Nottingham is perfectly located within the East Midlands region with plenty of things to do and days out to enjoy, whatever the length of your stay. We’re famous for Nottingham Castle, Wollaton Hall, our sporting venues, and, of course, Robin Hood.

Planning a trip to Nottingham soon? We’ve put together a list of top picks of things to do in Nottingham, all easily accessible from our hotels via the tram and buses.

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.

Bramleys Restaurant: Located within The Orchard Hotel, Bramleys offers seasonal flavours, relaxed surroundings, and moments worth sharing. Perfect for graduations and birthdays, offering exclusive offers [Save 10% with a valid tram ticket (Sun-Thu) or 20% with a UoN staff ID].

Highfields Park Adventure Golf: Pop over for a game or two of adventure golf at Highfields Adventure Golf – ideal for families looking for a fun day out in Nottingham. 

David Ross: All of our hotel guests have complimentary use of the gym at David Ross Sports Village (book in advance at reception before use). In 2026, David Ross will play host to major events like the World Indoor Hockey Masters and World Masters Ultimate Club Championships.

Spokes Cafe: Relax and enjoy some freshly-made lunch or brunch at Spokes, and enjoy it by the lake on our Jubilee Campus.

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

Beeston Marina: The Beeston Marina is a long-standing and well-established tourist destination. It caters for over 100 moorers, with the Riverside Bar and Boathouse Cafe providing food and drink on-site.

Canalside Heritage Centre: The Canalside Heritage Centre is a vibrant hub for visitors to enjoy and explore, with a tearoom, gift shop and interpretation centre, as well as tranquil gardens.

Wollaton Hall and Deer Park: Visit the famous Wollaton Hall, only a 15-minute drive away from The Orchard Hotel. Built in the 1580s, it was the filming location for Wayne Manor in Batman: The Dark Knight Rises. In 2026, it hosts the Splendour Festival (July 18–19) and Summer in Nashville (May 31). Enjoy a walk around the gardens, spot some deer or take a tour.

Highfields Park:  A gorgeous park with a boating lake, with views across to the university’s Trent Building. Perfect for a relaxed day out near Nottingham. 

Beeston Town Centre: Just a short walk or tram ride away from our hotels, Beeston Town Centre offers a diverse mix of independent shops, street art, and a modern cinema for those who prefer a more relaxed pace than the city centre.

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 it’s also home to hundreds of species of plants and insects.

Nottingham Castle: One of the most famous attractions in Nottingham, William the Conqueror used it as a fortress in 1068, upgrading it from a wooden motte-and-bailey to an imposing stone fortress. With the legendary Robin Hood statue nearby, Nottingham Castle makes a great day out in Nottingham for history buffs.

Shops & Restaurants: There is a wide range of shops and restaurants to visit in Nottingham – check out the Visit Nottinghamshire website for more information! 

Motorpoint Arena: Relish in a night of entertainment at the Motorpoint Arena, home to a variety of concerts, ice hockey matches and stand-up comedy gigs. 

Theatre Royal & Royal Concert Hall: Are musicals and theatre your thing? Enjoy your perfect night out at the Theatre Royal, with shows and concerts being put on regularly. See what’s on here. 

National Ice Centre: Famous for being the training ground for British ice dancers Torvill and Dean, the National Ice Centre is also home to the Nottingham Panthers ice hockey team. Make sure to try out one of their disco skating sessions, or bring your family for a skate!

National Justice Museum: For an incredible adventure, visit the National Justice Museum. It’s full of interactive exhibits and learning experiences – a great Nottingham day out for the whole family.

Nottingham Contemporary: An elegant building sunk into a sandstone cliff with modern art galleries, a learning area, and a cafe. Perfect for those looking for an educational trip.

City of Caves: Soak up the extraordinary atmosphere of the ancient caves carved deep beneath Nottingham’s city centre. Great for those looking to broaden their horizons. 

The Lace Market & Hockley: Explore the historic heart of the world’s lace industry, now filled with vintage boutiques and the Broadway Cinema – a great blend of historical buildings and modern shops.

Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem: Carved into the castle rocks, this is famously known as the oldest inn in England. Perfect for enjoying a hearty pub meal and a pint wrapped up next to a cosy fire. 

