Chill out for a stress-free Christmas -- 25 things to do in Mansfield area this weekend
By Richard Silverwood
Published 13th Dec 2023, 15:30 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 Mansfield, Ashfield, Worksop, Retford 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 Mansfield and Retford, 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 Mansfield and Retford, 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.
21. Winter walks at Sherwood Forest
Shrug off those pre-Christmas stresses by basking in the beauty of nature on a winter walk. The RSPB Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre at Edwinstowe is open throughout December (10 am to 4.30 pm) as the starting point for relaxing walks, as well as the focal point for several festive events. Photo: Submitted
Enjoy an epic evening of classic musical theatre with the acclaimed 50-piece Northern Musical Theatre Orchestra at the Majestic Theatre in Retford on Sunday. Songs from West End shows, such as 'Wicked', 'Phantom Of The Opera' and 'Les Miserables' blend with festive favourites from shows such as 'Elf' and 'A Christmas Carol' for a concert to remember. The encore will be the electric 'A Christmas Festival', which the orchestra's audiences relish every year. Photo: Submitted
Looking to create some special Christmas memories with the kids this year? Then how about visiting Santa in his grotto at Clumber Park, where you can take a few selfies as the great man checks his list and hands out special gifts. The grotto, located within the historic Parsonage, is open this Saturday and Sunday and also the following weekend, including on Christmas Eve. Photo: Submitted
An exhibition at Bassetlaw Museum in Retford by four local artists, Gail Stafford, Sheila Robinson, Alan Broughton and Susan Broughton, is well worth a visit at some point during the Christmas holidays. 'Aspects Of Art'; which runs until Saturday, February 17, explores the wide variety of materials, styles and techniques that the four, who are all members of the Worksop Society Of Artists, use to convey their ideas, scenes and feelings, Photo: Submitted