The city of Nottingham is perhaps most renowned for being the home of Robin Hood, and whilst there is an opportunity to visit Robin Hood attractions in the city, there are also many other unique things to do in Nottingham. Nottingham is a bit of an odd city in the sense that whilst it is very urban, with trams and industrial links, it also has many areas that feel more rural, such as Wollaton Park, where if you’re lucky, you might see some deer, Sherwood Forest and a castle. There are also more regular city activities to enjoy as well, such as shopping in Lace Market or the huge range of different bars, pubs and restaurants to attend.
1. Nottingham Goose Fair
Forest Recreation Ground
An absolute must-see event that happens annually at Nottingham’s Forest Recreation Ground, the Goose Fair has over 500 attractions. An event that spans back 700 years, the event holds attractions that are familiar, and some that are completely unique to Nottingham. With plenty of rides, food stands, and complete with a fireworks display, the Goose fair is an event that you will not want to miss. Due to Coronavirus, it was cancelled in 2020, but hopefully, with the new vaccine out it will go ahead in 2021. Typically it runs for about a week in the year in September/October. It’s a particularly great event to go to as a fresher with new flatmates.
2. Visit the Deer Park
Wollaton Park
Visiting Wollaton Park is a really fun activity to do, especially if you’re bored and broke. It is a massive 500-acre park, situated opposite University Park Campus. It contains a mansion where the Batman films were filmed, a Natural History Museum, and of course, a deer park. Sometimes it can be quite hard to spot the deer, but if you know the best times to go, then it is pretty amazing being able to see them from a distance. Visiting Wollaton Park is a must, as it helps get you out of the city landscape and into some countryside, and is great for trying to reach those 10,000 steps every day.
3. Escapologic
21-23 Castle Gate, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG1 7AQ
Escape rooms are the perfect way to test your problem-solving abilities in a fun, mystery, and thrills-filled environment. You’re locked in one room for one hour with your teammates, and you have to solve the clues to be able to break out. It’s a brilliant experience and a great way to liven up those boring weekends on an empty campus.
4. Electric scooter hire
Anywhere in Nottingham City Centre
With the outbreak of Coronavirus, the government wanted to find alternatives to public transport, that were easy and quick and could still be used under social-distancing guidelines. The Nottingham City Council has over 500 e-scooters around the city available for short-term or long-term hire. They are a fun and affordable activity to try out with your housemates and have been popular with students living in Lenton. In order to hire one, download the WIND app, and locate the nearest available scooters, and then scan the QR code to unlock it. It costs 12p a minute for short-term hire, and are a great way to spend a day or an evening with your mates.
5. Savoy Cinema
Derby Road, Lenton, Nottingham
This retro cinema is the only surviving pre-Second World War cinema in Nottingham. It was built in an Art Deco style, and is a fun way of making your cinema visit feel a bit special. With friendly staff and low prices for students, this is the best cinema to go to. It is perfect if you live in Lenton, as it is situated on Derby Road next to the Sainsbury’s Local, so is a 10-minute walk from most student houses. It is definitely a place you should visit at least once whilst staying in Nottingham.
Aside from these unique things to do in Nottingham, there are of course more regular activities, ranging from shopping in the city centre to going on walks by the Canal, and of course not forgetting to pay a visit to Nottingham’s castle (you will most probably be underwhelmed). Hiring the e-scooters is a perfect way to explore the city in a unique way, and allows you to be able to check out some of Nottingham’s other attractions as well.
