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Things to do > Family > Craft centres

Contemporary crafts

Get crafty! Nottinghamshire is rightly proud of its contemporary crafts. Whether your tastes are traditional or contemporary, our county won’t disappoint. The modern craft fair Lustre annually visits the Lakeside Arts Centre. Here you’ll find colourful ceramics, unusual jewellery and quirky hand-made accessories. Check out our craft shows and exhibitions guide. Or why not follow our craft trail around Nottinghamshire and take in the following highlights:

Roses at Rufford Abbey

Rufford Country Park
The craft centre here hosts year-round gallery exhibitions, a permanent display of modern ceramics and a shop. The gallery has an international reputation and displays the work of pottery pioneers like Bernard Leach and Michael Cardew. If you’re in the area during June, don’t miss the annual Earth & Fire Ceramics Fair, when top potters and ceramic artists from the UK and abroad sell their wares from stalls outdoors in the abbey grounds. The event offers the chance to meet artists face to face and get an insight into their work. There is also a programme of have-a-go workshops, trade stands and more.

Edwinstowe Art & Craft Centre
For individual handmade craft gifts, the Edwinstowe Art & Craft Centre is a must. Not only that, its set in the village where Robin Hood and Maid Marian were reputedly married.   

Harley Gallery
At the heart of the North Nottinghamshire ‘Dukeries’, the Harley Gallery is an award-winning modern venue dedicated to modern art and crafts. View the intriguing exhibitions in the gallery, or buy unique pieces in the craft shop.

Getting involved
Ever wanted to draw or paint? Unleash your artist within by taking a class at Patchings Art Centre at Calverton. If you need a subject, the Monet Garden outside is sure to inspire, and each summer the centre hosts an arts & crafts fair, displaying work by both professionals and amateur artists. Not far away, the Longdale Craft Centre boasts an art shop, craft workshops and a chance to admire the work of resident sculptor Gordon Brown.

If you're staying over in the city then check out our list of approved Nottingham hotels. Nottinghamshire and Sherwood Forest are great options for UK family holidays and our Robin Hood breaks website has everything you need. For that home away from home try our range of Nottingham bed and breakfasts (B&Bs) or our approved Nottingham holiday cottages.

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