Top Nottingham attractions - Top things to do in Nottingham

1. Tips for studying abroad in Nottingham - Study abroad in Nottingham
2. Cost of living in Nottingham
3. Save money in Nottingham - A guide to living on a student budget
4. How to get to Nottingham - Getting to Nottingham by train, plane, car or bus
5. Public transport in Nottingham - Getting around Nottingham
6. Neighbourhoods of Nottingham
7. Accommodation for students in Nottingham - Top tips and advice
8. Nightlife in Nottingham - A guide to nightclubs and going out in Nottingham (Part 1)
9. Nightlife in Nottingham - A guide to nightclubs and going out in Nottingham (Part 2)
10. Where to eat in Nottingham - Gastronomy in Nottingham
11. Top Nottingham attractions - Top things to do in Nottingham
12. Day Trips from Nottingham - Places to visit and excursions from Nottingham
13. Festivals in Nottingham - Festivities and celebrations calendar
14. Nottingham in 3 days - What to see in Nottingham in 3 days

There are so many things to do in Nottingham. You could never possibly be bored! From sports to shopping to wildlife, it has so much to offer. You have the best of both worlds with areas of nature surrounding the city centre. Nottingham also has a rich history and culture and the legend of Robin Hood is famous worldwide.

If you don’t want to spend money, you don’t need to worry. There are many things to do which don’t require spending any money.

Parks and wildlife in Nottingham

No matter how much you love the city life, sometimes it is nice to get out for a breath of fresh air. Nottingham provides plenty of options with a surprising amount of green open spaces for a big city. Whether you want to play sport, have a picnic or relax in the sun with your friends, you have these places at your disposal. Events are often hosted at these places too!

Wollaton Hall and park

This is a good place to go when the weather is nice. The park and lake are astonishingly beautiful and you can spot wild deer roaming around freely. You can admire the gardens and botanical gardens, bring a picnic or have some lunch in the cafe there. There is the possibility of learning all about the history of the hall and there are regular events there all year round. For example, Splendour music festival is held there every Summer. It was actually the filming location for the Batman movie, the Dark Knight Rises..

Admission in Wollaton Hall is free, tours cost £5 and opening hours vary according to the time of year.

It is three miles from the city centre so it is possible to walk there. You can also catch a bus to the Queen's Medical Centre, which is in close proximity. The buses on the orange line and the grey 53 run there, amongst others.

The Arboretum

The Arboretum is Nottingham’s oldest public park, situated right next to Nottingham Trent’s city campus. It is a peaceful and beautiful area, to take a break from the city life. Events are often organised here, such as the annualLGBT Pride festival. Entrance is free and you can easily walk there from the city centre.

Entertainment in Nottingham

It is impossible to be bored in Nottingham. There are so many options to keep you constantly entertained. Of course, you have to try the most Nottingham-esque activities. For example, almost everyone you will meet from there ice skates or is at least interested in it. Then of course, there are all your usual activities such as bowling, the cinema and bingo (don’t knock it till you try it).

National Ice Centre

There are regular public ice skating sessions every day of the week, as well as club sessions in the evening. If you really enjoy ice skating, you can take lessons here. Sessions are £5 for students (bring your student card).

You can also watch a nice hockey game. The Nottingham Panthers have a lot of support in Nottingham and you’ll see many people walking around in their merchandise. If you like, you can purchase it in the ice locker shop. There is a student rate for tickets, which ranges from £13 to £20.

You can buy hot dogs and burgers at the arena and there is a cafe in the centre, as well as many restaurants in the proximity. The rink is situated in the city centre so you can easily walk there.

Motorpoint arena

Situated in the same complex as the National Ice Centre, here you can see the most famous artists perform, as well as comedians and shows such as Disney on ice.

Prices are completely different according to what you want to see. The most famous bands are usually the most expensive. When booking tickets, you can select your seat. The website will tell you where the cheapest seating is available although it won’t necessarily be the best place to sit.

Tickets can be bought at Motorpoint arena site. You can also buy them on the phone and in person, at the arena’s box office. Sometimes it is possible to buy tickets from a third party website such as the ticket factory, where you can get a student discount via studentbeans.com.

The Lost City Adventure Golf

This is an extremely popular adventure golf site, with two courses: The Sacred Skull course and the Temple Trail course. They are both appropriately decorated. What’s more, for once you’ve finished playing golf, there is a tikki bar so you can unwind with a cocktail or a nice cold beer. There is also a selection of hot and cold drinks for those who would prefer not to drink.

