Early May Bank Holiday in Notts

May is one of our favourite months to explore Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. With the sunny spring weather, flowers blossoming everywhere, and the bank holidays to look forward to, it's a glorious month and we can’t wait to enjoy every second of it!

There's also plenty of fun things to do over the first May bank holiday weekend in Nottinghamshire, running from Friday 1 – Monday 4 May 2026.

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Family Fun

There's always something going on in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire to keep your little ones entertained, and this Early May Bank Holiday is no different. 

Running throughout the year, at YMCA Newark and Sherwood Activity Centre, this club will keep your little ones active, engaged and filled with fun. The YMCA Y- Kids offers unlimited access to fun-filled activities after school and on weekends – helping your child build confidence, resilience, and new skills every day. Different memberships are available so families can find something that is best suited for their family.

Join Witch and her friends on an enchanting adventure at Sherwood Pines with the interactive family trail ‘Room on the Broom’. Packed with themed activities, fascinating forest facts and plenty of hands-on fun – this is a trail you don’t want to miss. Help the Witch find her lost hat, bow and wand, and collect the special ingredients she needs to complete her spell – but watch out for Dragon along the way! The trail runs form Monday 9 February - Thursday 31 December 2026 and is priced at £4 per child, including a trail pack.

Head to the theatre this bank holiday weekend, where the international smash hit musical SIX makes its royal return to Nottingham! From Tudor Queens to Pop Princesses, the six wives of Henry VIII take to the mic to tell their tales, remixing five hundred years of historical heartbreak into an 80-minute celebration of 21st century girl power. These Queens may have green sleeves, but their lipstick is rebellious red.

Don't forget to check out our top Family Friendly Attractions and Day's Out, for plenty of inspiration on how to spend your weekend with the kids! For more family events and things to do, browse our What’s On calendar.

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Cheer on your favourite Sports Team

On Saturday 2 May, the 2025/26 League Two action concludes as Notts County welcome Bristol Rovers to Meadow Lane for this ed of season clash. Looking for some pre or post match atmosphere? Head to The Nest. With its huge bar area, the biggest screen in the city and top street food traders there’s no doubt you’ll have a good time, no matter the outcome.

Kick off the weekend with a thrilling game of rugby a The Bay as Nottingham Rugby host the Ampthill in Champ Rugby! With an exciting match ahead and wide range of drinks, both soft and alcoholic, and street food vendors available  – you’re in for a try-mendous evening!

Great Britain's preparations for the 2026 IIHF World Championship conclude with an exciting 'Pre-Worlds Series' taking on Italy. The series heads to Nottingham's Motorpoint Arena on Saturday 2 May. Join them for the latest instalment of this great hockey rivalry as Great Britain takes on Italy!

If you're looking for sporting activities to get involved in, why not pop-in for a public skating session at National Ice Centre - where under 5s skate for free! You can also try your hand at some adventurous watersports at the National Water Sports Centre and try canoeing, kayaking, stand up paddleboarding and much more.

For more ideas on how to get active in Notts, click here.

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Unmissable Events

Nottinghamshire is hosting some big events this Early May Bank Holiday weekend, which are perfect for planning a UK Staycation or holiday around. For our full events calendar, click here.

Festival season has arrived and with Love the 90s Festival taking place on Saturday 2 May, followed by Groovebox in the Park and its official after party on Sunday 3 May, it’s looking to be another banger this year! The ultimate throwback fest for pop punk, emo & alt-rock, Revolve Fest,  will also be returning to Binks Yard this year for another round of anthems, nostalgia, and high-energy performances.

Choose your own soundtrack of the night and head to Binks Yard for an Outdoor Silent Disco on Friday 1 May and step into a night of pure nostalgia with the biggest hits of the 80s, 90s and 00s! For some smooth sailing, join The Nest for a unique R&B experience & witness the magic of the music that originated within African American communities like never before with The R&B Orchestra on Friday 1 May.

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Spa Days & Relaxation

Unwind this Bank Holiday in the beautiful backdrop of Nottinghamshire. We boast some of the best Spas in the UK, including some based in the stunning scenery of Sherwood Forest. Spa Days are also the perfect treat to enjoy with a friend, relative or loved one, so why not spend a day in a calm, comfortable spa with that special someone and forget all the worries of the world!

Nottinghamshire offers a range of spas from the super modern and state of the art, to the more traditional and chic. Some of our top picks include Eden Hall Spa, set within the grounds of a beautiful listed mansion and the Urban Escape Spa, which is based in a convenient City Centre location in the 4 star Crowne Plaza Hotel and the Spa at Ye Olde Bell is located just off the A1! It has a thermal area that offers a collection of experiences like no other.

Looking to try a different method of relaxation? Why not give Goat Yoga at White Post Farm a try this weekend! Have a laugh with friends an family while you try your hand at yoga with a helpful and qualified instructor leading you through a variety of yoga poses, and the, maybe not so helpful, assistance of cheeky goat kids – what’s not to like!

Are you a true wine coinnesseur? Join Worlds Wine Estate for their vineyard tour and tastings, and a different kind of relaxation. Explore the cider orchard and vineyard whilst enjoying stops along the way to get a taste of their rich and delectable wines and learn all about viticulture and life on the Estate.

These experiences will invigorate, restore and liven your senses or simply help you relax and find your sense of place.

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Explore the Outdoors

It’s a beautiful time to get outside and explore Nottinghamshire’s natural surroundings, and the area is full of outdoor spaces to exercise and relax in. From rural walks out in the countryside to pretty city centre parks, you’ll find lots of places to enjoy spending time outdoors. If you’ll be exploring on two wheels there are plenty of cycle paths to choose from, from gentle canalside routes to challenging mountain bike paths through ancient woodland.

Or maybe you want to try a walking tour and see Nottingham on foot. We have a range of unique and fun tours, including free self-led trails or guided tours. We recommend the award winning Ezekial Bone's Robin Hood Tours of Nottingham. This is a fantastic way to learn about the history of Nottingham while getting active and enjoying the outdoors.

For more ideas and inspiration to enjoy Nottinghamshire’s great outdoors, click here.

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Best of Nottinghamshire

Enjoy the best of Nottinghamshire this Bank Holiday weekend and explore the county's unique history and culture.

Starting with everyone’s favourite outlaw, why not walk in the footsteps of Robin Hood and pay a visit to Sherwood Forest or wander around Edwinstowe? You can discover more about the legend here, or discover more rebels and pioneers of Nottinghamshire here.

We also have dedicated literary tours, trails and attractions for all of the bookworms out there. Explore the ancestral home of Lord Byron, the D.H. Lawrence birthplace museum and Nottingham Castle just to name a few. And finally, no trip to Nottingham would be complete without a tour of Bromley House Library - one of the few remaining subscription libraries in the country which houses nearly 50,000 books.

Of course, Nottinghamshire has some stunning and famous market towns. Explore Southwell and learn about its history (which includes the English Civil War and the Bramley Apple), visit the grave of Lord Byron and Ada Lovelace in Hucknall or take in the beautiful views of Eastwood, which has inspired countless visitors and residents such as D.H. Lawrence.

For more surprising Nottingham and Nottinghamshire destinations and attractions that you can visit around Nottinghamshire, see our hidden gems blog and see how many you already know about!