#ExploreNotts

Families across Nottinghamshire can take part in some LOVE’ly activities this half term.

Nottinghamshire County Council has highlighted its top picks for the February half term, which runs from Monday 14 to Friay 18 February. Whether it’s exploring the magical fairy trail at Rufford Abbey, following the Love Edwinstowe and Sherwood Forest trail, or enjoying the Curious Investigators family show at one of the county’s Inspire libraries, there is plenty of fun to get hearts fluttering. 

Councillor John Cottee, Chairman of the Communities Committee at Nottinghamshire County Council, said “Once again we have planned lots of fun activities to keep children of all ages entertained during the school holidays. And don’t forget, if you can’t make one of our scheduled events, our beautiful country parks and green spaces are also open and available for you to enjoy throughout half term. 
“If you are attending one of our events or exploring the great outdoors, don’t forget to share your photos with us on social media, using the tag #ExploreNotts. 

“I’d also like to remind people to continue to be cautious about Covid-19 as we move out of Plan B. By following the latest national guidance, which is to get vaccinated, get tested and self-isolate if necessary, meet outdoors when possible and wash your hands regularly and thoroughly, we can help protect each other from Covid-19.”

Top picks among the featured half term events include:

Enchanted fairy trail at Rufford Abbey

 Put on your fairy wings and follow the fairy trail around Rufford Abbey’s Enchanted Gardens to discover a world of mystery. Our favourite magical creatures are back again with a few more surprises in store as well.

• Dates: Saturday 12 to Sunday 27 February  
• Time: 10am-4pm 
• Cost: £2.50 per trail sheet (each trail sheet allows the holder one treat). Booking not required. 
 
Love Edwinstowe and Sherwood Forest trail 

 Fill your hearts with wonder on the Love Edwinstowe and Sherwood Forest trail. Starting in Edwinstowe and following the clue sheet, this trail takes in the sights and sounds of RSPB Sherwood Forest, with more than 200 crafted hearts to spot along the way. There is also the chance to make and decorate a heart at the Visitor Centre, which will be displayed at RSPB Sherwood Forest.

• Dates: Thursday 10 to Monday 21 February  
• Time: Heart making is available 11am-3pm, the trail is open all day
• Cost: free 

Notts Outdoors holiday club at The Mill Adventure Base

 Spaces are still available at this action-packed holiday club this half term. Book a place and your little adventurer will get to take part in a variety of fun activities each day, ranging from climbing, canoeing, zip wires and more. Suitable for children in years 3 to 8. 

• Dates: Monday 14 to Friday 18 February 
• Time: 10am-4pm (earlier drop off and later pick up can be booked)
• Cost: £125 for all five days, booking required 

One Tenth Human presents: Curious Investigators at Inspire libraries 

 Scribble and Clipboard have a job to do: sort the recycling. But Scribble keeps finding new things to investigate. When she discovers a mysterious egg hidden in the rubbish, the pair need the audience’s help to rescue an unborn chick. Created in collaboration with engineering experts from Lancaster University, Curious Investigators is a delightfully surprising, highly visual show for children aged three to seven years old and their grown-ups. 

• Location: Mansfield Central Library, West Bridgford Library, Beeston Library and Worksop Library
• Dates: Various throughout half term week
• Time: 11.30am and 2pm
• Cost: Tickets are £3 for library members and £6 for non-members 

The Big Draw exhibition at Beeston Library 

 A sea of FACES, PLACES will look back at you in this exhibition, which explores local people’s connection to their village or town. The exhibition presents a portrait of our community, by our community. 

During October 2021 Inspire Libraries invited every primary school in Bassetlaw and the people of Nottinghamshire to draw and add to a mass portrait of our county and celebrate in a few words the place where they are.  Our Big Draw this year is linked to Hetain Patel’s Mayflower inspired project LANDING, which came to be with the help of young people from Bassetlaw and is all about our relationship to place and belonging, wherever we land. 

• Location: Beeston Library 
• Dates: Friday 18 February to Thursday 31 March 
• Time: During library opening hours. 
• Cost: Free. Booking not required 

Inspire libraries across the county will also be open throughout half term, offering a wide range of story and information books, DVDs and E-Resources to inspire and enthuse a love of reading and learning in children. Joining is easy and free and can be done by visiting one of the libraries or signing up online at inspireculture.org.uk/join.  
 
Families can find full details of these activities and other events taking place across Nottinghamshire during half term on our ‘Top Picks For Half Term’ page at: School holidays events and inspiration | Nottinghamshire County Council

ENDS