Things to do for under £10

Family Favourites

One

Visit the Attenborough Nature Centre.  This is an award winning eco-friendly visitor attraction surrounded by the tranquil waters of the beautiful Attenborough Nature Reserve.  The centre has activities throughout the year for people of all ages. 

Two

Visit the world famous archaeological site – Creswell Crags, set in a limestone gorge with caves and a lake.  It is home to Britain’s only known Ice Age cave art.  There is plenty to see and do, whether you want a relaxing picnic or a walk and is an ideal place for families to visit.  There is no charge to visit Creswell Crags site or to walk around the lake and gorge. It is also free to visit the shop and coffee shop. There is a £2 charge for all day parking.  Charges are made for the exhibition and Cave Tours.

All action

Three

Get wrapped up to brave the cold. Take to the Olympic Rink at the National Ice Centre in Hockley. Admission is only £5.00 with an NUS card (apart from theme parties) - you also benefit from free skate hire. The university shop may also be stocking NIC discount booklets – check these out for even cheaper entry!

Four

Dare to take The Nottingham Ghost Walk? They’re held every Saturday at 7pm (except in December) and start at the Salutation Inn. The walk takes in the oldest parts of the city near the Castle. There’ll be stories of ghosts, a bit of history, details of gory executions, and visit to a graveyard. You’ll end up back at the Inn in the haunted caves beneath. (£5.00 adults).

Lounging around

Five

Sample a cocktail (or two) at Saltwater. At the top of The Cornerhouse, the rooftop terrace offers some of the best views of the city. Watch the sun go down in style with cocktails from £4.50. Or take the weight off your feet at Lee Rosy’s Tea Shop – with over 100 varieties of loose leaf tea to choose from, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Six

Feeling thirsty? Enjoy a pint in Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, Britain's oldest pub, serving ales since 1189 AD. Spot the black painted wall on the right near the stairway to the upstairs lounge. This area houses the Chimney Alcove, featuring a breathtaking chimney that once emerged through the top of the rock beneath the walls of Nottingham Castle, reputedly having a secret entrance to the network of caves that joined up with Mortimer’s Room. Take a cellar tour and hear all about the pub’s history for £2.50 per person. And don’t miss the "Olde Trip" Sausage & Mash, a tasty treat at £5.25.

Olde worlde

Seven

Check out Nottingham’s underground. Nottingham Castle, a 17th century ducal mansion, is most famous for its position high up on the Castle Rock. But you can also explore the mediaeval caves underneath, including Mortimer’s Hole. A joint ticket for entry to the Castle’s museum and art gallery, along with The Museum of Nottingham Life at Brewhouse Yard, costs £5.50 (adult).

Eight

Go deer spotting at Wollaton Hall. The stunning parkland is home to herds of free roaming deer. The 16^th century building houses the city's Natural History Museum. And the Courtyard Stables are home to an Industrial Museum, Steam Engine House, Visitor Centre and the Yard Gallery, which hosts natural history and science exhibitions. Free entry to the park, Hall & museums. Car parking charge of £2 for 3 hours or £4 per day applies.  Please note that additional charges may apply for some tours, events and activities.

Green and pleasant

Nine

Unmissable outdoor events. There are free events almost every weekend during the summer at the Arboretum, including live music festivals, Nottingham Pride, brass bands, etc. Other annual events such as Nottingham Mela, Riverside Festival, Goose Fair, Robin Hood Pageant, and Nottingham Carnival take place in and around the city throughout the year. Check out our ‘What’s on’ guide to find out more. 

Ten 

Pack a picnic and visit Greens Windmill. Climb the levels of this working windmill and see award winning organic flour being made. This windmill is set high on a ridge with great views of Nottingham and the valley of the River Trent. Find out about the life and work of George Green, the famous 19^th century mathematician. Test your minds with fun hands-on puzzles and experiments. Free admission, open Thursday - Sunday.