There are so many things to do in Manchester that sometimes you wonder how this is not on the list of most visited places during a Europe vacation. Mansfield is a town located in the state of Nottinghamshire in England. This is a historic old market town and is well-renowned for its open-air theatres. England as a whole is one of the biggest tourist hubs in the world. The capital city of London is one of the most-visited cities in the world. But there are also some offbeat gems in England that tourists tend to miss. England can be best explored when your travel itinerary is a mix of top places and offbeat destinations. And one such prominent destination to visit in England is Manchester, which you can do with amazing England tour packages from Pickyourtrail for a seamless experience!

Mansfield is one of the most romantic towns and is also one of the best places to visit in the United Kingdom. The slow-paced life, quaint old buildings, museums, and cathedrals make you feel like you have travelled back in time. If you are tired with the bustling life of cosmopolitan cities in England, this is a welcome break. It is well connected to other major cities via public transport. You could reach the town in about 60-90 minutes by bus via Nottingham. This town was once a hub for coal mining, but it has now evolved into a core centre for light manufacturing. There are so many things to do in Mansfield that one has to properly plan the trip. By accommodating all the key places to visit according to your liking, visiting this town could well be a memorable experience!

Mansfield Police Memorial; Mansfield — Image courtesy: Wikimedia

Things to do in Mansfield

Hardwick Hall
Mansfield Market Place
Pleasley Pit
Sherwood Forest Country Park
Sherwood Forest Railway

1. Hardwick Hall

Hardwick Hall was ordered by Bess Hardwick, who is considered the most powerful and prominent woman in England after Queen Elizabeth. This astonishing house was completed in 1597. The technical advances of that period are quite obvious in this hall, evident by the outsizing of floor-to-ceiling windows. This was designed by Robert Smythson. Most of the windows were made of glass. And the glass was a very expensive commodity at that point in time. This further vindicates how luxurious and wealthy Bess Hardwick was. In many parts of the hall, including the rooftop, the initials of Bess Hardwick were engraved. So much so that even the curtains bore her initials within the premises of the hall! Hence, visiting Hardwick Hall is one of the most recommended things to do in Mansfield.

2. Mansfield Market Place

This town is a historic market town. How can you not visit the market place for a place where the prominence lies in the market? Therefore, consider this a mandatory part of the top things to do in Mansfield! This market place is well and truly the commercial soul of the town. The Improvement Act of 1823 was a pivotal point for the enhancement of this place. Hence, you get to see a much more civilized and developed market space. You can witness a market that has traded for over 700 years. There is an amazing tradition that takes place here, Tuesday through Saturday. There are live performances in the market square in a stage set up. This is one of the key highlights for tourists. Don’t forget to enjoy your food and drink in the cosmopolitan food courts in the market!

3. Pleasley Pit

This town was once famous for coal mining and has now evolved into an industrial and manufacturing town. Hence, Pleasley Pit is a good place to deep dive into the history of Mansfield. You could embrace the industrial heritage of the town by visiting this spot. This is also considered a Scheduled Ancient Monument. Even though the mineshafts have sunk, you could witness the engine houses and headstocks still preserved. The South Shaft Pit still looks the same as compared to when it was actively functioning. Visiting this place is one of the top things to do in Mansfield and gives you the much-needed variety during your England trip. You could also enjoy the surroundings of this area, which is covered by grasslands and lakes!

4. Sherwood Forest Country Park

If you are looking for a getaway in the lap of Mother Nature, then Sherwood Forest Country Park is where you need to be. But there is something more to this place. Can you guess what that is? The story of Robin Hood! Robin Hood, the legendary outlaw, had chosen the Sherwood Forest as his hideout! If nothing else, at least this should drive you to keep this place on the list of things to do in Mansfield! Spread over 450 acres, this was once considered a royal hunting ground. Major Oak trees, which are between 800-1,000 years old, form the integral part of this forest, as well as the Robin Hood story. If you visit this forest during the summer, you could also witness a week-long Robin Hood-themed festival!

5. Sherwood Forest Railway

If time travel is ever possible in this world, the closest you can get to it is through Sherwood Forest Railway. Hence, this should definitely be on the list of things to do in Mansfield. This is the only narrow gauge steam railway in the whole of Nottinghamshire. It is situated in a valley between Mansfield and Edwinstowe. The two steam locomotives are named “Pet” and “Smoky Joe.”. Although you will have to keep in mind that this railway functions only between mid-February and November. The trains run from 11:30-16:30 every day of the week! So ensure you plan your day well to accommodate this experience.

Planning a trip to England requires proper planning as there are so many places to visit. This can sometimes get overwhelming. So travel experts at Pickyourtrail can help you sort out your vacation, right from curating your itinerary to heading back home safely. You can embark on your dream vacation with a tailor-made itinerary on your England honeymoon, family, or luxury packages. There are so many things to do in Manchester that you won’t be surprised if England is topping your travel bucket list! What are you waiting for? Scoot away to the Enchanting United Kingdom to experience England in a way that no one else has ever done!