Free Days Out

Nottingham was ranked number one for the ‘Best Value City Break’ in August 2017 by TripAdvisor!

Throughout Nottinghamshire you can enjoy a wide range of things to do without actually spending a single penny.

Art galleries such as Nottingham Contemporary, New Art Exchange, and The Harley Gallery are all completely free, as are many of our country parks and legendary heritage attractions such as Sherwood Forest, Wollaton Hall, Bennerley Viaduct and Creswell Crags. Whether you are looking for an affordable UK break, a cheap day out with the family, or travelling on a shoestring budget, the county is yours to explore! Alternatively, check out our list of top 10 things to do under £10.

Please note: some attractions may charge for parking, so it is advisable that you research into this before any visit. 

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Explore Nature

1. Sherwood Forest

Once part of a royal hunting forest, Sherwood Forest National Nature Reserve covers 450 acres and incorporates some truly ancient areas of native woodland. Slender birch trees grow alongside more than one thousand veteran oaks, most of which are over 500 years old, including the 800 year old Major Oak, which is said to have been Robin Hood's hideout. In summer 2018 a new visitor centre was opened by the RSPB, presenting information about the history of the forest.

Parking at the Visitor Centre is a flat £5 for anything up to a whole day – simply pay at the machines using cash or card when you arrive, and display the ticket in your car. You can also use PaybyPhone at anytime during your visit. If you are a member, you can display your membership card on your dashboard to receive free parking.

For more Nature Reserves, click here. You can also access many Country Parks and Gardens around Nottinghamshire for free, though some may have parking charges. 

2. Chill With The Deer at Wollaton Hall

You can easily spend a day roaming the grounds of this stunning parkland, which is home to herds of free roaming deer. You may recognise the 16th century mansion from 2012’s Batman film The Dark Knight Rises, in which it starred at the gothic Wayne Manor. Not only housing the city's Natural History Museum, the courtyard stables are home to Nottingham Industrial Museum.

Entry to the park, hall and museums is completely FREE, but car parking charges apply. Some events are by paid admission, such as the Steaming Days at the Industrial Museum (adult ticket only £6). Please note that additional charges may apply for optional extras such as tours, events and activities in the grounds.

3. Go Back in Time at Creswell Crags

The world famous Creswell Crags dates back 10,000 to 50,000 years and is home to Britain’s only known Ice Age cave art. The peaceful lake is surrounded by a limestone gorge which is dotted with caves and information on the archaeological findings that have been discovered there. This is an ideal place for families to visit or a relaxing walk or picnic, with lots more to do and see!

* Please note, there is no charge to visit Creswell Crags site, shop or coffee shop, or to walk around the lake and gorge. however, there is a £6 charge for all day parking, or £4 for 3 hours. Charges are made for the exhibition at £3 for an adult, £2 for concessions and children go free. The cave tours start from £10 per person for a public group tour, but private tours are also available.

5. Take on the Nottingham Trail

Want to make sure you don’t miss anything? Download and print the Nottingham Trail map or view it on the Guidigo app to see some of Nottingham’s most iconic landmarks and learn some fascinating facts about the city. From castles to caves, pubs to prisons and mirrors to masterpieces, there’s so much to see in Nottingham. The walk takes between 1-2 hours depending on your pace.

Click here for more tour and trail ideas, including free walking and cycling trails.

Enjoy A Free Event

Nottingham is host to over two dozen festivals each year, bringing theatre, live music, poetry, food, drink and more to the county. Throughout the summer there are free events almost every weekend in Nottingham, including live music festivals, cultural events like Nottingham Pride, brass bands, and more.

Other free annual events such as Nottingham Mela, Riverside Festival, Goose Fair, Robin Hood Pageant, Nottingham Green Festival, Nottingham Poetry Festival and Nottingham Carnival take place in and around the city throughout the year and are free to attend. Additional charges are optional, such as grabbing a drink or a bite to eat - you have to try the minty mushy peas at Goose Fair!

To explore our full list of free events, click here. Or check out our What's On guide to find more fun things to do on the Notts calendar.

Experiences

1. Take In The View at Green's Windmill 

Climb the levels of Green's Windmill and see award winning organic flour being made. Find out about the life and work of George Green, the famous 19th century mathematician, test your minds with fun hands-on puzzles and experiments, or relax on the grass below to get a great view of Nottingham and the valley of the River Trent. Enjoy FREE admission when they are open from Wednesday - Sunday from 10am to 4pm. They often run seasonal events with either voluntary donations or for a small fee, under £10.

2. Explore Bennerley Viaduct

The astonishing Iron Giant of the Erewash Valley. Bennerley Viaduct is a survivor from the age of steam and coal, the longest Victorian wrought iron viaduct still standing in the UK. Given a new lease of life in 2022, the viaduct is now open for walking and cycling, and visitors are invited to enjoy the views from the deck and explore nature on the path underneath.

3. Stonebridge City Farm

Stonebridge City Farm offers a rural escape in the heart of Nottingham City, providing a free-entry experience that welcomes visitors every day. The farm, along with its gardens, is designed to be fully accessible, catering to individuals of all ages, including those with prams and wheelchairs. Visitors can encounter a diverse range of animals at the farm, such as cows, pigs, sheep, goats, ponies, rabbits, and the notable Kevin the tortoise. 

4. Explore our Exhibitions and Galleries

Many of our art galleries are free to browse, and some even offer free guided tours. Discover the likes of Nottingham Contemporary, Bonington Gallery and the New Art Exchange and enjoy a day amongst some of the best galleries in the East Midlands.

Click here to learn more about our art galleries and their current exhibitions.

5. Vineyard and Nature Self Guided Trail

Take time out to enjoy nature follow our trail around the Hanwell Wine Estate vineyard and lake, less than 1km, a leisurely 30 mins stroll. The Vineyard and Nature Self Guided Trail leaflet is available free of charge from the Rural Antics Barn or Lodge lobby or online here Self Guided Trail Guide. Be sure to check their open hours before travelling. Afterwards why not take a seat on the terrace and enjoy a glass of local wine, fresh coffee and seasonal vegetarian lunch, cheeseboard or slice of cake?

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