It all adds up to an exciting time for kids and families, so let’s try and whet all your appetites with a guide to things to do and places to go this coming weekend.
For many of you, Saturday means only one thing and that’s Stags’ big local derby away to league leaders Notts County. Almost 4,000 fans will be flocking to the city for the match, while thousands more will be glued to Sky Sports’s TV coverage.
But we’ve come up with no fewer than 17 ideas for getting out and about either side of the match in the coming days across Mansfield, Ashfield, Eastwood, Worksop, Retford and the wider Nottinghamshire area.
You can tell Halloween isn’t far away because the Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre is hosting a haunted, spooky trail, while pumpkin-picking starts in Oxton.
Walking trails are also on the agenda at The Harley Gallery in Welbeck and at Hardwick Village in Clumber Park, but if tasting gin is more your style, Eastwood’s D.H.Lawrence Museum is the place to be.
Mansfield’s Palace Theatre has a packed programme again, celebrating nights in Ibiza, rock legends Pink Floyd and top West End shows such as ‘Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’, ‘The Lion King’, ‘Les Miserables’ and ‘The Phantom Of The Opera’.
Mansfield also hosts one of its popular vegan markets and a chance to research your family tree, while Worksop hosts an evening with award-winning author Chris Riddell and a special talk on Bolsover Castle. And of course, it’s never a bad time to visit Bassetlaw Museum in Retford.
Before setting off, please check the individual website of your chosen destination for admission prices and opening times. Have a great weekend!
But we’ve come up with no fewer than 17 ideas for getting out and about either side of the match in the coming days across Mansfield, Ashfield, Eastwood, Worksop, Retford and the wider Nottinghamshire area.
. Weekend Guide
Kids picking pumpkins is a surefire sign that Halloween is just around the corner, so let's whet your appetite for getting out and about with this guide to things to do and places to in your area over the coming few days. Photo: Sally Anscombe/Getty Images
. Haunted Halloween trail for the family
Get in the mood for Halloween and explore the mysteries of ancient woodland with a spooky and haunted trail for all the family at Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre in Edwinstowe. The series of walks starts on Saturday (11 am to 3 pm) and runs every day until Sunday, November 5. It is perfect for adventurers of all ages -- from the tiniest trick-or-treaters to the wisest of elders Photo: Submitted
. Relive those nights in Ibiza at spectacular show
A whole generation of 'clubbers' spent their summers living the unique Ibiza experience, and now those holidays can be relived in a new, spectacular show, 'Ibiza Nights', which rocks Mansfield's Palace Theatre on Friday night. Go dressed to impress as an incredible orchestra, top singers and a video and laser show celebrate the place and bring you the classic hits that changed dance music forever. Photo: Submitted
. Return of Mansfield's vegan market
Whether you're a dedicated vegan, a curious foodie, or just looking to explore something new, Mansfield's vegan market has something for everyone. The free event returns to the Market Place on Saturday (10 am to 4 pm), giving shoppers the chance to discover plant-based treats, delicious hot food, cruelty-free fashion, eco-friendly skincare products and much more. Photo: Submitted
5. Pick your own pumpkins for Halloween
Thousands of pumpkins, of all colours and sizes, are ready to be picked in time for Halloween at land off the A6097 at Oaks Lane in Oxton this month. The popular 'pick your own' sessions begin tomorrow (Thursday) and run until Tuesday, October 31. Pop-up eateries will be on hand too, selling treats such as paninis, hot dogs and fries, crepes, home-made cakes and ice cream. Photo: Submitted
6. Songs from the best West End musicals
The UK's longest-running musical theatre concert tour, 'Beyond The Barricade', arrives at Mansfield's Palace next Tuesday night for more than two hours of the best songs from top West End and Broadway shows. Classics from the likes of 'Les Miserables', 'The Phantom Of The Opera', 'Jesus Christ Superstar', 'Chicago' and 'The Lion King' will bring the theatre to life. Photo: Submitted
7. Victorian gin-tasting experience
Enjoy a taste of Victorian decadence with a gin-tasting experience at the D.H.Lawrence Museum in Eastwood on Friday (7 pm to 9 pm). 'Gin And Gaslight' enables you to learn about, and sample, a selection of gins in a Victorian setting, as well as admire the gas-lit charm of the museum, and its historic rooms and exhibits. Photo: Submitted
8. Museum is one of best-kept secrets
Bassetlaw Museum, located in the 18th century grade II listed Amcott House at Retford, remains one of north Nottinghamshire's best-kept secrets. But a visit there to admire collections in local history, archaeology, art, agriculture, costumes and textiles, is never wasted. This weekend, until November 18, you can catch an exhibition, 'Simple Things', showcasing watercolours and acrylic paintings by Retford-based artist Angela Larry. Photo: Submitted