THE BEST FREE ACTIVITIES IN NOTTINGHAM FOR STUDENTS

By Student Cribs | March 4, 2024 | Reading Time: 6 minutes

Nottingham has a lot to offer students, from an active nightlife to historical and cultural value. And if you’re a student in Nottingham, you’re going to love a great deal or a freebie! To help you make the most of what Nottingham has to offer, we’ve put together the perfect guide to all the best free activities for students in Nottingham. From art galleries to stunning parks, this guide will offer something for all Notts students.

Nottingham Contemporary

If you’re looking to immerse yourselves into art and culture, Nottingham Contemporary is the perfect place to visit. An elegant building situated between the Lace Market and the train station holds an art gallery, learning area and café. As one of the largest Contemporary art galleries in the UK, Nottingham Contemporary offers free exhibitions, special events and family activities all year round. So whether you’re an Arts student in Nottingham, or just wanting to do something more wholesome with your day, pop into Nottingham Contemporary to see what’s on!

Colwick Country Park

If you’re keen to get away from busy city life, a walk in nature should be at the top of your Nottingham activity list. Situated on the outskirts of Nottingham City, Colwick Country Park is a beautiful country park with 250 acres of woodland and grassland and lots of open water. Colwick Country Park is one of the most popular places to visit in Nottingham. Colwick is a great place to get your steps in, go for a picnic with your housemates in summer or just to get outside and get some fresh air!

Wollaton Hall and Deer Park

One of Nottingham’s most popular and well-known parks, Wollaton Hall and Deer Park is an ideal activity to do with uni friends and family all year round and it is completely free! Here you’ll find Wollaton Hall – one of the country’s finest Grade I listed Elizabethan buildings. You can also explore the Natural History Museum which is the largest in the county. The free activities don’t end there. The Wollaton Park grounds are filled with free activities for Nottingham students to choose from. Botanical gardens, a lake, formal gardens, play areas and nature trails! Visit Wollaton Deer Park for a picturesque walk amongst wild deer’s, and explore these beautiful gardens. Wollaton Park has three onsite cafes and shops located in the courtyard and hall, offering a wide range of takeaway options for you to refuel with. There is a range of outside seating available to take a break from exploring the grounds to grab a drink or a bite to eat.

Stonebridge City Farm

And if deers aren’t enough, go and visit the animals at Stonebridge City Farm and enjoy a wholesome day with your housemates and friends! An urban farm in the heart of Nottingham, free for all. Visit the cows, sheep, ponies, goats, birds, chickens and geese, barn animals such as rabbits and guinea pigs and meercats! As you can see, Nottingham has lots of nature based free activities for students to explore!

Nottingham Markets

If you don’t fancy venturing out too far, why not take a wander round Nottingham’s vibrant city centre. Here you’ll find the Old Market Square and The Lace Market. The Old Market Square is a great place to link up with your friends before heading out elsewhere, or chill here and have a catch up with your friends on a warm sunny day. At the Lace Market you’ll find some of Nottingham’s best charity and thrift shops – perhaps do some window shopping or find some bargains to suit your student budget!

Tourist Attractions

Explore some of Nottingham’s most famous spots such as the Robin Hood Statue, which is situated outside the Castle in the city centre. These historic landmarks are located only a 20 minute walk from Nottingham, Arboretum. Or take a well-deserved break from your studies and relax with friends at the Forest Recreation Ground or the Arboretum. Alternatively visit the free creative space, which is New Arts Exchange, an award winning, internationally recognised, creative space based in the heart of Hyson Green, Nottingham.

And there you have the best free activities every Notts student should know about! So if you’re looking for something to do on a student friendly budget, be sure to visit one of these. But there is plenty more to do in Nottingham  – start ticking these places off your Student Bucket List before your time as a Nottingham student is over!

This blog was written by Sophie Graham at Nottingham Trent University.

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