Old Market Square: Make sure to meet at the “Left Lion”, an iconic Nottingham landmark, before heading to the Victoria Centre for a shopping spree! 

Nottingham Contemporary: One of the largest galleries of contemporary art in the UK. The exhibitions are always rotating, so you’ll always have something new to look at!

The City Ground: Located just outside the city centre in West Bridgford, The City Ground is home to Nottingham Forest Football Club, who’ve played their home games there 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. Make it a day out and pass through the City Ground!

Trent Bridge: Home to Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club, Notts Outlaws, Trent Rockets and The Blaze, Trent Bridge is the third oldest Test venue in the world – a must-see for cricket fans. 

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

Newstead Abbey: If you’re a big reader, make sure to visit the ancestral home of the poet Lord Byron, only 10 miles north of Nottingham. The 12th-century Augustinian abbey was dissolved in the 16th century and turned into a country house soon after.

Framework Knitters Museum: For a truly unique day out near Nottingham, learn about Ruddington’s rural heritage and the knitting industry. 

National Civil War Centre: Located in nearby Newark, the National Civil War Centre is perfect for a deep dive into 17th-century history – learn all about the war between the Royalists and the Parliamentarians.

Nottingham in 2026 is packed full of events for both sports fanatics and festival-goers. Whether you’re staying on campus or heading into the city, here are the dates you need to circle in your calendar.

Big Nottingham festivals 2026

• Splendour Festival (Wollaton Park)
  • On the 18th–19th July 2026, Nottinghamshire’s biggest music party returns to the grounds of Wollaton Hall. 2026 headliners include The Wombats and Snow Patrol. It’s the perfect family-friendly weekend, right on The Orchard Hotel’s doorstep.

• Download Festival (Donington Park)
  • On the 10th–14th June 2026, the UK’s premier rock and metal festival is just a short drive from Beeston. Use our hotels as a comfortable, “non-camping” base to recharge between mosh pits.

• Goose Fair (Forest Recreation Ground)
  • During early October 2026, expect 10 days of white-knuckle rides, “cock-on-a-stick” sweets, and mushy peas. Accessible directly via the tram from University Boulevard.

• Dot To Dot Festival (Various City Venues)
  • On the 24th May 2026, Dot To Dot Festival comes to Notts! A must for indie fans looking to discover the next big thing across Nottingham’s coolest stages.

Looking for the best hotel to crash in after a festival? Check out our blog on the top places to stay.

Biggest sporting events 2026

• FIFA World Cup 2026 (June – July)
  • Even though the tournament is in North America this year, Nottingham is still football-mad! Head to the city’s best sports bars like Southbank City or BOX to catch England games. If you’re staying in Beeston, the local pubs offer a great community atmosphere for every goal.

• ICC Women’s World Twenty20 (June 2026)
  • Throughout June, world-class cricket is heading to England. While matches are spread across the country, Trent Bridge remains a spiritual home for cricket fans. Keep an eye out for warm-up fixtures or watch the main events in the city’s cricket-themed bars.

• World Indoor Hockey Masters (David Ross Sports Village)
  • This takes place right here on the University of Nottingham campus! This international event brings thousands of athletes and fans from across the globe to the DRSV.

• Notts Varsity 2026 (University Campus)
  • The ultimate local rivalry! Watch the University of Nottingham take on Nottingham Trent in Basketball, Futsal, and American Football at the David Ross Sports Village.

Planning your visit around a sporting event? Check out our complete guide to sporting events in Nottingham.

Nottingham is truly a city of two halves, rich in medieval legend yet buzzing with modern energy. Whether you are retracing the footsteps of Robin Hood at the Major Oak, cheering on the Three Lions from a vibrant sports bar during the 2026 World Cup, or enjoying a sustainable, locally-sourced menu at Bramleys, there are fun things to do for every traveller.

With world-class sporting facilities like the David Ross Sports Village and iconic festival grounds like Wollaton Park right on our doorstep, Nottingham Venues provides the perfect home base for your 2026 adventure. We can’t wait to welcome you to our campus and help you make the most of everything this incredible city has to offer.