It is located in the Cornerhouse in the city centre, which also houses a cinema, a casino, many bars and restaurants and thefun station(a really big games arcade). The opening hours are extensive. It is open from 10.30am-11pm on Mondays-Fridays, 10am-11pm on Saturdays and 10am-10pm on Sundays. You can benefit from a special student rate (£6 for 18 holes or £10 for 36 holes, Monday-Fridays with a free beer).

The Broadway

There are many cinemas in Nottingham but the Broadway gets a special mention for its dedicated screening of world cinema with films often in their original language. It is an independent creative arts cinema and was actually rated one of the best in the world in 2009 by Total Film magazine. There is a cosy atmosphere inside the cinema. The screens are all different from each other and some are very small.

There are two bars, serving light bites, pizzas and a selection of drinks. You can also purchase snacks upon entering.

It is situated in Hockley and has a rate for under 25s (£4.50) as well as a concessionary rate (£6.50). You can also purchase a yearly membership to the cinema for £27 which entitles you to further discounts.

Savoy cinema

This cinema is especially popular among students because it shows all the same films as the big cinema chains for a much cheaper price. Tickets are just £4.75 for students. It has an old fashioned feel to it and it doesn’t feel like a plastic imitation of every other cinema.

It is situated in Lenton, a typical student area and it has a bar, selling general refreshments as well as alcoholic drinks.

Theatre Royal and Royal Concert Hall

If you fancy something a little more ‘cultured’, there is the Theatre Royal and Royal Concert Hall. You can appreciate live music or watch a ballet or show, including west end classics. There are different types of music but many of the concerts are classical or opera.

It opened in 1865 after just six months of work! The theatre later made history with its world premiere of The Mousetrap which is now the longest running play in history; t’s 25,000th performance taking place in 2012. It is a city centre land mark and worth a visit if you are interested in theatre.

It is located in the city centre, a short walk away from Nottingham Trent’s city campus.

Nottingham Playhouse

Now a very highly regarded theatre, it first opened as arepertory theatre in 1948 and was previously a cinema. However its current building opened in 1963 and it has a fairly modern appearance, probably due to its refurbishment in 2004. The venue hosts a variety of different shows and notably, the ever popular theatre adaptation of the Kite Runner premiered there. There is a deli, a bar and kitchen for refreshments before and/or afterwards.

They offer special student rates, it is located in the city centre and you can book tickets online, on the phone, in person or even by post. To obtain the student rates, you simply need to select student when booking online or clarify on the phone.

History of Nottingham

You have probably heard of the legend of Robin Hood, which is notably associated with the city of Nottingham. However it doesn’t begin and end with Robin Hood. Nottingham provides a rich and deep history worth learning about. If this is something you’re interested in, you won’t be disappointed.

Nottingham Castle

Nottingham Castle was founded by William the Conqueror built in 1067 and several parts were rebuilt later on by Henry II before it was seiged by Richard the Lionheart in a battle in 1194. It was later demolished in 1651 to prevent it being used again in war before the first duke of Newcastle built a palace in its place. The ducal palace we see today was in fact built by the second duke of Newcastle, Henry Cavendish. Only some of the ruined remained of the castle survive today, as well as the gatehouse which has been restored.

Many significant historical events took place in the castle and you can learn all about them inside the museum. After all, it was one of the most important fortresses in Britain and used in many battles. You can also learn about society in Nottingham during different periods of time.

Underneath the castle are a series of manmade caves, tunnels, a dungeon, wine cellar and over 500 steep steps. Some of these caves date back to medieval times! If you want to take a look around, tours are £5 and run at 12pm, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm every day the castle is open. Make sure to keep your eye out for the famous tunnel, Mortimer’s Hole! It is supposedly haunted by Sir Roger Mortimer's ghost. You can’t book in advance and the tickets go on sale half an hour before the start of the tour.

There is an art gallery too, which hosts temporary exhibitions at Nottingham Castle and a growing amount of fine art. There are both traditional and more contemporary pieces by artists from Nottingham and internationally reknown artists.

The castle grounds are simply beautiful, making it the perfect place to sit and relax on a hot Summer's day. If you would prefer to sit in a cafe, this is also a possibility as there is one located on the castle grounds, as well as several establishments in its proximity.

Nearby, you will find the Robin Hood statue, which everyone takes pictures with! Many events are also held there, such as the Great food and drink festival.

It is open 10am-5pm every day of the week and entry for students costs £6.

Museum of Nottingham Life

The museum is situated in five 17th century cottages in which you can see how Nottingham’s houses and shops would have looked during this period with your own eyes. You can also discover a collection of toys, tools and other objects made the people themselves to discover their history and stories they have to tell.

