Okay, this was amazing, and so was out tour guide, who was happy to entertain my question regarding…read moreRobin Hood using them to sneak into and out of Nottingham. So, they are actually a bunch of caves underneath the city, and it actually looked like people lived down here. Honestly, it really did have a Dungeons and Dragons air about it.

These caves were amazing. Our tour guide, Meg, was very informative but didn't talk too much. She…read moregave us space to explore and didn't rush us. She also took special care to make sure the little kid with us could see. Our group, however, were an interesting bunch. Tour guide: "what goes well with poo?" Woman: "oh I dunno, toast, maybe?" Later on... Tour guide: "move closer, I don't bite" Man: "I do!!" We learned a lot about cesspits, wells, tanning, bomb shelters, pubs, criminals, and homeless people. Our favorite bit was the room dedicated to a world war 2 bomb shelter where we could even try on a gas mask! This one, don't worry, had no asbestos. I think. If you have spare time, about half an hour, head on over to the city caves and explore. Maybe even grab yourself a nice souvenir from the gift shop!

Excellent local museum about DH Lawrence. If you've never been and you're a local, you really need…read moreto. Anyone who's interested in DH Lawrence must visit too. Really friendly and knowledgable staff.

There's a bit of a literary/cultural trail in Nottinghamshire, and popping out to Eastwood on a…read morepilgrimage to Lawrence's birthplace should be part of the grand tour. It's the humble home of a collier's family, furnished as it would have been in his childhood - the front parlour kept for best. Interesting to realise where he finished, given where he started. Really worth making the time to visit. [Follow the trail around the town if you've got the time too] http://www.theheritagetrail.co.uk/notable%20houses/dhlawrence%20house.htm

The Midland Railway Centre is a lovely half day out for anyone who likes trains, no matter what…read moreage! There is a small cafe on the site offering hot and cold food and drinks. There is also a small play area for kids, although it is just a collection of unused childrens toys and slides in a penned off area. There is a tin church that has been relocated to this site, which is fascinating to see and read about. The Centre is accessed via Butterley or Golden Valley, and both sites are linked by a nature walk. There is no entrance fee, only if you want to catch one of the trains, then it gets expensive! They have regular outings of Thomas, and host a Santa Special at Christmas (obviously!) Personally I think the train trips are too expensive, and its definitely something to do as a special occasion, rather than a regular outing.

Impressive castle ruin (well, mostly) in the heart of Derbyshire. On the English Heritage website,…read moreit's No.6 of their top ten of castles and mansions in Britain. I wouldn't go that far, but it's certainly worth the 30min bus ride from Chesterfield. And there's a well-above-average Wetherspoon pub just around the corner that you can relax in after your visit to the castle. What's not to like? "Bolsover Castle was founded in the 12th century by the Peverel family, who also owned Peveril Castle in Derbyshire, and came under royal control in 1155. The site is now in the care of English Heritage and is a Grade I listed building and a Scheduled Ancient Monument." Unfortunately, it was also besieged and partly destroyed during the English Civil War, as its owner sided with King Charles I. against Cromwell and his men - which turned out to be not such a great idea. This is why the main halls of the castle lie in ruins. Only the stables (the Duke pretty much invented modern horse dressage singlehandedly, or so they'll tell you) and the adjacent "little" castle still have a roof, and a tiny part of their former decor. Actually, the smaller castle is the greater attraction as it allows you to get a better picture of what life was like with the duke and his family in the 17th century. Bolsover Castle remains an impressive construction, and there are some re-creations that show you what the decor in the main halls must have been like. All in all, it's well-prepared and cared for by English Heritage, and most certainly worth the modest entry fee. There's also a small souvenir shop and a café as you enter/leave the grounds. Bolsover itself isn't exactly spectacular - it's mostly a commuter's village I guess. But there are a couple of promising-looking pubs, in addition to the Spoon. My recommendation would be to go to Chesterfield by train and then take the 30min bus ride (no changes - the bus stops almost exactly in front of the castle).

This is an english heritage castle It more is more like a…read morepicturesce house tha a castle You wander from room to room looking at the wonderful carvings and fantastic fireplaces and there are little doors into small rooms with more fantsatic scenes There is a fantastic stables there where the duke brought horses to be taught dressage and ballet There is a nice little cafe and a shop Its a wonderful place which has loads of unexpected little things in it

This was built as part of the Hyson Green regeneration project, a fantastic new art centre…read morefocussing on African and Asian art which suits the area in which it is situated. They have a mixture of exhibitions from paintings, sculptures and live performances. The open day was really good, they had various workshops on including belly dancing and henna painting, it was a well attended event. The events/exhibitions are free and its open every day of the week. They've also got a cafe bar where you can grab a coffee or bite to eat (more snack type foods rather than proper meals), all of which are reasonably priced. The outside of the building looks really cosmopolitan and makes this place a delight to visit

Awesome experience! Actors role playing as you walk through with a deep look into the history of…read morehow inmates were treated. Not the easiest place to get to but well worth the walk and plenty to see. Lots of interactive exhibits.

This was a really cool museum, though a bit depressing. When we paid for admission, they gave us…read morebracelets with convict numbers so we could find who we were in the past. I was a local hero who robbed married men; my boyfriend stole some curtains. We looked through punishments and torture devices, some we could even try out ourselves! We read blurbs about various convicts. We stumbled into some actors, some who were better at acting than others, not to single the cheese mongrel out or anything. There's so much information, it's easy to get lost in the museum. By the end, it can get a bit dreary. Plus, the museum is SO cold, as if the ghosts of the tortured prisoners were still trapped there. We missed the live trial which would have been cool to witness but there were some interactive bits throughout that would be fun for kids! All in all, I recommend if you're interested in the history of how humans mistreated other humans.

Gallery 3 is a light and spacious art gallery in the Barton Marina Complex. The staff greet you…read morewith a smile and pass the time of day, which is a nice touch. Most of the pictures in Gallery 3 are either originals or limited edition prints, with a good mix of different media - watercolour, oils etc. There are small alcoves that highlight a particular artist, where you can sit in a comfy seat and peruse some stunning paintings. Next to each artists group of paintings, was a photograph of them, with a piece about their life and inspirations, a nice idea. Art is very subjective, but for me the large oil paintings of a bustling Piccadilly Square and a Parisian street at night were the pick of the bunch. Obviously being mostly originals, the prices were high, but I genuinely thought some of the paintings were worth their price tag. You can even get a limited edition print by none-other than Mr Rolf Harris!

Was not expecting what turned out to be quite an astounding house . The interiors were just…read moreamazing. The woodland walks wand lakeside areas provided excellent views.

Kedleston Hall is a stately mansion a few miles from Derby. The best ways to get there are by car…read moreor by bus (Bus No.114 to Ashbourne from Derby), the latter stops right next to the building. ATTENTION: The tickets for a visit to the house are being sold in the small ticket booth adjacent to the car park! Not inside the house itself! Kedleston Hall might not be as spectacular as some other family-owned mansions in England (Castle Howard in Yorkshire comes to mind!), but it is well worth a short trip. The rooms have all been restored to their 18th/19th century glory, and there are enough of them to keep you occupied for about an hour and a half. See my photos. Once you're done with the house, don't forget to visit the small church attached to it. It's very beautiful indeed. And you should definitely stroll through the large garden area in good weather, a fine place to unwind. The entry price (UKP 15 for an adult) is a bit steep, I must admit, but there are family options available. In the side wing you will find a small café with outside seating that offers scones and other typical English tea time niceties, and also some small meals.