Are you wondering what to do with your bank holiday weekend? Want to buy a special bank holiday zigzag but don't know where to go with it? Check out our top picks of places to go and things to do that you may just have missed...
1. Mercia Marina: Willington
Opened in 2008, Mercia Marina is a busling destination. Extremely popular with boaters, holiday makers and casual visitors, all coming to marvel at Europe's biggest inland marina. The spot is also very popular with both wildlife and spotters alike.
This well kept secret boasts a boat-load of things to do including boating, shopping, holiday cottages and well as some great restuarants and cafes. For the more creative of bus users, the Willington Arts Festival is currently holding its Marina Art Competition 2017 which runs up until the 29 April.
With 3 different levels: Professionals / Amateurs / Juniors (18 & under)
With 3 different categories: Visual art / Words / Photography
To find out more about Mercia Marina check out their website
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2. Wollaton Hall & Deer Park
Why not dust off that picnic hamper and gather up your favourite nibbles? Wollaton Hall & Deer Park is the perfect place get everyone on the picnic blanket and enjoy a great day out. With free entry to the Hall, all the family can enjoy a trip out to the set of Batman: The Dark Knight Rises.
After you've munched your way through your picnic, you can take in some of the amazing collections this hall has to boast, including:
- Natural Connections Gallery
- Bird Gallery
- Insect Gallery
- Mineral Gallery
- Africa Gallery
- Natural History Matters Gallery
If you're still hungry after that, you can fill up at the cafe or pick up a reminder of the day at the gift shop.
To find out more about Wollaton Hall, check out their website
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3. Pirate Landings Adventure Golf: Trent Lock
Set Sail for Pirate Landings Adventure golf! This place is perfect for all the family and it really doesn't matter if you're not the next Tiger Woods to enjoy this challenge.
You can play at any time of the day or night as the pirates insist on being floodlit at certain times. You can have hours of fun as you putt your way around all sorts of obsticles including water (obviously) and shipwrecks!
Our particular favourites are the crossings between holes 3-4 & 8-9. But we won't ruin it for you by telling you why.
For a full list of prices & opening times check out their website
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4. Fresh Basil: Belper
If you fancy a more relaxed trip out and sampling possibly the best cake in all of trentbarton land, why not take a trip to Fresh Basil in Belper?
This quaint, rustic deli and eaterie offers all sorts of delicious options, Cooked meats, cheeses and pies are just a few of the delights awaiting you. You can wile away the hours with hot drinks and an amazing ever-changing cake selection. Which you can either eat in of take away. As well as that, if you decide there is just too many cakes to choose from, why not do what we do and enjoy cake tapas? Again, you can either eat in or the good people at Fresh Basil will provide you with a full trays worth of cakey deliciousness!
For more information, check out their website
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5. The Steamboat Inn: Trent Lock
This 200 year old place is well known as the perfect waterside pub. It used to be visited by working boatment in order to quench their thirst. Today, it is the ideal place to serve not just the needs of leisure boaters but anyone who fancies a stroll along Trent Lock. The steamboat is an ideal resting spot for anyone who is out walking the dog, as this is a dog friendly pub and also offers discounts on real ale to all CAMRA members.
For more information, check out their website
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skylink Derbyskylink Nottingham
6. Gullivers Kingdom: Matlock Bath
Finding great days out for toddlers and older children alike can be a tricky task - but Gulliver's Kingdom is unique in that it is specially designed for families with children aged between 2 and 13.
Set on a stunning hillside, there's extra adventure, added adrenaline and fabulous views all thrown in for free! The location makes for a unique theme park experience adding an extra dimension to your ride thrills, the illusion of super-high tower rides and flight-like coasters, (overlooking a valley some 300 feet below), there's not another log flume in Europe with views like this one!
For more information, check out their website
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7. The National Brewery Museum: Burton
This museum incorporates large elements of the original Bass Collection. You can learn about the legendary Bass family and their role in the development of brewing. The museum also celebrates the social history of the development of brewing - the real life experiences and stories of the people who helped to build Burton's world-renowned brewing reputation.
On top of all that, this place also a barrel load of other things to do. Including:
- Brewery Tap bar & Restaurant
- Comedy Club
- Jazz Club
- Vintage vehicles
- Shire Horses
You can literally get drunk on history and learning!
For more information, check out their website
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8. Denby Pottery
Tucked away on the old Derby Road, is the world famous Denby Pottery. This place is full of things to see and do. It's not just a big room full of pots ready to be fired and glazed, Oh no! Denby Pottery, with over 200 years of craftmanship creating some of the finest tableware around now has plenty of attractions to stop you from glazing over!
As you would fully expect, you can pick up some of Denby's finest ranges in the factory outlet shop without paying through the nose. You can also pick up Darlington Crystal, various items from their rather lovely farm shop and even catch the odd cookery demonstration. You can fill up at Bourne's Restaurant and if you want something for the children, there is always Paint a Pot as well as tours. The Gift Emporium provides the perfect place to pick up something special and the play area is a great way for the kids to let off some steam! Denby Pottery is basically, a 12 piece dinner set of delights for everyone!
For more information, check out their website
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