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Countryside charm meets city buzz: Introducing your perfect staycation in Nottingham

24 September 2025

Think that all Nottingham has to offer is Robin Hood, bustling high streets, and vibrant nightlife? Think again! Tucked away just outside the city centre lies a countryside staycation haven where rolling parkland, serene lakes, and leafy gardens create the perfect escape… all while keeping the city’s shopping, dining, and cultural attractions within easy reach. […]

Think that all Nottingham has to offer is Robin Hood, bustling high streets, and vibrant nightlife? Think again! Tucked away just outside the city centre lies a countryside staycation haven where rolling parkland, serene lakes, and leafy gardens create the perfect escape… all while keeping the city’s shopping, dining, and cultural attractions within easy reach.

Whether you’re in need of a little weekend TLC or a longer countryside retreat, Nottingham Venues offers two stunning staycation venues: the eco-conscious Orchard Hotel and the tranquil, lakeside Jubilee Hotel, set in the heart of the University of Nottingham’s 330 acres of rolling parkland. Here’s why your next staycation in Nottingham should blend the best of both worlds.

A Countryside Escape… Without Leaving the City

University Park, where the Orchard Hotel sits, is a masterpiece of English landscape design. Lush, rolling grassland, mature trees, and water features create a pastoral paradise, whilst the beautifully kept Millennium Garden adds a touch of formal elegance. Meandering paths lead past a boating lake, through woodlands alive with birdsong, and into pockets of both formal and informal gardens.
It’s countryside tranquillity at its finest, yet only two miles from Nottingham city centre. Pop into town for a day of retail therapy in the Victoria Centre, explore Nottingham Castle, or savour the city’s lively food scene. Then, within minutes, you can be back amongst the peace of the parkland, coffee in hand, watching the sunset paint the sky.

The Orchard Hotel: Sustainable Style in Serene Surroundings

Set within the lush greenery of University Park, the Orchard Hotel combines modern design with a strong commitment to sustainability. Its 203 airy bedrooms make the most of natural light, and Bramley’s Restaurant serves seasonal, locally sourced dishes from breakfast through dinner.

Highlights include:

  • Eco-conscious design with sustainable building features that respect the surrounding landscape
  • Pet-friendly stays: Dogs are welcome for a small fee, perfect for families who can’t bear to leave their furry friends behind
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi & gym access, plus EV charging points for the environmentally conscious traveller
  • Free parking and easy public transport to the city centre

For a touch of luxury during your staycation in Nottingham, book the Signature Suite, complete with a king-size bed, private terrace, and space to entertain or simply unwind with a glass of wine under the stars.

The Jubilee Hotel: Lakeside Peace Just Minutes from the City

Over at Jubilee Campus, the Jubilee Hotel offers a blend of contemporary comfort and natural beauty, set within 65 acres of landscaped lakeside grounds. Here, sustainability meets convenience, with eco-friendly initiatives and wildlife-friendly spaces right outside your window.

Perfect for families, couples, or business travellers extending their stay into leisure time, the hotel’s amenities include:

  • Comfortable guest rooms, family spaces, and a bespoke suite with a kitchen for longer stays
  • Spokes Café for relaxed breakfasts, light lunches, and locally roasted coffee
  • Complimentary parking and Wi-Fi throughout the property
  • Quick connections to Nottingham city centre, just an 8-minute drive or short tram ride away

More Than Just a Place to Sleep

Staying with Nottingham Venues means you get far more than a room. It’s about embracing a lifestyle that balances relaxation with exploration:

Wellness perks: Free access to the David Ross Sports Village gym and swimming pool helps you maintain your routine or try something new
Dining options: Enjoy Bramley’s fresh, seasonal menus or grab a coffee and homemade cake at Spokes
Outdoor space: Stroll around lakes, gardens, and tree-lined avenues right outside your door – perfect for morning jogs or evening walks
Special offers: From Sunday staycation discounts to summer multi-night deals, booking direct comes with perks, including a £10 drinks voucher

Your Countryside-City Balance

Choosing a staycation in Nottingham with Nottingham Venues means you never have to choose between peace and excitement. Spend the morning exploring Nottingham’s independent shops, galleries, and historic sites. Visit the contemporary art at Nottingham Contemporary, browse the boutiques in Hockley, or delve into history at the National Justice Museum.

In the afternoon, wander back to your hotel, swap the city sounds for rustling leaves, and let the calm wash over you. Perhaps enjoy afternoon tea in the gardens, take a paddleboat out on the lake, or simply read a book beneath ancient oak trees.

Making the Most of Your Stay

The beauty of this location is its versatility. Families can enjoy picnics in the parkland whilst children explore safely in traffic-free zones. Couples might start with a romantic dinner at Bramley’s before taking an evening stroll around the illuminated lake. Business travellers can extend their trips into mini-breaks, using the excellent conference facilities during the week and exploring at the weekend.
With free parking, excellent transport links, and all the charm of the Nottinghamshire countryside combined with urban accessibility, it’s the countryside staycation sweet spot that delivers everything you need for a memorable break.

Plan Your Countryside Escape Today

Book direct at Nottingham Venues for the best rates, exclusive perks, and a stay where city buzz meets countryside bliss. Whether you’re seeking a romantic retreat, a family adventure, or simply time to recharge, your perfect Nottingham staycation awaits.