The Old Library

Mansfield's Old Library is a proper working arts centre housed in a Victorian building that's seen better days on the outside but has genuine cultural punch inside. You'll find contemporary art exhibitions, live music, theatre productions and community events - the kind of programming that punches above its weight for a town of Mansfield's size.

It's ideal if you're the sort of person who'd rather spend an afternoon looking at actual art than queuing at a theme park. Families with older kids who can sit through a performance will get something out of it; younger children might find it a bit of a stretch unless there's something specifically designed for them on. The building itself has that Victorian charm without feeling like a museum piece - it functions, you know?

Whether admission is free or ticketed depends on what's on, so check the website before you go. The venue's small enough that you won't need more than an hour or two unless you're catching a full show. If you're based at any of the surrounding holiday parks - Tall Trees is closest at just over a mile away, or Center Parcs Sherwood Forest if you want more facilities - it makes an excellent rainy-day option or evening activity. The real draw is that it gives Mansfield a cultural hub worth visiting, rather than feeling like you've wasted time in between woodland walks around Sherwood.