Ten things to do for under £10

Whether you are visiting Nottingham for a day, travelling on a budget, or looking for an affordable day out with friends and family, there's lots of great attractions to check out without breaking the bank. Here are some of our favourites.

Please note that the prices listed below may vary and we always reccomend you checking the most up to date prices with the venue directly before your visit.

1. Immerse Yourself in Nature

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.

2. Explore an Ancient Site

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!

There is no charge to visit Creswell Crags site, shop or coffee shop, or to walk around the lake and gorge. There is a £3 charge for all day parking. 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.

3. Get Wrapped up to Brave the Cold.

Take to the Olympic Rink at the National Ice Centre in Hockley to have fun gliding along the ice. Regular admission is just £10.00 for an adult (ages 16+), with discounts for juniors, families, groups and students. Under fives go free when accompanied by a full paying adult, with a special area and equipment available for tots and their parents. Relaxed sessions are also available for those with a learning disability, an autism spectrum condition, or sensory and communication disorder. Admission is only £6.00 for Active Nottingham Card Holders card.

4. Take a Guided Tour of Nottingham

Fancy learning a little more about Nottingham’s fantastic history and culture? Grab some comfy shoes and get exploring with one of our expert guided tours! Visit historical pubs, discover the backstage of the Theatre Royal, meet friendly local experts and get the inside scoop on where to eat, drink, shop and explore in Nottingham. If none of these suit, why not download the Guidigo Nottingham Trail App to find key locations for an exploration around the City? You can also go at your own pace and follow the quirky and treasure hunt style self-guided heritage walks of Curious About with trails available for Nottingham, Newark and Southwell!

5. Have Fun & Games                                   

The Lost City Adventure Golf is a hugely popular adventure golf course within Nottingham's Cornerhouse, and a definite winner that is available rain or shine. You can get an 18 hole pass for £9, or £5 for ageas 5 and under. There are also student, carer, family and early bird discounts available.

Kids will also love Funstation, also located in The Cornerhouse, which has bowling lanes, air hockey and lots of chances to win prizes! They have a unique cashless system which allows you to load money onto a card - no need for coins!

6. Quench Your Thirst

Enjoy a pint of local ale in Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, one of England's oldest pubs. Built into the rugged rock on which Nottingham Castle stands, this pub is of authentic character and packed with historical information. Having been serving ales since 1240AD, they know a thing or two about what makes a good pint, plus ask at the bar and you can even take a tour of the caves under the castle rock!

A popular Greene King pub, you can expect to get a sandwich and a drink for under £10 per person, but prices may vary.

7. Check Out Nottingham’s Subterranean World.

One of Nottingham's most unique features is not immediately visible when wandering around, but certainly fascinating to discover. Built upon soft sandstone rock, throughout the centuries a plethora of over 800 caves were carved under the city's streets, with a great number of buildings featuring their own caves beneath. To learn more about this curious underground world, check out Nottingham's prime cave museum at City of Caves.

Adult tickets are £9.63 and under 5s go free. There are student, family and over 60s discounts so make sure to check their website for the full info. For more information on Nottingham's caves, please click here.

8. Chill With The Deer at Wollaton Hall

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. Please note that additional charges may apply for optional extras such as special tours, events and activities in the grounds.

9. Party Like The Locals Do

Nottingham is host to over two dozen festivals each year, bringing theatre, live music, poetry, food, drink and more to the county. Throughout the summer there are free events almost every weekend in Nottingham, including live music festivals, Nottingham Pride, brass bands, and more.

Other free annual events such as Nottingham Mela, Riverside Festival, Goose Fair, Robin Hood Pageant, Nottingham Green Festival, Nottingham Poetry Festival and Nottingham Carnival take place in and around the city throughout the year.

Check out our What's On guide to find out more. 

10. Take In The View.

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. Free admission, open Wednesday - Sunday from 10am to 4pm.

You can access the 16,000 acres of Belvoir Castle for £10 per adult and £5 per child. Famed for it's stunning views, the name derives from the meaning `beautiful view’ - now pronounced Beaver. The castle remains as one of the most magnificent and beautiful Regency houses in England.

You can also access many Country Parks and Gardens around Nottinghamshire for free, though some may have parking charges. You'll be able to see stunning views and enjoy idyllic walks or a picnic with your loved ones, all for under £10.