

The Caunton Beck – NG23 6AB

An award-winning freehouse serving:

  • Fine dining
  • Seasonal menus
  • Quality wines
  • Relaxed countryside dining

A popular stop for lunch and evening meals near Sherwood Forest.

Cuckney – Gateway to Clumber & Welbeck

7.5 miles from Blue Bell Holiday Cottage

The Greendale Oak – NG20 9NQ

A stylish village pub near Clumber Park and Welbeck Estate, known for:

  • Quality steaks
  • Cask ales
  • Contemporary dining
  • Relaxed atmosphere

Egmanton – Countryside Dining

6.2 miles from Blue Bell Holiday Cottage

The Plough Inn – NG22 0EZ

A highly regarded countryside pub serving freshly prepared food to Rosette standard.

Well known for:

  • Home-cooked meals
  • Seasonal ingredients
  • Excellent reputation
  • TripAdvisor Certificates of Excellence

Stay in the Heart of Sherwood Forest

Blue Bell Self Catering Holiday Cottage is perfectly located for exploring:

  • Historic Nottinghamshire towns
  • Sherwood Forest attractions
  • Country pubs and villages
  • Lincoln and Newark day trips
  • Family-friendly activities
  • The Dukeries estates and country houses

Whether you are planning a relaxing countryside break, a walking holiday, a history trip or a family holiday in Robin Hood Country, Blue Bell Cottage offers an ideal base in the heart of Sherwood Forest.