It is open from 12pm - 4pm on Saturdays, Sundays and bank holiday Mondays and entrance costs £2.50 per person. Hower you can also pre book a group tour in advance, which run Monday - Friday, from 10am - 5pm and for groups of 10 or more only. This costs £5 per person. Otherwise, you can get a visitor pass which also grants you entry to Nottingham castle. This costs £6 for concessions (including students) and also gets you 10% off in the cafe, castle gift shop and cave tours.

It is situated near to the castle.

City of Caves

Did you know that over 500 sandstone caves are hidden beneath Nottingham? Well now you do. Previously used as a tannery, public house cellars and an air raid shelter and dating all the way back to the middle ages, it is possible to explore these caves and learn all about their rich history. Nottingham has more caves than anywhere in Britain.

On Monday-Fridays the tours are led by a hand held audio guide but on the weekends they are led by special characters. Student admission is £6.95 and joint tickets with thenational justice museumare available (£14 for students).

If you aren’t easily spooked out, you can opt to go on the Spirit of the Caves tour, lead by a professional medium! It is supposedly one of the most spiritual experiences to ever be reported. The tours begin at 5pm and last for around an hour. They are held on selected dates only so make sure to check the website. It costs £7.95.

They open 10am-5pm every day of the week and is accessible through the Broadmarsh shopping centre in the city centre.

The Robin Hood Experience & Legacy

It's the only centrally located attraction dedicated to Robin Hood. It’s an audio-visual interactive experience, with a peasant family telling you first hand what Robin Hood means to them. You even get to meet the legend himself. Thanks to technology and the art of cinema, you can explore sherwood forest, go back in time to a trial and experience medieval Nottingham for yourself. You can even meet some characters at the end!

There is a cafe with refreshments so you can have a hot drink after your visit, as well as a souvenir shop for you to buy everything related to Robin Hood!

Regarding prices, there is a student discount so remember to bring your student to save some money. Student entry costs £7.95.. However for true Robin Hood fanatics, you have the possibility of purchasing an annual pass which costs £12.95 if you are a student. This means you can come as many times as you like in the year. Even if you only come twice, this will save you money. Offers are sometimes posted on the Robin Hood Experience website (coupons and discounts), so keep your eye out.

National Justice museum

Here you can see the old courtrooms and dungeons and learn all about the judicial system. The court dates back to at least 1375 and the prison, to at least 1449 and public executions were held on the steps. More contemporary galleries provide more information all about it. You can also expect to find characters dressed up telling their stories relating to the system.

It is located near to the City of Caves and the Broadmarsh shopping centre in the city centre and student admission is £9.95, with the possibility of purchasing a joint ticket with the City of Caves (£14 for students). It is open everyday from 10am-5.30pm.

Churches and cathedrals in Nottingham

St. Barnabas Cathedral

This Roman Catholic Cathedral opened in 1844 and Lord Shrewsbury contributed a substantial amount of money towards its construction. The Blessed Sacred Chapel is richly decorated and considered a highly important aspect of the Cathedral.

Visitors are welcome and of course, entry is free. It is easily possible to walk there from the city centre, located between Derby Road and College Street with entrances from both.

St. Nicholas Church

This church is centrally located so it is ideal to visit if you are interested in seeing some of the processions in England. As well as being pleasant to look at, it one of the most historically important buildings in the area. St. Nicholas is the Patron of youth, merchants, sailors and travellers. It was occupied during the English Civil war while men acting on behalf of the King attacked the castle and was later destroyed as not to expose the occupiers. In remained in this state for 25 years. However, it was rebuilt so we can still visit the church today.

There are three congregations held on Sunday (9am, 10.30am and 7pm) and there are always prayer and breakfast sessions on Wednesday mornings (7.45am - 8.30am). There are also seasonal gathering on Tuesday evenings. Of course, you can also experience what mass is like in England.

There is a group specifically for students. This can be really nice and a welcoming place to come to if you are new to the city. You can find the group on facebook. Search for St. Nic’s Church Students. They run guided city tours to help you get to know the city better (Wednesdays 4pm - 5pm starting from 28th of September. To join, send them a message and they will let you know where to meet. There is also a service where you can be cooked a traditional Sunday Roast by an English family! There are small and big lunches. Small lunches are held in the homes of local families and big lunches are an opportunity for the entire student body to get together as one. What a great way to try to local cuisine and to make new friends.

The church is located on Maid Marion way, close to theBroadmarsh centrein the city centre.

St. Mary’s Church

St. Mary’s is the oldest church in Nottingham. It supposedly dates back to Saxon times and was mentioned in the Domesday book. Today, the church is used by many different groups and is in fact the University of Nottingham’s official church. Although it is mostly used as a place of worship, other events are held here such as concerts and performances. The choir is known for being one of the best in England and they sing at most main services.

