The Harley Foundation
Coal Mining Stories
Explore the connections between the Welbeck Estate and coal mining – and celebrate the creativity of Nottinghamshire’s mining communities.
Discover a day out shaped by art, heritage, local food and the Nottinghamshire countryside. At the heart of Welbeck, The Courtyard brings together contemporary exhibitions at The Harley Gallery, treasures from the Portland Collection Museum, exceptional produce from Welbeck Farm Shop and seasonal food at The Harley Café.
Explore beyond The Courtyard with estate walks, tours, workshops, food and drink experiences, and events throughout the year. Whether you are planning your first visit or returning to see something new, use this page as your starting point.
Explore the connections between the Welbeck Estate and coal mining – and celebrate the creativity of Nottinghamshire’s mining communities.
Visit to discover a museum of extraordinary objects and fascinating stories. See silver, tapestry, paintings and jewels, plus returning star items that visitors know and love – such as Michelangelo’s ‘Madonna of Silence’ or the pearl earring worn by Charles I at his execution.
Would you like to improve your mental wellbeing? Want to learn a new creative skill? Join the Harley Foundation for a 10-week pottery course in partnership with Nottinghamshire Mind.
Welbeck Estate - Main Reception
The office is open
Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm.
If you are planning a visit to Welbeck, please see the individual listings:
Opening hours vary across Welbeck’s attractions, shops and places to eat. The Harley Gallery and The Portland Collection Museum are open Monday to Saturday, 10am–5pm, and Sunday, 10am–4pm. Check the latest times for Welbeck Farm Shop, The Harley Café and any other places you plan to visit, as seasonal and holiday hours may differ.
Entry to The Courtyard, The Harley Gallery, The Portland Collection Museum and Welbeck Farm Shop is free, with free parking. No general admission ticket is required. Tours, workshops, food and drink experiences and selected seasonal events are ticketed and should be booked in advance.
Begin your day at The Courtyard, where the galleries, museum, Farm Shop and café are close together. Welbeck is on the A60, around 15 minutes from the A1 and M1. Free visitor parking is available in the main car park. Creswell is the nearest railway station, with a two-mile walk to Welbeck through Creswell Crags. The 209 bus runs between Worksop and Edwinstowe from Monday to Saturday, stopping near the estate; check current public transport times before travelling.
Blue Badge parking, accessible toilets and step-free access are available in The Courtyard. The Harley Gallery is arranged over two levels with lift access to the upper floor. Routes across the wider estate may include uneven or changing surfaces. Wheelchairs and mobility scooters are not available to hire, so visitors with specific access requirements are encouraged to check the detailed accessibility information or contact the relevant venue before travelling. See our detailed AccessAble reports.
Dogs are welcome on public rights of way across the estate and must be kept on a short lead and under close control. They are not permitted inside Welbeck’s indoor visitor spaces, although assistance dogs are welcome. Dogs can join you in The Harley Café’s outdoor seating area, where a dedicated dog menu is available.
Toilets and baby-changing facilities are available in The Courtyard. The Harley Café serves seasonal breakfasts, lunches, drinks and cakes, while the Courtyard Horsebox offers takeaway refreshments during its opening hours. You will also find shops, outdoor seating, benches and designated picnic areas nearby. Wear suitable footwear and clothing if you plan to explore the estate, and download maps or booking details before arriving as mobile reception can be limited.
Reception can be limited across the estate. Download any digital maps before your visit; printed estate maps are available in The Courtyard, subject to availability.
The nearest train station is Creswell (Derbyshire). Creswell is on the Robin Hood Line, which runs an hourly service between Nottingham and Worksop. From Creswell Station, there is a 2 mile (45 minutes) walk through Creswell Crags picturesque limestone gorge.
Nestled in the heart of Sherwood Forest in Nottinghamshire, Welbeck is conveniently located on the A60, just 15 minutes from the A1 and M1.
Bus services operate between Worksop, Creswell and surrounding towns.
The Stagecoach 209 service runs between Worksop and Edwinstowe, calling at stops around the Welbeck Estate, including Dukeries Garden Centre, Main Gates Lodge. The service operates Monday to Saturday, including Good Friday, and does not currently run on Sundays.
Buses generally run every two hours, although stopping patterns and journey times vary. Please check the latest 209 timetable and service updates with Stagecoach before travelling.
Routes and timetables can change, particularly at weekends and on public holidays, so please check the latest information with Traveline or the relevant bus operator before travelling.
Please use a journey planner to check the most suitable route and onward connection for your visit.
The nearest train station is Creswell (Derbyshire). Creswell is on the Robin Hood Line, which runs an hourly service between Nottingham and Worksop. From Creswell Station, there is a 2 mile (45 minutes) walk through Creswell Crags’ picturesque limestone gorge.
Trains to Retford are very convenient. Retford is on the East Coast Main Line, approximately 1.5 hours from London Kings Cross. We recommend booking a taxi for onwards travel. The drive from Retford is approximately 30 minutes.
Chesterfield Station is located on the East Midlands Railway route from London St Pancras to Sheffield. The local railway station in Worksop is on the Sheffield to Lincoln line.
Please note: It is advisable to pre-book a taxi for your journey from your arrival station to Welbeck. We recommend Hinchcliffe Taxis of Retford, 01777 702 049 and Nunn's Taxis, Worksop, 01909 500 005.
Journey times and prices vary according to the time of day – please check the National Rail website, call 03457 484 950, or download an app such as trainline.com from your smartphone app store.
