All geared up for an exciting day exploring Nottinghamshire’s beautiful countryside, stunning gardens and outdoor entertainment, only to open the curtains and see the rain hitting the windows?
Well, don’t worry. Here in Nottinghamshire, there’s no need to despair if it’s a little grey outdoors, and a good old fashioned British downpour has washed in. Instead, you can use the opportunity to grab your brolly and head out to shelter in the welcoming warmth of some of our fantastic indoor attractions and entertainment spots!
Historical Attractions & Heritage Museums
The pitter patter of rain is the perfect excuse to indulge in a little time travelling. Step into these attractions and immerse yourself in stories of the past
While The National Justice Museum may be ideal for hiding from the elements, you’ll have no place to hide from the law. Explore the grisly history of crime and punishment throughout the ages, get put on trial for conspiring with Nottingham’s most notorious outlaw, discover the infamous history of The Lace Market, and explore this 800-year-old courtroom and gaol – reportedly one of the most haunted buildings in the UK!
If you want a double whammy of Nottingham history, you can save some cash by buying a joint entry ticket to the Justice Museum and City of Caves. This hidden world is a labyrinth of man-made caves, and just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to subterranean Nottingham! Detailing the history of Nottingham caves, which throughout the centuries have been used for everything from air raid shelters to bowling alleys, this unique experience will fascinate children and adults alike.
The William Booth Birthplace Museum is the place to learn about the founder of the Salvation Army, while the D.H. Lawrence Birthplace Museum is an unmissable attraction for those with literary leanings.
You can also weave together the history of the county's close association with textiles and lace at The Framework Knitters Museum!
For more museums including info about Nottingham Castle, please click here.
Arts & Culture
A hidden gem in cinematic streets of The Lace Market, Debbie Bryan is a tea room and shop displaying artisan crafts and local heritage items. Craft lovers will know that a rainy day is the perfect chance to get stuck into a craft project, making their monthly Crafternoons an ideal choice. Be sure to check out their programme of regular events, from exquisite supper clubs to cultural and creative workshops.
Enjoy a splash of colour at one of Nottinghamshire’s fantastic art galleries. Nottingham Contemporary, New Art Exchange and The Harley Gallery all offer world class exhibitions, while Thoresby Courtyard offer a range of more independent art. Best of all, they’re all free admission!
Let's not forget the amazing music venues and theatres of Nottinghamshire, which put on an incredible show no matter the weather! Have a borwse of the gigs at the Motorpoint Arena Nottingham, Peggy's Slylight or the The Theatre Royal and Royal Concert Hall and you're sure to find something to enjoy! For more venues and thatre suggestions, click here.
Why not catch a film at Broadway? As Nottingham's premier independent cinema, they always have a timetable of unique and entertaining films waiting for you. They also have an incredible cafe bar with amazing vegetarian options, so make sure to stop by for some food or a couple of drinks after the film!
Escape the rain and head into the depths of a… rainforest! Lost City Adventure Golf putts you deep into the jungle, where you can embark on an Indiana Jones style adventure - armed only with a golf club. Negotiate testing obstacles and tricky bends, as you swing your way to golfing glory.
Find your way out of that world of vines and temples, and you can reward yourselves with a trip to the Funstation, which is also located in The Cornerhouse entertainment complex. With flashing lights, clunking buttons and cascading coins, it’s the perfect place to try your hands at a variety of arcade games, and win some fantastic prizes. You can also find Axed Nottingham here, for those of you wanting to try something a little more adventurous! Every booking gets a private lane and 3 axes to throw on each turn, meaning you’ll throw more axes per 60 minute session compared to other axe throwing venues.
If you enjoy dipping into a world of imagination and adventure, there are several exciting activities to try in Nottingham. Team up to take down zombies or rogue drones at the world's first multiplayer, free-roam virtual reality arcade at MeetspaceVR. Or test your lateral thinking and teamwork skills by trying out one of the city's fantastic escape rooms. Ranging from the curious, the clever, to the downright creepy, there are six centres to choose from, with a great array of themed rooms suitable for various ages and dificulties, each making for a great, unique afternoon!
For a more 'up in the air' experience head to Clip ‘n Climb Nottingham where 26 different climbing elements are waiting for you. Their climbing facilities have been designed to provide everyone from 4 years to 94 years with healthy and challenging fun. You can also try your skating skills at the National Ice Centre and skate at the home of Olympic legends Torvill & Dean!
Under-shelter shopping
If retail therapy is your favourite remedy for a rainy day, head down to Victoria Centre for all the best big brand shops. The Exchange Arcade also offers some fantastic independent boutique shopping. This is Nottingham's oldest shopping arcade and located in a Grade II listed building just off the Old Market Square. Make sure you stop to wonder at the fabulous painted ceiling which displays frescos of Nottingham history!
A rainy day is also a great excuse to pop into one of Nottinghamshire’s many beautiful churches and religious buildings to enjoy a little peace and a taste of history.
Explore the picturesque town of Southwell and visit the historic Southwell Minster. This Cathedral is a spectacular sight regardless of the weather, with a stunning interior that is often used as the perfect setting for stirring concerts.
Meanwhile in Hucknall, you can learn about some of Nottinghamshire's most influential characters at St Mary Magdalene Church. Both the Romantic poet Lord Byron, and his influential mathematician daughter, Ada Lovelace, are interred there in the Byron family vault. You can also learn about famous people from Hucknall such as Sam Weller Widdowson - who invented the shin pad!
Up in Edwinstowe, deep in the heart of Sherwood Forest, you can find St Mary's Church. Dating back to 1175, legend has it that Robin Hood and Maid Marian were married here!
Back in Nottinghamshire, another St Mary's church has connections to everyone's favourite outlaw. Believed to go back as far as Saxon times, it is mentioned in an early Robin Hood ballad describing the capture (and subsequent escape of) Robin. St Peter's Church, meanwhile, is Nottingham's oldest building that's remained in continual public use, and is a great place to slow the pace amongst the hustle and bustle of the city centre.
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