What to do and see in Nottinghamshire, England: The Best History Museums

Can you imagine anyone in the UK not knowing about the Holocaust? Unfortunately, recent studies show that this is indeed the case. Some people are unaware, others deny it. This lack of awareness and outright denial is terrifying when you consider that, put simply, The Holocaust was the attempt by the Nazi regime and its collaborators to murder all of European Jewry during the Second World War. The Nazis succeeded in murdering six million Jewish people and millions of other minority groups who they considered to be ‘inferior’. The magnitude of personal loss is impossible to fathom. This is why the National Holocaust Centre and Museum exists. We are the only dedicated memorial, museum and centre of Holocaust learning in the UK. Our purpose is pressing within today’s society, as hate is on the rise. We are communicators of Holocaust memory for a contemporary purpose: to encourage people to stand up against hate.

Based in Nottingham’s historic Lace Market, the National Justice Museum is housed in Nottinghamshire’s Grade 2 listed old Shire Hall and County Gaol. The Museum uses original Courtrooms, dungeons and prison cells, along with a number of more contemporary galleries to exhibit collections relating to justice, the law, crime and punishment in a fun and interactive way. When visiting the museum you may also meet a variety of colourful historical characters with different stories of justice to tell.

The Museum of Timekeeping looks after a fascinating collection of clocks, watches and other timepieces, housed in the beautiful Grade 2 listed building of Upton Hall. In addition to timepieces, the collection includes tools, instruments, books, photographs and valuable documents, all brought together by BHI members since its founding in 1858. The museum is based at Upton Hall, in Upton, between Southwell and Newark-on-Trent, Nottinghamshire and is open on Fridays between April and September (see website for exact dates). We also hold special event open days or museum events, details of which you can find on our website. Guided tours of the museum for group visits are available all year round - pre-booking is essential.

This award winning museum contains a fascinating mix of permanent displays of local art and artefacts. Made in Mansfield introduces you to the industrial history of the area the hands-on XplorActive children's environment gallery offers educational fun and games. Let the exquisite Buxton watercolours take you back to the turn of the century and savour the delicate beauty of the Pinxton porcelain. A rolling programme of national and local temporary exhibitions ensures there is always something new to see, be it works from the vibrant local amateur scene or nationally known professionals.

Formerly known as Nottingham Transport Heritage Centre, The Great Central Railway - Nottingham offers almost 10 miles of heritage railway running through the beautiful scenery of South Nottinghamshire and North-West Leicestershire, Miniature Railways, Model Railways, Heritage Road Transport, Cafe, Gift Shop & more. Services are pulled by heritage Steam and Diesel locomotives, re-creating the experience of train travel from a time when it was more than just a means to travel from one place to another. Entirely staffed by volunteers, all income is used to preserve railway & transport heritage for future generations. The GCRN is a great experience for all the family. Come and enjoy a day with us! Entrance to the site is completely FREE (Other than special event days) although there are charges for the trains and miniature railway. Open most Saturdays, all Sundays and Bank Holidays from April to October. See website for more details and opening days.

The Queen's Royal Lancers and Nottinghamshire Yeomanry Museum is accommodated in a refurbished space spanning the front of Thresby Courtyard, set within the stunning surroundings of Thoresby Park. A series of graphic panels and display cases, learning zones and video presentations, take visitors through our fascinating story. Entry to the museum is free.

It was Britain's deadliest conflict and one which shaped our modern world. Why did brother take up arms against brother and how did a once all-powerful monarch lose his head to the axeman? Discover how the people of Newark survived three sieges by dodging cannon fire, hammering flat family silver to make coins, only for plague to ravage the town. Put yourself on the front line, feel the weight of armour and weapons and aim to destroy the Governor's House as a Parliamentarian gunner. Which Side Will You Choose? New for Spring 2018, two new exhibitions: Cutting Edge: The Changing Tools of War and Shaking the Foundations: The Quest for Democracy. Exhibition covered with normal admission prices!