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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: 65
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University Park, Nottingham
Experience puppetry magic as this stunning Firebird moves around Highfields Park, brought to you by Bamboozle Theatre Company.
Nottingham
Anish Kapoor's Sky Mirror is a must see piece of art, located at Nottingham Playhouse within the city centre.
Nottingham
A historic wall which divided Nottingham’s Old Market Square for 700 years has been recreated for the public to see in an augmented reality app.
Nottingham
Nottingham Contemporary is one of the largest contemporary art galleries in the UK, presenting free exhibitions, special events, and family activities.
Nottingham
In summer 2026, Nottingham Contemporary is thrilled to present the first institutional solo exhibition in England by Lithuanian artist Augustas Serapinas featuring his large-scale sculptural installation, Physical Culture.
Nottingham
A mural, which celebrates Nottingham’s pioneering history with the lace industry, has been created on the NCC Car Park located on Fletcher Gate.
Nottingham
Only one part of Nottingham’s original medieval town wall can be seen in it’s original position.
South Normanton
Come and meet the team, view the venue, the exhibitors are waiting to answer your questions.
Nottingham
A pair of Chinese guardian lions gifted to the city by Ningbo, Nottingham's sister city in China, to mark a decade of civic partnership between the two cities.
The lions are located on the University of Nottingham’s Highfields Park campus.
Nottingham
A collection of artists uses their drawing skills to explore the past, present and future.
Nottingham
This Heritage Open Day, take part in an interactive re-enactment of Maple’s trial, and find out for yourself how skilled labourers took the threat to their livelihood into their own hands – and how the justice system treated them.
Notts Pride returns to celebrate Nottinghamshire’s vibrant LGBTQ+ community and ensure queer voices are heard.
Edwinstowe
Sherwood Pines is the largest forest open to the public in the East Midlands with over 3,300 acres to discover, free admission, bike hire, natures trails and Go Ape Treetop Adventure.
Nottingham
A historic, beautifully maintained park that is home to an important collection of over 800 trees, award winning Nottingham Arboetum is Nottingham's oldest public park and the closest park to the city centre.
Ollerton
Join Rufford Abbey Country Park for the Abbey Artisan Market, delivered in collaboration with Little Hummingbird Events.
Nottingham
t Mary’s Church – Grade 1 Listed and the largest medieval building in the city of Nottingham - is an iconic example of Nottingham’s prosperity during the 15th century. Its magnificent architecture - massive tower, slender columns, huge windows and…
Grantham, Nottinghamshire
Each session offers lively discussion, thoughtful conversation, and a chance to discover new reads in a relaxed café setting.
ALFRETON
Silverhill is an artificial hill near Teversal in Nottinghamshire, and is one of the highest points in the county at 204.3 metres (670 ft). It offers panoramic views over five counties.
Waverley Street, Nottingham
The Nottingham Green Festival is due to be held on Sunday 13 September 2026 at the Arboretum.
Nottingham
It was here on 25th August 1642 that the Royal Standard was raised by Charles I, marking the start of the Civil War. Today there is a plaque on Standard Hill to remember this historic event.
© Visit Nottinghamshire 2026. All Rights Reserved
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