If you want to visit the church, you are recommended to check in advance. If all is okay, the opening times for visits are from 10.30am - 2.30pm, Tuesday - Saturday. Guided tours of the church are also possible. However, you are required to give notice. You can book one either by email or on the phone.

As the church is first and foremost a place of worship, there is holy communion every Sunday. You can find the schedule at nottinghamchurches.org.

St. Mary’s Church is located in the lace market, near the National Justice Museum.

St Peter’s Church

The church was built in 1180 although it’s spire and tower weren’t completed until 1340. It is still a frequented place of worship to this day and people also come to visit or simply in search of a bit of tranquility. The Church does a lot to help both the local community, as well as further afield. For example, it runs a ‘drop in centre’ providing pastoral and medical service to the homeless and needy and The Workplace Chaplaincy team offers pastoral care and support to city centre workers. There is an overseas committee which raise money in order to offer support to countries across the globe.

Other from the churches obvious worship purposes, you can come here to enjoy a ‘coffee-break’ concert. They happen three times a year on Saturday mornings. The church hosts many concerts and it’s choir sing all over the country, as well as abroad. There are light lunches, sandwiches, cakes, tea and coffee on offer in the Coffee room.

The church is open 7 days a week.

It is located right in the city centre, 2 minutes away from the Old Market Square and in close proximity to the Broadmarsh centre.

Shopping in Nottingham

From quirky vintage shops in Hockley to high street favourites in the Victoria centre, Nottingham has something for everyone. Shops are open on Sundays, leaving you free to go shopping whenever you please.

Victoria Centre

As well as the Victoria Market, there are many clothes shops, health and beauty stores, jewellers and sports shops. There is pretty much everything. Many shops offer student discounts and they often host specific student shopping events, when they open the centre later in the evening and offer even bigger discounts for students. There are many dining options, with a thai restaurant, fast food options, coffee shops, a juice bar, a frozen yoghurt store… It is up to you. There is also a large Tesco supermarket to do your weekly shop.

Opening hours vary throughout the week and it differs between the restaurants and the shops. However it is open every day of the week and is centrally located.

Broadmarsh Centre

Also centrally located, this is a somewhat smaller shopping centre. It also has a range of stores, as well as some independent stores, the City of Caves, several salons and some fast food dining options. It has some discount stores such as the pound shop for if you’re trying to save money.

The opening hours are more or less the same as the Victoria Centre.

Victoria Market

This is where you can buy your mushy peas with mint sauce! There are also several fruit and vegetable stands, international food stands, homeware and salons. It tends to be cheaper than the other shops and it is located in theVictoria Centre.

Cow

Cow is one of the most popular vintage shops in Hockley. It sells mens and womens clothing and also carried reworked items and accessories. If you’re after something no one else will have, Cow is the best place to go. They do a student lock in, when they open later in the evening and offer student discounts and free alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks.

Landmarks in Nottingham

These are the classic ‘must sees’ in Nottingham. Everyone knows them and they are often used as a point of reference when giving directions of meeting someone. As well as being very typical of the city and as a consequence, good things to see, it is useful to be aware of them. That way, you can get around easier and always have somewhere to meet up with your friends!

The Old Market Square

The second largest public space in the UK, the Old Market Square forms the heart of the city centre. It is a popular meeting point amongst friends and has several tram and bus stops. In Summer, it is transformed into a beach and during Christmas time, it hosts the annualWinter Wonderlandwith an ice rink, bars and stands selling artisanal products. Whether it be a farmers market or a ferris wheel; there is always something going on in the Old Market Square.

The Robin Hood statue

Everyone is aware of the Robin Hood statue but not many people are aware of its history. It was actually unveiled by the Duchess of Portland in 1952, on the Robin Hood lawn in the Castle’s moats remains, with the intent of providing something Robin Hood related for visitors to see. It is today positioned as aiming its arrow at the Castle, in typical Robin Hood style fashion. On several occasions it has been spotted missing its arrow or bowstring and this is because it was subject to many thieves! It was costing the Council a lot of money to constantly replace parts of the statue. They have now successfully found a material strong enough and used a special welding process to keep the statue successfully wielded together.

Can you even say you’ve been to Nottingham unless you’ve got a picture with the Robin Hood statue? You can find it close to the castle.

The Lions

Situated on the Old Market Square, two Lions sit either side of the Council House. They were sculpted by a local sculptor called Joseph Else and have been nicknamed Leo and Oscar by Nottingham residents although their original names were unofficially Menelaus and Agamemnon.

It is very common for people to mount them and take photos on nights out! They are also very common for people to use as a meeting point (usually the left lion). There is a rumour that they roar whenever a virgin walks past!

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