8 budget-friendly things to do in Nottingham
Sarah Marsh - May 30, 2019
Whether you’re new to the area or just fancy a trip out, there are plenty of things to do in Nottingham. Don’t worry about sticking to a student budget – our favourite attractions cost next to nothing!
Green’s Mill
A restored and working windmill, complete with a science centre and community gardens. It stands in Green’s Mill Park, just outside Nottingham city centre. Entry is free regardless of whether you wander around the park, head to the science centre, or climb up the windmill! There’s a great view across Nottingham if you make it to the top.
- From Avalon Court: 0.9 miles / 18-minute walk
- From Maid Marian House: 1.1 miles / 23-minute walk
- From Bard House: 1.2 miles / 24-minute walk
- From Minerva House: 1.1 miles / 23-minute walk
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Stonebridge City Farm
Escape the bustle of the city centre – or the library – and head to Stonebridge City Farm. It’s a working farm, complete with allotment and herb gardens. You can even taste the produce in the cafe on-site. Grab a bag of feed and spend some time with the animals – it’s a great way to manage any term-time stress! Entry is free, but donations are encouraged to keep the farm running.
- From Avalon Court: 0.6 miles / 12-minute walk
- From Maid Marian House: 1.1 miles / 22-minute walk
- From Bard House: 0.9 miles / 18-minute walk
- From Minerva House: 1.1 miles / 22-minute walk
National Justice Museum
Turn off the criminal documentaries and head down to the National Justice Museum. Student entry costs £9.95 – the priciest on our list – but it’s arguably well worth it. The museum explores the history of law, crime, justice, and punishment with thousands of key archives and objects. The building itself is a part of the history – courts, prisons, and even executions were housed on-site.
- From Avalon Court: 0.4 miles / 8-minute walk
- From Maid Marian House: 0.4 miles / 8-minute walk
- From Bard House: 0.6 miles / 12-minute walk
- From Minerva House: 0.4 miles / 8-minute walk
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City of Caves
Nottingham is famous for its ancient hidden caves – but did you know they’re right underneath your feet when you walk around the city centre? The City of Caves offers tours of the cave network, packed with stories about their history. Student tickets cost just £6.95, but you can buy joint tickets with the National Justice Museum for £14. Exploring the caves is a great way to escape the city for a couple of hours – and you might struggle to find somewhere else quite like it!
- From Avalon Court: 0.4 miles / 8-minute walk
- From Maid Marian House: 0.4 miles / 8-minute walk
- From Bard House: 0.6 miles / 12-minute walk
- From Minerva House: 0.4 miles / 8-minute walk
Wollaton Park
A 500-acre area of stunning parkland, Wollaton Park offers a relaxing library-free day for you and your friends. It’s home to around 200 deer, two museums, and an Edwardian country house – as well as gardens, lakes, cafes, and shops. There’s plenty to see and do. Entry to the park is free, but some of the attractions are ticketed. The Nottingham Industrial and Natural History museums are located here – both of which are well worth a visit. Batman fans might even recognise the main house, Wollaton Hall – it starred as Wayne Manor in the Dark Knight film trilogy.
- From Nottingham city centre: 3 miles / 20-minute bus journey
- From the University of Nottingham: 0.7 miles / 15-minute walk
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National Ice Centre
Ice skating is a great way to get some exercise and blow off some steam. Nottingham’s National Ice Centre is just a short walk from the city centre and hosts public sessions throughout the week – for all abilities. Student entry to these events is just £5, but you might pay a bit more for a specific event or session.
- From Avalon Court: 0.4 miles / 8-minute walk
- From Maid Marian House: 0.6 miles / 12-minute walk
- From Bard House: 0.7 miles / 15-minute walk
- From Minerva House: 0.6 miles / 11-minute walk
Sherwood Forest
Home to the legend of Robin Hood, Sherwood Forest is a must-see while you’re in Nottingham. It’s roughly six miles out of the city centre, so getting the bus or driving up might be the best option. Woodland trails are marked across the forest to explore at your own pace. Or you can join one of the many events hosted throughout the year – you might need to book in advance, though.
- Six miles from Nottingham city centre: 20-minute drive / 40-minute bus journey
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Nottingham Contemporary
Nottingham Contemporary showcases a huge collection of international art, performance, and film. It also hosts a variety of events, talks, and educational sessions. Different exhibitions take place throughout the year – each intending to encourage conversation about cultures and societies worldwide. Entry is free, but some events and exhibits may be ticketed.
- From Avalon Court: 0.4 miles / 8-minute walk
- From Maid Marian House: 0.3 miles / 7-minute walk
- From Bard House: 0.5 miles / 11-minute walk
- From Minerva House: 0.3 miles / 6-minute walk