Affordable and easily accessible all year round

So you've landed in this vibrant city and are looking for some cool things to do while you're at uni? Well, you're in luck because Nottingham's got a bunch of awesome stuff to offer that won't drain your bank account. Let's dive into a few of the best options you have at your disposal.

Roam around Old Market Square

Located right in the heart of Nottingham, Old Market Square is a great place to get a feel of the city. You'll find lots of shops and a lively atmosphere on weekends, making it the perfect spot to people-watch. Plus, they often set up events and markets here, so you'll never know what you'll stumble upon.

Visit Nottingham Castle

You have to visit the castle while you're in Nottingham, it's a must-do! Soak in all the history, the amazing architecture and a bit of the art gallery while you're at it. If you check the website, you can time it so you get to experience the shows and talks too during your visit.

Wollaton Hall, park & gardens

Head to Wollaton Park for the triple threat of nature, the hall and the museum. It feels like a great escape from the city with its stunning gardens, a deer park (yes, you read that right) and Wollaton Hall, which might remind you of Wayne Manor if you're a Batman fan.

Take a break in Hockley

Hockley is definitely the cool part of Nottingham. It's got a bunch of quirky cafes, vintage shops, and independent boutiques. Perfect if you're looking for something a little off the beaten path but not too far from campus or the city centre. It has a real creative feel where you'll find more unique options compared to the rest of the city.

Enjoy the nightlife

Nottingham's nightlife scene has something for everyone from traditional pubs, to trendy bars to nightclubs that will keep you partying all night long. You'll find most in the centre but you'll need to explore as there are plenty of hidden gems which are a little more out of the way.

Listen to some live music

Interested in seeing your favourite band perform? Then you've come to the right city as Nottingham has plenty of venues, big and small, to enjoy. We'd recommend Moterpoint, Rock City, The Bodega and Rescue Rooms as good starting points, you'll find gigs for both local artists and big names!

Support our sports teams

We have plenty of teams to cheer on if you're into watching live sports. There is Nottingham Forest (football), Notts County (football), Notts Panthers (Ice Hockey), Nottinghamshire Cricket and many more! Each team calls an iconic stadium their home too, which will host much more than just their respective sports. Motorpoint Arena for the Panthers and gigs, City Ground for Forest, Meadow Lane for County Trent Bridge for cricket, just to name a few.

Explore the caves

Book your guided tour into the caves hidden directly under the city. You'll find out the amazing history behind them while getting a chance to actually explore parts yourself. There are even special tours themed around days like Halloween if you're wanting an extra spooky experience.

Stroll along the riverside

Sometimes you just need a breath of fresh air and a scenic walk to make everything better. Thankfully Nottingham has a tonne of riverside trails you can make the most of when the weather is decent. Take a chill walk along the riverside, feed the ducks, or find a nice flat spot to park yourself on and read a book.

So, there you have it, the lowdown on some super-cool, wallet-friendly things to do in Nottingham. Explore, have fun, and make the most of your time in this amazing city.