8 awesome free things to do in Nottingham

The city of Nottingham is a place of contrasts. On the one hand, Nottingham is perfect for a city break with its vibrant nightlife, renowned restaurants, must-see cultural attractions and quality shopping areas. However, nestled into the heart of leafy Nottinghamshire, the city is also surrounded by historical sites, nature reserves and parkland with plenty of walking and cycling trails for a great day out in the great outdoors. When both sides of the city come together, they produce a well rounded, fun filled camping holiday with enough free attractions and activities to satisfy the fussiest of visitors. Here are just eight awesome free things to do in Nottingham and the surrounding county.

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1. Attenborough Nature Centre

Situated on the outskirts of the city, this award winning nature centre and reserve is great for visitors of all ages. Opened by Sir David Attenborough in 2005, the site has provided a wild and peaceful retreat to those living in the surrounding urban areas. Come to the visitor centre to learn, explore and relax from 9am to 5pm every weekday or from 9m to 6pm over a weekend.

2. Goose Fair

Although the name may suggest this event is a quaint country occasion, in reality Nottingham’s Goose Fair is a vibrant and lively funfair held during the first week of October at the Forest Recreational Ground. The fair, which dates back more than 700 years, is now considered to be one of the biggest and most prestigious fairs in the UK with more than 100 adult rides and exhibitions for thrill seekers.

3. Green’s Windmill

Green’s Windmill and Science Centre is a popular tourist attraction found in Sneinton. The restored 19th century tower windmill is still in working order today and now stands as a symbol of Nottingham’s history through the centuries. Today, visitors of all ages can learn about the valuable work of scientist and mathematician George Green, the son of the founder of the Windmill, before rambling around the surrounding countryside to seek out some more treasures.

4. Lace Market

The Lace Market is a quarter mile square within the heart of the city which is dedicated to Nottingham’s past lace-making industry. Over the years, the quaint cobbled streets and historic buildings have been surrounded by restaurants, bars, museums, shops and tea rooms. Impressive examples of industrial architecture still stand in this protected heritage area alongside the modernised hub.

5. Nottingham Contemporary

The Nottingham Contemporary, situated in Nottingham’s old Lace Market district, is one of the largest contemporary art centres in the UK. The centre is home to an eclectic array of art exhibitions, film screenings and talks from prestigious figures across its 3,000 square metre floor area. There is also an elegant artist-designed café to rest tired feet. The venue is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10am.

6. Sherwood Forest Art and Craft Centre

Discover some fine British crafts, including paintings, prints, blown glass, gemstones and textiles, in this converted coach house and stables in the center of the ancient Sherwood Forest. After looking around the exhibitions, you can then venture out into the forest to partake in some Nordic walking or longbow archery.

7. Southwell Minster

Also known as the Cathedral of Nottinghamshire, the Southwell Minster is an impressive example of Norman and early English architecture. One of its most beautiful features is the 13th century Chapter House with some of the finest carvings in the country. This free attraction is open every day with an audio visual centre and a small shop to enjoy.

8. Wollaton Hall and Park

This stunning Elizabethan mansion and surrounding parkland is a welcome beauty spot in Nottingham. Built in 1588, the building is a fine example of flamboyant English Renaissance architecture. Today, the hall and parkland is home to the city’s Natural History Museum with more than 750,000 zoological, geological and botanical specimens. Alongside this cultural highlight, visitors can also wander around the hall’s period rooms which include the Tudor kitchens and Regency Dining Room.

As this guide demonstrates, you do not need to fork out a lot of cash to have a great time in Nottingham. If you are keen to look around the attractions above, a selection of campsites can be found just outside the city centre between Lenton in the west and Sneinton to the east.