Ten things to do for under £10

Whether you are visiting Nottingham for a day, travelling on a budget, or looking for an affordable day out with friends and family, there's lots of great attractions to check out without breaking the bank. Here are some of our favourites.

Please note that the prices listed below may vary and we always reccomend you checking the most up to date prices with the venue directly before your visit.

We have also rounded-up some fantastic free things to do here.

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1. Lose Track of Time at the Museum of Timekeeping

Established in 1994, the Museum of Timekeeping cares for a unique collection of artefacts at the home of the British Horological Institute in the picturesque village of Upton, located between Newark and Southwell in Nottinghamshire. You can expect to explore amazing exhibits including the watch worn by Captain Scott on his ill-fated polar expedition of 1912. You can also discover more about early timekeeping devices including turret and lantern clocks, and hear the voice of the General Post Office’s first Speaking Clock via the original machine itself.

During your visit you can also explore the grounds and grand rooms of the beautiful, grade II listed Upton Hall which is home to the Museum. You can also discover more about the long, rich history of the Museum of Timekeeping and its members, who have promoted the study and practice of clock and watchmaking since their foundation in 1858.

The museum is open to visitors during seasonal summer opening hours from May through to September, on our special event days, or through privately booked tours.

2. Try some local produce at Hanwell Wine Estate

Set amongst the rolling countryside of South Nottinghamshire, the vines of Hanwell Wine Estate are being hand-tended to grow grapes for English Sparkling Wine. Their Cafe Bar is open from 11am - 4pm on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays May - September, where you can enjoy a refreshing glass of any of their their wines for less than £10. Their range includes sparkling, white, red, rose and sweet wines, meaning there's something for everyone no matter the palate.

3. Learn About our Unique History

A visit to The National Civil War Centre will plunge you deep into the heart of Britain’s deadliest conflict. Explore this richly dramatic era in British history, seeing stories of gunpowder, plague and plot as you walk through our fantastic galleries. Discover for yourself the clash between Roundhead and Royalist, brother and brother, and learn how a once all-powerful monarch lost his head to the axeman. Admission is now FREE for Newark and Sherwood residents. For other visitors, entry is £8 for adults and £4 for children. English Heritage members receive a further 30% off admission. 

The award-winning Framework Knitters Museum is one of the only places left in the country where you’ll find the working and living conditions of this important, contentious and dangerous industry perfectly preserved for you to experience and explore. You can expect to pay £9 per adult, or £3 for a child (aged 5 to 17), with concessionary and family rates also available. Children under 5 go free.

4. Take a Guided Tour of Nottingham

Fancy learning a little more about Nottingham’s fantastic history and culture? Grab some comfy shoes and get exploring with one of our expert guided tours!

Go at your own pace and follow the quirky and treasure hunt style self-guided heritage walks of Curious About with trails available for Nottingham, Newark and Southwell! Get an instant download to your mobile for only £7.49. Enter discount code: VisitNotts25 at checkout for a 25% discount on all purchases!

If none of these suit, why not download the free Guidigo Nottingham Trail App to find key locations for an exploration around the City? 

Click here for more tours and trails.

5. Have Fun & Games                                   

The Lost City Adventure Golf is a hugely popular adventure golf course within Nottingham's Cornerhouse, and a definite winner that is available rain or shine. Towering ancient wall with writhing snakes and moving rocks transport players into a lost world of epic adventure where they can discover their inner ‘Indiana Jones’ and test their putting skills at the same time. You can get an 18 hole pass for £10, with student, family and concession prices also available for a lower price. 

Kids will also love Funstation, also located in The Cornerhouse, which has bowling lanes, air hockey and lots of chances to win prizes! They have a unique cashless system which allows you to load money onto a card - no need for coins!

6. Quench Your Thirst

Enjoy a pint of local ale in Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, one of England's oldest pubs. Built into the rugged rock on which Nottingham Castle stands, this pub is of authentic character and packed with historical information. Having been serving ales since 1240 AD, they know a thing or two about what makes a good pint!

A popular Greene King pub, you can expect to get a sandwich and a drink for under £10 per person, but prices may vary.

7. Check Out Nottingham’s Subterranean World

One of Nottingham's most unique features is not immediately visible when wandering around, but certainly fascinating to discover. Built upon soft sandstone rock, throughout the centuries a plethora of over 800 caves were carved under the city's streets, with a great number of buildings featuring their own caves beneath. To learn more about this curious underground world, check out Nottingham's prime cave museum at City of Caves.

Adult tickets are £9.63 and under 5s go free. There are student, family and over 60s discounts so make sure to check their website for the full info. For more information on Nottingham's caves, please click here.

8. Laugh Along with MissImp

Since 1998, MissImp has been Nottingham’s home for improvised comedy theatre (or “improv”), putting on shows, courses, and weekly workshops to give everyone in Nottingham the opportunity to have fun, get on stage and perform! They host a variety of events throughout the year, often under £10. Visit their website or browse our What's On Calendar to find their upcoming events.

9. Budget Friendly Events

Nottingham is host to countless events each year, bringing festivals, theatre, live music, poetry, food, drink and more to the county. Throughout the year you can expect to find free and low-cost events such as live music festivals, cultural events like Nottingham Pride, brass bands, exhibitions, tours and more. Check out our What's On guide to find more fun things to do on the Notts calendar.

10. Take In The View

You can access the stunning grounds of Newstead Abbey and its gardens with all day parking for £6. A beautiful historic house set in a glorious landscape of gardens and parkland within the heart of our county, it was founded as a monastic house in the late 12th century before it was home to the poet Lord Byron between 1808 - 1814. The grounds are the perfect place to enjoy a picnic or walk, and you can explore the inside the Abbey with a seperate admission ticket.

You can also access many Country Parks and Gardens around Nottinghamshire for free, though some may have parking charges. You'll be able to see stunning views and enjoy idyllic walks or a picnic with your loved ones, all for under £10.

Find the perfect picnic spots in Nottinghamshire here.