Things to do in Nottingham

Nottingham is perfectly located within the East Midlands region. There’s lots to do here, whatever your length of your stay.  We are famous for our sporting venues, Nottingham Castle, Wollaton Hall and of course Robin Hood.

Although our venues are located within the University of Nottingham campus, we have easy links to the City centre. Similarly, if it’s peace and tranquility you are after, we have plenty of that too.

Below is a list of some of our top picks of things to do during your stay.

Lakeside Arts: Lakeside arts is a short 15 minute walk from the Orchard Hotel. There’s always lots to see, from art exhibitions to children’s theatre. See what’s currently on here.

Highfields park adventure golf: Pop over for a game or two of adventure golf at Highfields adventure golf. 

Campus walks: There are many walks, gardens and green spaces to enjoy on campus. Read the university’s garden guide and tree walk here.

David Ross: All our hotel guests have complimentary use of the gym at David Ross. You will need to book in advance at reception before use.

Spokes Cafe: Relax and enjoy some lunch at Spokes and sit by the lake on our Jubilee Campus.

Active Trails: Explore the Active Trail, a 1.7mile journey around University Park Campus connected by five separate workstations, which is open for anyone to use for free. 

Beeston Marina: The Beeston Marina is a long-standing and well established marina. It caters for over 100 moorers and there’s the Riverside Bar and Boathouse Cafe on site for food and drink. 

Canalside Heritage Centre: The Canalside Heritage Centre is a vibrant hub for visitors to enjoy and explore, with an enticing tearoom, welcoming gift shop and interpretation centre, as well as tranquil gardens and lots of activities to delight in.

Beeston Town Centre: Just a short walk or tram ride away, Beeston town centre offers a diverse mix of shops, cafes, bars, and a recently opened cinema. So if you don’t fancy the hustle and bustle of the city centre, this is the place to go.

Wollaton Hall: Visit the famous Wollaton Hall, only a 15 minute drive away from the Orchard Hotel. Built in the 1580s, and dubbed “the architectural sensation of its age”, Wollaton Hall has been home to industrialists, barons and Batman. Enjoy a walk around the gardens, spot some deer or take a tour. 

Highfields park: The loveliest part of the Highfields is the esplanade beside the boating lake, with a balustrade and view across to the university’s Trent Building.

Nottingham Castle: One of the most famous attractions in Nottingham. Nottingham Castle’s story began in 1068, when William the Conqueror ordered the construction of a castle at Nottingham, as he aimed to fortify Norman power over central and northern England. The Castle began life as a wooden motte-and-bailey, before being developed into an imposing stone fortress. The structure has been destroyed and rebuilt throughout its tumultuous history. 

Shops & Restaurants: There are a range of shops and restaurants to suit everyone’s needs. The best place to discover all Nottingham has to offer is Visit Nottinghamshire.

Motorpoint Arena: Relish in a night of entertainment at a concert, ice hockey game or some stand-up comedy. 

Theatre Royal & Royal Concert Hall: Are musicals and theatre your thing? Then this is the place for you.

National Ice Centre: Take your family to ice skate or join one of the disco skating sessions here.  The National Ice Centre is famous for being the training ground for British ice dancers Torvill and Dean, and is where ice hockey team Nottingham Panthers play. 

National Justice Museum: You’re in the right place for an amazing adventure. See remarkable spaces, exhibits and learning experiences at the National Justice Museum.

Nottingham Contemporary: An elegant building sunk into a sandstone cliff with modern art galleries, a learning area, and a cafe.

City of Caves: Soak up the extraordinary atmosphere of the ancient caves carved deep beneath Nottingham’s city centre.

The City Ground: Located just outside the city centre in West Bridgford is the home of Nottingham Forest football club. The team have played their home games at the City Ground since 1898.

Meadow Lane: Meadow Lane has been the home ground of Notts County football club since 1910, and is a short 10 minute walk from Nottingham train station.

Trent Bridge Nottingham: Home to Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club, Notts Outlaws, Trent Rockets and The Blaze, Trent Bridge is the third oldest Test venue in the world. 

Sherwood Forest: Home to the legend Robin Hood, take a walk around Sherwood Forest to witness The Major Oak (thought to be the biggest oak tree in Britain) and learn all of Robin Hood’s story. 

Newstead Abbey: If you need some inspiration for a day out, the ancestral home of the poet Lord Byron is 10 miles north of Nottingham. The 12th-century Augustinian abbey was dissolved during the Reformation in the 16th century and turned into a country house right after.

Attenborough Nature Reserve: Established in 1966, the reserve was opened by Sir David Attenborough. This much loved site is best known for its birds, with over 250 species recorded, but also provides a home for hundreds of species of plant and insects.