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Nottingham was ranked number one for the ‘Best Value City Break’ in August 2017 by TripAdvisor!
Throughout Nottinghamshire you can enjoy a wide range of things to do without actually spending a single penny.
Art galleries such as Nottingham Contemporary, New Art Exchange, and The Harley Gallery are all completely free, as are many of our country parks and legendary heritage attractions such as Sherwood Forest, Wollaton Hall and Creswell Crags. Whether you are looking for an affordable UK break, a cheap day out with the family, or travelling on a shoestring budget, the county is yours to explore! Alternatively, check out our list of top 10 things to do under £10.
Please note: some attractions may charge for parking, so it is advisable that you research into this before any visit.
Once part of a royal hunting forest, Sherwood Forest National Nature Reserve covers 450 acres and incorporates some truly ancient areas of native woodland. Slender birch trees grow alongside more than one thousand veteran oaks, most of which are over 500 years old, including the 800 year old Major Oak, which is said to have been Robin Hood's hideout. In summer 2018 a new visitor centre was opened by the RSPB, presenting information about the history of the forest.
Parking at the Visitor Centre is a flat £5 for anything up to a whole day – simply pay at the machines using cash or card when you arrive, and display the ticket in your car. You can also use PaybyPhone at anytime during your visit. If you are a member, you can display your membership card on your dashboard to receive free parking.
For more Nature Reserves, click here. You can also access many Country Parks and Gardens around Nottinghamshire for free, though some may have parking charges.
You can easily spend a day roaming the grounds of this stunning parkland, which is home to herds of free roaming deer. You may recognise the 16th century mansion from 2012’s Batman film The Dark Knight Rises, in which it starred at the gothic Wayne Manor. Not only housing the city's Natural History Museum, the courtyard stables are home to Nottingham Industrial Museum.
Entry to the park, hall and museums is completely FREE, but car parking charges apply. Some events are by paid admission, such as the Steaming Days at the Industrial Museum (adult ticket only £6). Please note that additional charges may apply for optional extras such as tours, events and activities in the grounds.
The world famous Creswell Crags dates back 10,000 to 50,000 years and is home to Britain’s only known Ice Age cave art. The peaceful lake is surrounded by a limestone gorge which is dotted with caves and information on the archaeological findings that have been discovered there. This is an ideal place for families to visit or a relaxing walk or picnic, with lots more to do and see!
* Please note, there is no charge to visit Creswell Crags site, shop or coffee shop, or to walk around the lake and gorge. however, there is a £6 charge for all day parking, or £4 for 3 hours. Charges are made for the exhibition at £3 for an adult, £2 for concessions and children go free. The cave tours start from £10 per person for a public group tour, but private tours are also available.
Want to make sure you don’t miss anything? Download and print the Nottingham Trail map or view it on the Guidigo app to see some of Nottingham’s most iconic landmarks and learn some fascinating facts about the city. From castles to caves, pubs to prisons and mirrors to masterpieces, there’s so much to see in Nottingham. The walk takes between 1-2 hours depending on your pace.
Click here for more tour and trail ideas, including free walking and cycling trails.
Nottingham offers a vibrant calendar of free events all year round, ensuring there's always something exciting to enjoy without spending a penny.
From creative workshops and inspiring exhibitions to regular collaboration spaces and lively markets, the city is bursting with opportunities to get involved. Full details on what's happening can always be found on our website.
Nottingham is also proud to host a range of annual festivals and large-scale events throughout the year. While some may offer optional extras like food, drinks, or merchandise for purchase, entry to these events—and the core experience—is completely FREE.
Some of the most popular event experiences include the annual: Goose Fair, Robin Hood Festival, Pride.
To explore our full list of free events, click here. Or check out our What's On guide to find more fun things to do on the Notts calendar.
Climb the levels of Green's Windmill and see award winning organic flour being made. Find out about the life and work of George Green, the famous 19th century mathematician, test your minds with fun hands-on puzzles and experiments, or relax on the grass below to get a great view of Nottingham and the valley of the River Trent. Enjoy FREE admission when they are open from Wednesday - Sunday from 10am to 4pm. They often run seasonal events with either voluntary donations or for a small fee, under £10.
