Baby it’s cold outside, so wrap up warm because there are a number of outdoor activities this month. Take a walk through the majestic snowdrops and enjoy the views at Holme Pierrepont before taking a look around Holme Pierrepont Hall itself (3 – 28 Feb), or enjoy the snowdrop walk and winter garden at Hodstock Priory (9 – 17 Feb) Every February the Priory’s 12 acre Horse Acre Wood is carpeted with beautiful snowdrops. Visitors travel along the signposted walk through the spectacular scene of approximately four million of these short lived seasonal flowers. For those after a truly relaxing experience, beautiful country hotel, Ye Olde Bell, a short drive from Hodsock Priory, is offering a special rate of £99 B&B for a double room based on 2 sharing for any guests visiting the snowdrops at Hodsock.
The hotel in the village of Barnby Moor dates back to the 17th century and there’s also the option to book into their luxurious spa for a wide range of pampering treats to beat those winter blues.
Do something different on a Friday night this month and learn about the night sky in general, particularly naked eye celestial delights such as the planets, aurora, meteors and stars at the Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre & National Nature Reserve (2 Feb). Sticking with the space theme, but much closer to earth, you can enjoy free cultural events in the city after dark (8 Feb) as part of this years Light Night Take a journey across the City from the canal side to the Creative Quarter and beyond as you discover stunning light installations, exciting performances and plenty of opportunities to get involved – all inspired by the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11 spaceflight and landing of the first man on the moon.
For something totally different in the dark, join Derbyshire Pony Trekking for a unique pony trek in the dark at Upper Langwith, Mansfield (16 Feb) For a more relaxing experience, head over to Stonebridge City Farm and experience a truly magical and mindful time around rabbits (17 Feb).
It’s all about pigs however as we celebrate the Chinese New Year, the year of the pig. Nottingham City Council and Nottingham Chinese Students and Scholars Association will be holding celebrations in the Old Market Square (2 Feb) and Lakeside Arts hold their annual New Year Gala.
Enjoy fascinating performances by professional artists including Chinese Erhu, Guzheng and Bamboo Flute music, together with spectacular group-coordinated Kung Fu routines (9-10 Feb). Also celebrating is The Harley Gallery in Worksop. 2019 marks their 25th anniversary and see the return of the popular Open Exhibition which runs until 24th March. If creating your own arts, crafts and clothing is your thing then head to the Materials Recovery Facility in Mansfield (11 Feb) for ‘Scraps to Scarves’ and the recycled craft workshop (21 Feb)
If you want to be part of this months entertainment, join the De Vere Orchard Hotel in Nottingham for a night of Murder Mystery and suspense as you play detective to work out ‘whodunnit’, or get ready for a night of killer passion at the National Justice Museum’s 1940s Murder Mystery event (15 Feb)
If you’d rather watch the entertainment this month, there’s plenty to choose from. The most famous love story of them all, Romeo and Juliet visits the Theatre Royal (19- 23 Feb) and while we’re on the subject of desire, Tennessee Williams’ explosive 1947 domestic drama; A Streetcar Named Desire is on at The Lace Market Theatre 28 Jan – 2 Feb).
Willie Russell’s legendary Blood Brothers visits The Theatre Royal (12-16 Feb) and, written by the daughter of a Nottingham miner, the regional premiere of Wonderland begins at Nottingham Playhouse (8 – 23 Feb)
If you need a laugh to lift your spirits and forget about the miserable weather outside, Sandi Toksvig brings her brand new, one-woman comedy show to the Royal Concert Hall (7 Feb) and Tony Jameson visits The Canalhouse (20 Feb) The gang from The Full Monty should hot things up at The Theatre Royal (4-9). Based on his smash hit film and adapted for the stage by Oscar-winning writer Simon Beaufoy, the hilarious and heartfelt production has received standing ovations every night and won the prestigious UK Theatre Award.
Keeeeep Dancing as the Strictly Come Dancing live extravaganza comes to the Motorpoint Arena (5/6 Feb) and Brendon Cole brings a night of beautiful ballroom magic and high-energy latin passion to the Royal Concert Hall (20 Feb).
Of course there’s plenty of music to look forward to this month too. Ozzy Osbourne kicks off his farewell world tour ‘No More Tours’ tour at Nottingham Motorpoint Arena (1 Feb) which will celebrate more than five decades as a performer (both as a solo artist and as lead singer of Black Sabbath).
Slightly less controversial is the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra performing on the same evening at The Royal Concert Hall. This month also sees Don Brocco play The Motorpoint Arena (7 Feb), Tears for Fears play their rescheduled date at The Motorpoint Arena (13 Feb). The Kaiser Chiefs visit Rock City on the same night. Paul Carrack returns to The Royal Concert (14 Feb) followed by The London Sinfonietta (15 Feb).
The stars of this years X-Factor come to The Motorpoint Arena (15 Feb) and we have an evening of 50’s nostalgia with the Billy Fury Story: Halfway to Paradise at the Royal Concert Hall (19 Feb)
Finally, foodies should get book themselves a table at the Japanese supper club with The Little Ramen Shop at Debbie Bryan (21 Feb) and romantics rejoice as The Holiday Inn at Castle Marina offer valentines packages from 11 Feb. Enjoy food by head chef Liam Woodward and take advantage of a special room package in the deal. Always check with the venue ahead and book if necessary. There is cost or entrance fee unless stated otherwise