Tourist Trails book and CD is the perfect way to explore the Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire tourist industry

If you like getting out and about in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire then a new book and CD which aims to promote the region’s vibrant tourist industry could be perfect for you.
NMAC11-0065-2

Stephen ThirkillNMAC11-0065-2

Stephen Thirkill
NMAC11-0065-2 Stephen Thirkill

The 80-page Tourist Trails book has been penned by Mansfield Chad news editor Stephen Thirkill and features interesting and informative tours around seven prominent tourist hotspots and beauty locations.

Venues featured are Hardwick Hall, Teversal Trails, Chatsworth House, Southwell Workhouse, Newstead Abbey, King’s Mill Reservoir and Clumber Park.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The must-visit tourist destinations are the same venues featured in the Tourist Trails audio CD, which accompanies the book.

The triple CD sees Stephen go behind-the-scenes with a tour guide to get behind the stories and the people who have helped make each destination the success story it is today.

Stephen, who is also the author of Mansfield Town’s Most Memorable matches, said: “The audio guide CD and the book has been a success story so far which is a great feeling.

Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire has so many beauty spots and attractions to be very proud of and this is a great way of celebrating what is on offer.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“All the attractions I visited have many passionate people who give up their time as volunteers to make these attractions the success story they are today and to help preserve the area’s history and heritage.

“This book gives the volunteers the credit they deserve, the attractions the attention they require and hopefully will help to inspire more people to play their part in the region’s thriving tourism industry.”

In the book Stephen takes a step back in time to learn about the success of a national social experiment at Southwell Workhouse and what made the world-famous Lord Byron tick during a special visit to Newstead Abbey.

Stephen also explores the magnificent Chatsworth House to discover why the attraction is proving so popular with film-makers.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He also learns about the fascinating life of Bess of Hardwick, who became the second richest lady in the realm behind the Queen with Hardwick Hall a lasting legacy to her fame and fortune.

And nature lovers are also in for a treat as Stephen tours the picturesque King’s Mill Reservoir to discover its Royal connections, the beautiful Teversal Trails, which is playing a key role in the district’s regeneration after the collapse of the coal industry, and Clumber Park, where he learns all about the battle to conserve, preserve and thrive.

Stephen added: “Recording the CD and writing the book was a real pleasure. To be able to go behind-the-scenes and explore places normally off limits to visitors was a real honour. I often think about which is my favourite guide but, in truth, it is far too hard to choose because there are so many possibilities.

“And that, for me, is the beauty of this area’s tourist industry, whether you like the peace and quiet of nature or the rich history of places like Southwell Workhouse, there is something for everyone.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I really hope people read my book or listen to my CD and are inspired to go and see these places for themselves.”

The book, which is priced at £9.99, also includes a wide range of colour images, opening times, facilities and interesting facts and timelines from each venue.

The CD, priced at £6.99, has a running time of more than 210 mins and is the perfect way to get to know exactly what is on your doorstep or learn more about a favourite place.

If you would like to get your copy of Tourist Trails call Stephen Thirkill on 01623 450292.