9 of the best day trips from Nottingham

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!

6. Melton Mowbray

This is another fun and interesting city that could make a great option for day trips from Nottingham. It’s especially one to check out if you’re a foodie. Melton Mowbray is famous for its Melton Pork Pies, as well as its food markets every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday. It’s quite easy to reach from Nottingham, as it’s about 50 minutes on the train (changing at Leicester) or 35 minutes by car from the city centre. There are also specific food festivals, including the UK Piefest at the end of July, the East Midlands food festival at the beginning of October and ChocFest in mid-November. 

How to get to Melton Mowbray

To reach Melton Mowbray, start on the A60 south from Nottingham, then switch to the A606 west. You’ll pass through some beautiful countryside on this short trip. The journey is approximately 20 miles and should take you about 40 minutes without traffic.

7. Grantham

The shortest of the trips, Grantham is a small market town 30 minutes by train and 45 minutes by car away from Nottingham’s city centre. Grantham is known for a number of different things, including being the birthplace of Maggie Thatcher, the site of Isaac Newton’s discovery of gravity and gingerbread biscuits. No matter what you’re interested in, Grantham will provide a fun and unique day trip from Nottingham. 

How to get to Grantham

Head east out of Nottingham on the A52. This route will take you directly to Grantham, passing through the charming town of Bingham along the way. The journey is about 25 miles and should take you around 45 minutes without traffic.

8. Sherwood Forest

One of the most notable things about Nottinghamshire as a whole is Sherwood Forest thanks to its association with Robin Hood. Located in Mansfield, to the north of the city centre, it takes about an hour to get to the forest both by car and by public transport. At the forest, aside from being able to walk through it, there are a number of different events that take place. This includes archery, outdoor cinema and the Robin Hood festival from the 4th to the 6th of August. 

How to get to Sherwood Forest

To experience the legendary Sherwood Forest, drive north from Nottingham on the A60. After about 20 miles, you’ll see signs for Sherwood Forest. The journey should take you around 40 minutes without traffic. Nottingham is blessed by being easily connected to many different cities, making day trips that much more doable. Plus, if you don’t have a car you can still venture around by using public transport. Alternatively, why not take advantage of Nottingham’s abundant things to do with our guide to living in the city as a student.

9. Peak District

If you’re in need of some nature, the Peak District is not that far away from Nottingham. It’s only just over an hour from the city centre by car, although it’s about 3 hours on public transport as you have to get a train then a bus. But, once you’re there, it’s worth it. You can walk along the many trails across the centre, go cycling or even horseback riding through its varied landscapes. If you want to make it more than a day trip, you can even go camping on site. 

How to get to the Peak District

Start your journey on the A52 west from Nottingham. Continue on this road until you reach Derby, then switch to the A6 north. This scenic drive will take you straight into the heart of the Peak District, with its breathtaking landscapes and charming villages. The journey is approximately 60 miles and will take you about 1.5 hours without traffic.

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.