Chill out for a stress-free Christmas -- 25 things to do in Worksop area this weekend
By Richard Silverwood
Published 13th Dec 2023, 16:20 BST
Updated 13th Dec 2023, 16:32 BST
How’s it going, this Christmas lark? Bought your presents? Ordered your turkey? Sent your cards? Had your works do?
Or maybe you’re suffering from seasonal stress or festive fatigue and you’re already in need of Christmas counselling! If so, why not chill out for a few days and get out for a bit of light-hearted relaxation?
We’ve compiled a list of 25 ideas for things to do and places to go over the weekend across the Worksop, Retford, Mansfield, Ashfield and wider Nottinghamshire area. Yes, most of them are Yuletide-related but none involve any effort on your part. Just get yourself there!
There’s festive fun for Christmas shoppers in Retford and Mansfield, carol services at Rufford Abbey and Mansfield, the revival of an ancient Christmas tradition at Sherwood Forest and a concert by the acclaimed Northern Musical Theatre Orchestra in Retford.
Santa is still sitting his grotto, waiting for young visitors, at Clumber Park, Creswell Crags, Rufford Abbey and The Tropical Butterfly House at North Anston. You can even have breakfast with him at Rufford, while his elves are inviting you to their workshop at Clumber Park.
It’s still panto time at Mansfield’s Palace Theatre (oh yes it is!), while Newstead Abbey is still basking in the glory of Narnia. Elsewhere, the magic of Christmas is sprinkling stardust at Southwell Minster and Bassetlaw Museum in Retford, where an art exhibition is also ongoing.
Please check the website of your chosen destination for admission prices and opening times. Have a great weekend!
There’s festive fun for Christmas shoppers in Retford and Mansfield, carol services at Rufford Abbey and Mansfield, the revival of an ancient Christmas tradition at Sherwood Forest and a concert by the acclaimed Northern Musical Theatre Orchestra in Retford.
5. Meet Santa in his grotto at Rufford Abbey
Venture down to Rufford Abbey Country Park on selected dates between now and Saturday, December 23 (10.45 am to 4 pm) to meet Santa in his new grotto. Youngsters can have a chat, receive a present and go home dreaming of the magic of Christmas! The price per child is £9.95, which includes the present. Photo: Submitted
The mischievous sheriff is plotting to steal the magic of Christmas, and your mission is to join forces with the spirited outlaws and thwart his plans. That's the premise for some festive family fun at the Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre at Edwinstowe and along the Major Oak trail from this Saturday until Sunday, January 7 (11 am to 3 pm).As you make your way through the forest, keep your eyes peeled for clues and hidden surprises. Photo: Submitted
Bassetlaw Museum, set among the beautiful surroundings of the grade II listed Amcott House in Retford, is a wonderful place to visit at any time of year, but particularly now because is is decorated for Christmas, complete with a Victorian village scene in the drawing room and a sparkling winter wonderland on the first floor. It is open every day (10 am to 4.45 pm), except Sunday, until Friday, December 22. Photo: Submitted
A Victorian Christmas fairground is the highlight of ongoing festive events at Clumber Park this weekend (10 am to 4 pm). Enjoy classic funfair rides that are sure to put a smile on everyone's face in the build-up to Christmas. The event continues on Saturday and Sunday, December 23 and 24 and then from Boxing Day until New Year's Eve. Photo: Submitted