If you have chosen this marvellous city for your next study holiday, this guide will help you decide what to do in Nottingham to make the most of your free time! While the students are in lessons or taking part in sports and leisure activities, you could enjoy exploring the city for yourself.
Nottingham is well worth visiting, both for its historical and architectural landmarks and for the cultural energy that runs through the city. It is lively, welcoming and full of character, with plenty to discover at every turn.
Best known as the home of Robin Hood, the famous outlaw of Sherwood Forest, Nottingham sits in the heart of England’s East Midlands. The city is home to a historic castle, an Elizabethan country house, underground caves, a major theatre and a contemporary arts scene, so there is plenty here for anyone interested in history and culture.
Nottingham is easy to reach from many parts of the UK thanks to its central location. The nearest major airport is East Midlands Airport, and the city is also well connected by train and coach from London, Manchester and other major cities.
With a population of well over 300,000, Nottingham is a busy city in Nottinghamshire with a very good public transport network, both during the day and in the evening. In many cases, there is no need for a car, and taxis are usually easy to find if you want a more direct way to get around.
What to visit in Nottingham
Few people realise that Old Market Square is one of the largest public squares in the UK. This famous square is the heart of the city, and it is dominated by the impressive Council House, an early twentieth-century building topped by its distinctive dome.
Old Market Square is a real focal point of everyday life in Nottingham. In warmer weather, the fountains bring people in to cool off, and throughout the year the square hosts markets, seasonal events and public celebrations. It is also surrounded by shops, cafés and bars, which makes it a great place to begin the day.
The city’s visitor information services are nearby too, which is useful if you need extra help during your stay.
Another must-see is Nottingham Castle, which stands on Castle Rock above the city. The site has a history stretching back almost 1,000 years, and today it combines historic grounds, exhibitions and galleries with stories linked to rebellion, royalty and Robin Hood.
Just a short walk from the castle, you can also stop for a photo with the statue of Robin Hood, the legendary archer who remains one of the city’s most famous symbols.
Nottingham is also known for its caves. Beneath the streets lies an extensive underground network that has helped give the city its nickname, the City of Caves. Today, visitors can explore part of this hidden world and learn more about the role these caves have played in Nottingham’s past.
What to do in Nottingham
The Lace Market was once at the centre of Britain’s lace industry, and today it remains one of Nottingham’s most interesting historic districts. Its handsome red-brick buildings now house shops, restaurants, bars and creative businesses, giving the area a strong sense of identity.
Together with nearby Hockley, the Lace Market forms one of the oldest parts of the city. It is the kind of place where it is worth slowing down and walking without too much of a plan, simply taking in the streets, the architecture and the independent atmosphere.
This is also where you will find the National Justice Museum, based in a former courthouse and gaol. It is one of the city’s most distinctive attractions and gives you a different view of Nottingham’s past.
Right next to the Lace Market is Hockley, Nottingham’s bohemian quarter. Its Victorian buildings are home to a wide mix of independent businesses, from tattoo studios and record shops to second-hand bookshops and vintage clothing stores.
One of Hockley’s best-known cultural venues is Broadway Cinema, a long-established centre for independent film, art and creative events. The area also hosts festivals and celebrations throughout the year, including the city’s Pride events.
No trip to Nottingham feels complete without a visit to Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, often described as one of the oldest inns in England. Tucked beneath the castle and built into the rock, it is one of the city’s most unusual and memorable pubs.
Inside, the rooms are full of character, with cosy corners and historic features that make the place feel wonderfully old. It is the kind of pub where you can easily imagine centuries of stories lingering in the walls while you sit down with a drink.
For something a little different, you could also stop by Pitcher & Piano, a bar set inside a converted church. The setting alone makes it worth a visit.
If you want an evening of entertainment, Nottingham Playhouse is one of the city’s leading venues. Located a short walk from Old Market Square, it hosts theatre, comedy, music and dance performances throughout the year.
Not far from the city centre, you will also find the Arboretum, Nottingham’s oldest public park. It is a lovely place for a quieter afternoon, with mature trees, open green space and a calmer atmosphere away from the busiest parts of the city.
The surrounding area
A little further out, Wollaton Hall and Deer Park is one of the most beautiful places to visit near Nottingham. This striking Elizabethan house stands within a large parkland estate and is surrounded by walking routes, gardens, open lawns and wide views across the area.
It is particularly popular with visitors who want to enjoy some green space without going far from the city. One of its best-known features is the deer park, where herds of deer still roam across the grounds, making it an especially good place for photos.
If you enjoy parks and outdoor spaces, Nottingham gives you plenty of choice. The Arboretum, the Embankment and Colwick Park are all within the city area, while nearby Sherwood Forest, forever linked with Robin Hood, is well worth considering if you have more time.
About half an hour north of Nottingham by bus, you can visit Newstead Abbey, the former home of Lord Byron. The house and grounds remain closely associated with the poet, and the estate is a peaceful and atmospheric place to spend part of the day.
Inside, you can learn more about Byron’s life and see rooms and objects connected to his time there. Outside, the gardens are just as appealing, with old trees, landscaped grounds, water features and a mix of formal and more romantic planting.
All in all, Nottingham is a city with a great deal to offer. It combines history, culture, entertainment and green space in a way that makes it especially appealing for a group study holiday in England. For students up to the age of 17, it is a destination where language learning can sit naturally alongside free time, excursions and enjoyable moments away from the classroom.
