One of the best ways to get through exams is to start thinking about how you’re going to celebrate afterwards! The timing of exams usually means you’re done in time for summer. So why not start planning how and where you’re going to enjoy the sun in Nottingham. But beyond sourcing the best happy hours in Nottingham, why not check out the best places to go to if you want to enjoy the sun in Nottingham while it lasts. We’ve rounded up 11 of the best spots, whether its for sunbathing, places to watch the sunset in Nottingham or simply relaxing away that post-exam stress.

1. Clifton Skate Park

Clifton Skate Park nottingham enjoy the sun in the city
If you like your relaxing with a side of danger, then head to Clifton Skate Park. There you will be able to see some of the best bikers and skaters risk grazed knees and broken bones in their bid to perfect the extreme sports. You don’t have to take part to enjoy the show! It’s a great place to enjoy the sun in Nottingham, as well as watching beautiful sunsets.

2. Highfields Park

Highfields Park nottingham

If you’re a Nottingham University student, you may be sick of the sight of the uni and want to give Highfields Park a big ol’ swerve. But for those of you who can still enjoy it, the beautiful green space is a wonderful place to relax and catch the sun in Nottingham after exams. If you’re feeling adventurous, rent a rowing boat or kayak and head out on the boating lake.

3. Wollaton Hall and Deer Park

Wollaton Hall and Deer Park enjoy the sun in nottingham

Stroll around the beautiful Wollaton Hall and its surrounding park for an afternoon of sheer bliss. The Grade I listed building (which was featured in the Batman film The Dark Knight Rises) is an absolute beauty, plus there’s the bonus of the free natural history museum within its chambers. Outside you will find around 90 red and 120 fallow deer roaming the grounds, which makes Wollaton Hall one of our favourite places in Nottingham to enjoy the sun after exams.

4. Playhouse Bar & Kitchen

Playhouse Bar & Kitchen Nottingham

If you really want to indulge, head to the Playhouse Bar & Kitchen to enjoy the sun after exams. The eatery attached to Nottingham Playhouse is a celebration of the finer things in life, in which you can enjoy an exquisite menu of snacks and meals while sitting next to Anish Kapoor’s Sky Mirror sculpture. Plus, if you’re into a drink or two, you can get your hands on some cracking locally brewed ale. The Playhouse Bar and Kitchen is one of the nicest places to watch the sunset in Nottingham – wine/beer in hand of course.

5. Secret Garden

Secret Garden Nottingham

There are many hidden gems in Nottingham, but Secret Garden has got to be one of our faves and one of the best places to enjoy the sun and watch the sunset after exams. The inner city wonder offers al fresco dining, great drinks and a chance to escape the madness of it all. Imagine a Hatter’s Tea Party but with less tea and more Prosecco. 

6. Bestwood Country Park

Bestwood Country Park Nottingham

After being contained in the library for so long, you will probably want to stretch your legs a bit. That’s why next on our list of the best places to enjoy the sun after exams in Nottingham is Bestwood Country Park. Head out to Bestwood Country Park where you will be able to get on the old fixed gear and explore the Nottingham section of National Cycle Network’s route 6. There’s plenty of space here to escape, so you could even bring a picnic and watch the sunset over Nottingham. 

7. National Water Sports Centre

 
 
 
 
 
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Getting wet in Nottingham… – – – – #kayaking #summer #whitewater #surfing #shefunilife

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There may be only one or two weeks a year when most of us are foolhardy enough to jump into outdoor waters, so make the most of it while you can. The National Water Sports Centre houses a canoe slalom course, rowing facilities and a water ski lagoon amongst many other fun activities, which makes it one of the best places to enjoy the sun after exams in Nottingham. 

8. Victoria Embankment

Victoria Embankment Nottingham

If you’d prefer somewhere a bit more gentle to enjoy the sun and watch the sunset, then there aren’t many better places than Nottingham’s Victoria Embankment. Stroll alongside the famous river Trent as you watch the narrowboats glide by and the ducks gently drift along. Bliss. It’s got a wholesome kind of feel, which after the stress of studying is actually what we need!

9. The Organ Grinder

The Organ Grinder Nottingham

The Organ Grinder is a winner all year round. During the winter you can enjoy its log fire and homely feel but during the summer it’s time to get yourself outside and enjoy the sun after exams. The pub boasts a quaint roof garden, which is great for daytime drinking with mates. Or get there just before sunset, where you can enjoy it with one of the finest selections of beers in Nottingham. 

10. Nottingham Arboretum

Nottingham Arboretum Nottingham

Nottingham’s oldest public park is also one of its finest parks and one of the best places to enjoy the sun after exams in Nottingham. The Arboretum is home to more than 800 trees of 65 species, the perfect place to sit back and reflect on the tough exam period. They say the natural layout of the park has remained relatively unchanged since its beginnings in the 1850s, giving you the chance to step back in time.

11. Holme Pierrepont Hall

Holme Pierrepont Hall Nottingham - best places to enjoy the sun in Nottingham and watch the sunset

Ten minutes from Nottingham city centre lies an architectural gem, a relic of a bygone age. Holme Pierrepont Hall was built in 1500 by Sir William Pierrepont (presumably not all by himself) and has been lived in by his descendants ever since. We all love to poke around other people’s houses and it doesn’t get much more interesting than this. So take a trip to Holme Pierrepont Hall – it’s one of the best places to enjoy the sun after exams in Nottingham.

For more places to enjoy the sun and escape the city, check out our day trip ideas from Nottingham! Now exams are done you’ve got the time to have lots of mini adventures!