Nottinghamshire County Council shares its Christmas activities top picks

With the Christmas holidays just around the corner, the council unveils its top picks for family-friendly festive activities.

Nottinghamshire County Council’s Special Educational Needs and Disabilities local offer website also has a range of special and educational needs and disabilities activities available, including arts and crafts, sports, and hobbies.

There is also information available about youth groups, days out and support groups, keeping active as a family, and the Holiday Activities and Food programme available for children who receive benefits-related free school meals.

Scott Carlton, cabinet member for Communities and Public Health at Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “This festive season is the perfect time to get together with loved ones and explore some of the fantastic places and events happening in Nottinghamshire.

“From supporting your child’s holiday reading at your local library to meeting Santa at Rufford Abbey, or even taking on the high ropes for some Christmas Eve fun at Adventures, there’s plenty to do over the holidays.”

To find a walking and cycling route or local green space visit the county council’s website at www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/walking.

Events this Christmas holiday include the Elf Garden Christmas Trail at Rufford Abbey Country Park.

The event runs from December 7 until January 5 from 10am to 3pm.

It invites children and families to explore the formal gardens in search of Santa’s playful elves, who are hiding there, it costs £1.50 per trail and includes a prize.

The trail sheets can be bought from the Courtyard Gift Shop and prizes can also be collected from there.

At Sherwood Forest there is a Christmas Tour with the Sheriff of Nottingham on Saturday (December 21), it runs from 11am to 12.30pm.

It costs £7.50 for both adults and children, however, it is £6 for RSPB members.

Also at Sherwood Forest, on December 28, there will be Myths and Legends with the Master at Arms from 1pm to 2.30pm.

Visitors are invited to join William De Tankerville, the Sheriff of Nottingham’s Master at Arms, on a tour of the Greenwood, sharing stories of Medieval life and, of course, Robin Hood.

It costs £7.50 for both adults and children, however, it is £6 for RSPB members.

To book each of the events visit the Sherwood Forest website.

Adventures will be hosting open weekends throughout December and even Monday (December 23) and Tuesday (December 24) at Kings Mill Reservoir.

Prices will vary depending on the activity. These can be accessed on the Adventures Notts Outdoors website.

Inspire Libraries are hosting a free Winter Mini Reading Challenge from December 1 until February 20.

It invites children aged four to 11 to read three books or more.

Visit the Inspire website for more information about activities taking place in the nearest library.

For more information on events and activities this winter, visit the Nottinghamshire County Council website.

People can also share their wintery top picks on social media through the hashtag #ExploreNotts.

Scott Carlton added: “Winter can also be a tough time for many people’s health, both mentally and physically. Something as simple as a walk and fresh air can give you a boost, and events like the Elf Garden Christmas Trail at Rufford Abbey Country Park or learning about myths and legends at Sherwood Forest are a great way to get out and about this winter.

“Nottinghamshire has a wide range of wonderful activities to share with your family over the Christmas holidays and beyond. I hope everyone has a happy and healthy holiday season and has a chance to explore what our county has to offer.”