From the local public transport, Nottingham Train Station to East Midlands Airport, Nottingham is a great hub to travel from. You have the world at your fingertips, especially with budget travelling as far as you’re concerned as a student. But if you don’t have the time for a week’s adventure, where do you go for a change of scenery? Here’s some of the best day trips from Nottingham if you start feeling the travel bug.
1. Derby
Only a bus ride away, the neighbouring city is one of the best day trips from Nottingham. A wonderful place to visit for culture, you can visit an array of museums and local heritage sites. Top cultural sites include the Museum of Making, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Derby Museum and Art Gallery. If this doesn’t interest you, top Derby things to do in shop at Derbion, explore sports at Derby Arena (close to iPro Stadium, or “Pride Park”) and stroll down the River Derwent.
2. Lincoln
In Nottingham, you’re a train away from a great day trip Lincoln. Once again, the small city is rich with heritage and history. Lincoln Cathedral, the main landmark of this small city, used to be the world’s tallest building for centuries. Did you know one of it’s former owner’s vital organs are kept in the building? Alongside Lincoln Castle, which keeps one of the four original copies of the Magna Carta, the city is perfect for any medieval history buffs and those who love to walk around beautiful sites.
3. Leicester
Another great day trip is Leicester, diversity sprawling across the city. One of the highlights is the Golden Mile, likened to an Indian Bazaar by one of our own writers! Leicester is also great for culture, but it’s also for some of the largest festivals in the UK. Here, you can find the largest Diwali celebrations outside of India as well as Leicester Comedy Festival, once again the largest and longest-running comedy festival in Europe. Don’t worry if you can’t attend these events, you will also be able to explore its other amazing attractions such as Twycross Zoo and the International Space Centre.
4. Birmingham
As the second largest city in England, Birmingham gives you a variety of attractions that makes it well worth a day trip. You can get a great shopping experience from the Bullring. If that isn’t your thing, some other top things to do include strolling along the canals and exploring Digbeth’s street art. If you’re looking for a thrilling day trip, why not go to Drayton Manor Resort? Take a train straight to Tamworth Station from Nottingham and catch a taxi. You’ll find that a return train ticket is typically £10!
5. Sheffield
Finally, one of my personal go-tos for a day trip, is Sheffield. The city is filled with many things to do, from its stunning botanical gardens to delicious street food at Peddler Market. A small hidden gem I love is Builder’s Brew Café, a small café where you can build Lego sets in a timeframe that you book prior to going. If you want to explore further out from the centre, Meadowhall is a tram ride away. This is a great day trip itself with its variety in stores, dining and entertainment venues. Another bonus is that Meadowhall is also easily accessible by train from Nottingham station!
But what if you want to go further?
Although cities I’ve mentioned are great day trips, I also found that going even further is always a great adventure. By taking advantage of student railcards and coachcards, you are able to travel to Manchester and London. Both of these great places to visit for the day if you plan right! My advice on these long-haul trips is to make sure you’re prepared. My extreme day trip to London for the day by coach started with a 7am coach ride and ended with an arrival time of 10pm! First year me doesn’t regret going despite the very long day and I recommend it to those who really want the adventure.
