THE season of mists and mellow fruitfulness is always one of the most enjoyable in Notts – with a host of world-class events and some unbeatable venues to explore in the maturing autumn sunshine.
Indeed, it's often the time of year when the countryside is at its most spectacular and the weather at its best (as the mainly mild conditions this week demonstrate). So be sure to get out there and make the most of it.
And remember, there's no need to spend a fortune on expensive theme parks and visitor attractions.
As Erin Huckle, from tourism body Experience Nottinghamshire, observes, sometimes the very best family days out are spent simply having a stroll around the gorgeous (and mostly free) parks and recreational spaces all over the county.
"Autumn is the ideal time to explore the best of Nottinghamshire's outdoor spaces, as the colours change and the air gets a crispness about it," she advises. "Get your family together or rally a group of friends and take a walk around one of our local country parks or nature reserves."
Erin's favourite venues include lovely Attenborough Nature Reserve and the ancient oaks of Sherwood Forest.
She adds: "For an impressive autumnal display, you can't beat the lime tree avenue in Clumber Park as the leaves turn, and another favourite is Highfields Park at the University of Nottingham – perfect for a lakeside stroll followed by the very best scones at the cafe.
"Newstead Abbey is also very special at this time of year, with so many gardens to explore and plenty of places to stop and contemplate the changing seasons."
But if just strolling around is not quite your bag, there are loads of other events to look forward to this autumn – from adrenalin-fuelled fun fairs and sporting highlights to enlightening exhibitions and, well, beer.
Here's a round-up of the fun stuff to look forward to over the next few weeks, as picked by Experience Nottinghamshire:
DH Lawrence Festival, DH Lawrence Heritage, Eastwood, until September 25
The annual festival celebrating the life and works of one of the county's favourite writers continues. Includes the exhibition, Lawrence's War, marking the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War, looking at how the conflict affected Lawrence, his life and his work.
www.dhlawrenceheritage.org.
Fields of Battle Street Exhibition, Old Market Square and nine other venues, until November 12
Opening just this week, this free street exhibition depicts the key battlefields of the Great War, with Nottingham the first city outside London to host the show before it tours the UK over the next five years. It comprises 66 large scale photographic panels depicting the battlefields and showing how nature has helped heal the land over the last 100 years. With a huge walk-on map of the world showing key locations and an education unit.
www.fieldsofbattle1418.org.
Lantern-Lit Evening Garden, Pure Land Meditation Centre and Japanese Garden, North Clifton, near Newark, Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday until the end of September
Each year, Pure Land follows the ancient Japanese tradition of lantern-lit evening displays, originally a common sight in Buddhist temples. A relaxing and unusual seasonal experience for all the family. Adults £7, kids £5.
www.buddhamaitreya.co.uk.
On the Home Front 1939-45, Rufford Abbey Country Park, September 27 and 28, 11am-4.30pm
Annual extravaganza set in the beautiful grounds of historic Rufford Abbey, where the sights, sounds, emotions, glamour and humour of wartime Britain are all brought vividly to life. With plenty for all the family to enjoy - from 1940s music shows and swing dancing to wartime cooking, military drill demonstrations, harvesting by the Land Army girls and heavy horses. There will also be a host of period vehicles, junior boot camp and a hilarious 40s puppet show. Car parking £5 all day.
www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/ruffordcp
Ikano Robin Hood Marathon & Half Marathon, Victoria Embankment, September 28
Robin Hood and his merry men will be lining up once again to race Nottingham's popular annual marathon event. It is one of the biggest in the country, with more than 8,000 people competing last year. There will also be a mini marathon and schools challenge over a 1.5-mile route along the River Trent. Whether you want to take part or just cheer on the participants, it's a guaranteed great day out.
www.robinhoodhalfmarathon.co.uk
Goose Fair, Forest Recreation Ground, October 1-5
The greatest fun fair on the planet returns to Nottingham for more thrills, spills and mushy peas galore – with some 500 attractions and thousands of visitors from all over the country expected. Miss it at your peril.
www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/goosefair
Robin Hood Beer and Cider Festival 2014, Nottingham Castle, October 8-11
Set against the magnificent backdrop of Nottingham Castle, thousands of people flock to this event every year to taste some of the 1,000 cask ales and 300 ciders and perries on offer. Chat to artisan brewers and see why Notts is known as the real ale capital of the world, or enjoy a spot of street food from one of the many stalls. Tickets from £10.
www.beerfestival.nottinghamcamra.org
Nottingham Festival of Words, various venues in Nottingham, October 13-19
A celebration of words for readers, writers and everyone in between, promising a feast of creativity and diversity. Highlights include events with Ali Smith and Will Self and a crime-writing evening at the Galleries of Justice Museum. Taking place in cultural venues across the city, the festival will culminate in a celebration of words centred around Nottingham's Old Market Square on Sunday, October 19.
www.nottwords.org.uk
Robin Hood Game and Country Show, Newark Showground, October 18 and 19
From falconry to archery, jousting to fishing and all things in between, the huge Robin Hood Game and Country Show spans the entire Newark Showground and offers a fantastic celebration of country life and gaming. Pose for a photograph with Robin Hood, Maid Marian and the Merry Men, and make sure you sample the delicious foods available at the Festival of Food & Drink. Adults £10, kids £5.
www.robinhoodcountryshow.co.uk
Bramley Apple Festival, Southwell, October 25
Celebrate the UK's favourite cooking apple in its hometown of Southwell. Whether you're a serious foodie, or just after a fun day out, there'll be something for all the family.
www.visitsouthwell.com
GameCity 9, Nottingham city centre, October 25 – November 1
Europe's biggest and best loved cultural video games festival is back for a ninth year, with a mission to get Nottingham having fun. Enjoy eight days of totally free activities for all ages, including workshops, arcades, talks, games – and several surprises in store. Don't forget, on Saturday, November 1, the Sheriff of Nottingham will challenge the people of the city to face the centuries-old challenge, the Sheriff''s Gauntlet.
www.gamecity.org.
Robin Hood Pageant 2014, Nottingham Castle, October 25 and 26
The popular pageant returns to Nottingham Castle this autumn, with thousands expected to come and celebrate the world's most famous outlaw.
The castle grounds will be transformed into a medieval village with jousting, archery and medieval sports. You might spot Robin fighting the Sheriff's men or romancing Maid Marian, while kids can try their hands at medieval crafts, watch falconry and practice wood carving. With lots of other fun stuff planned throughout the weekend. Adults £8, kids £6, family £20.
www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/pageant.