Stonebridge City Farm offers a rural escape in the heart of Nottingham City, providing a free-entry experience that welcomes visitors every day. The farm, along with its gardens, is designed to be fully accessible, catering to individuals of all ages, including those with prams and wheelchairs. Visitors can encounter a diverse range of animals at the farm, such as cows, pigs, sheep, goats, ponies, rabbits, and the notable Kevin the tortoise.
Many of our art galleries are free to browse, and some even offer free guided tours. Discover the likes of Nottingham Contemporary, Bonington Gallery and the New Art Exchange and enjoy a day amongst some of the best galleries in the East Midlands.
Click here to learn more about our art galleries and their current exhibitions.
Take time out to enjoy nature follow our trail around the Hanwell Wine Estate vineyard and lake, less than 1km, a leisurely 30 mins stroll. The Vineyard and Nature Self Guided Trail leaflet is available free of charge from the Rural Antics Barn or Lodge lobby or online here Self Guided Trail Guide. Be sure to check their open hours before travelling. Afterwards why not take a seat on the terrace and enjoy a glass of local wine, fresh coffee and seasonal vegetarian lunch, cheeseboard or slice of cake?
Number of results: 62
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Lenton, Nottingham
Since 1921 Highfields Park has remained the home of The University of Nottingham with the original Highfields House being absorbed into the campus as a staff annexe.
Nottingham
The library, which is part of the new Broad Marsh Car Park and Bus Station complex, puts children, young people and learning at the heart of its design, with a high-quality children’s section, immersive storytelling room, extensive book collection…
Ollerton
Join Rufford Abbey Country Park for the Abbey Artisan Market, delivered in collaboration with Little Hummingbird Events.
Nottingham
New Art Exchange is the largest art centre in the UK dedicated to culturally diverse arts. Entry to exhibitions and events is FREE.
Newark
Pick up your free Nature Trail, and discover the beautiful plants and animals inside and outside the church!
Nottingham
Step into the sacred libraries of the East Midlands parish priests through books that they owned and annotated across the centuries.
Nottingham
A focal point for residents and visitors, Old Market Square is where friends meet, shoppers have a rest, and many great days and nights begin. It is the largest public space in the UK after London’s Trafalgar Square and is a major hub for the…
Nottingham
Afterlife has been a very successful series produced by Netflix to discuss the process around losing a loved one. During the series, many scenes showed actor Ricky Gervais (Tony) sitting on a bench discussing the loss of his wife with a bereaved…
Newark
A large area of public open grass and woodlands, including Devon Pastures Local Nature Reserve.
Nottingham
Spectacular Elizabethan Mansion and Deer Park set in the beautiful suburbs of Nottingham.
Car parking £5 on weekdays and £6 at weekends.1 year parking at Wollaton Hall & Deer Park (£95).
Coach parking is available for £50 - to arrange please…
Newark
Built in the mid-12th century, Newark Castle has stood proudly on the banks of the River Trent for nearly 900 years. Today, the medieval stronghold stands as a testament to the rich history of Newark-on-Trent and Nottinghamshire.
Stapleford, Nottingham
Hemlock stone is a mythical site located in Bramcote Hills Park, surrounded in legend and history. It’s truly worth a visit to gaze upon this bizarre piece. It is accessible by foot along beautiful countryside trails.
Nottingham
Loose Goose is fun, friendly and FREE to come along. It's where where anyone can come to try improv and to see the chaos unfold.
Clayworth
St Peters is home to the largest single work of art in the East of England. The Traquair Murals created by Scottish artist Phoebe Anna Traquair (1852-1936) cover all four walls of the chancel and are visually spectacular. The historic village of…
Bilsthorpe
Bilsthorpe Heritage Society began after the mine closed and was formed by a handful of residents who had the foresight to collect artefacts and memoribilia from the local mine and surrounding area before it was lost in time.
East Markham, Newark
Get ready for a day of handmade wonders and creative delights!
Glaisdale Parkway , Nottingham
Inspire is an innovative new cultural organisation delivering services on behalf of launched by Nottinghamshire County Council. We are a Community Benefit Society that is dedicated to inspiring people to grow, learn and achieve with the help of our…
Worksop
The Harley Open exhibition returns with 138 works on show by artists, makers and heritage craft practitioners from across the region.
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