What’s one of the best things about being a student in Nottingham?
There’s so much to do in the city, and outside of it.
Nottingham’s convenient location in the Midlands gives you easy access to the rest of the country. Hop on a bus, board a train, and just 30 minutes later, you can experience a totally different landscape.
So, if you need fresh English air or sand between your toes, we’ve listed our favourite days out around Nottingham that you can easily reach by public transport.
Sherwood Forest
Watch out for an arrow-wielding, Sheriff-pursuing outlaw…
The home of the famous Robin Hood, Sherwood Forest is an absolute must-see for every Nottingham student.
Step into the legend of one of England’s most retold tales. Whether you’re visiting Sherwood Forest to stroll, run, or cycle, you’re sure to leave feeling enchanted by this iconic forest.
Plus, Sherwood Forest is so easy to get to from Nottingham city centre – making it the perfect, everyday option.
How to get there: take the Stagecoach Sherwood Arrow bus service from Victoria Bus Station in Nottingham. The service runs hourly.
Journey length: 1 hour each way.
Attenborough Nature Reserve
Never seen a kingfisher?
Attenborough Nature Reserve is your best bet at seeing rare birdlife. In fact, it’s recognised as one of the best places for birdspotting in the UK. Not bad for somewhere that’s only 25 minutes away from Nottingham city centre.
Opened in 1966 by the multi-award-winning filmmaker and undisputed national treasure, David Attenborough, this beautiful reserve offers well-needed respite from busy city life.
With free entry and over 220 hectares to explore, Attenborough Nature Reserve is every nature lover’s dream. Listen out for the pattering feet of diving ducks, harvest mice, shrews and maybe even some otters.
How to get there: take the train from Nottingham to Attenborough. Once you’re off the train, walk 13 minutes to Attenborough Nature Reserve.
Journey length: 25-30 minutes each way.
Colwick Country Park
Picture 250 acres of rolling English woodland, grasslands, and open water. That’s Colwick Country Park.
Round up your crew and spend a Sunday exploring Colwick’s charming meadows. Springtime is when the park truly comes alive with butterflies, dragonflies, and migratory birds.
Want to try cold water swimming? The West Lake at Colwick Country Park offers outdoor swimming lessons from April to October every year.
How to get there: take the 44 bus from King Street to Candle Meadow. Walk five minutes from Candle Meadow to Colwick Country Park.
Journey length: 20-25 minutes each way
Wollaton Park and Hall
Wild deer, manicured gardens, and a giant stately home. Can you get any more British than that?
Wollaton Park and Hall is a top tourist spot, and something you simply have to visit whilst studying in Nottingham.
Here, you’ll find one of the country’s finest Grade One listed Elizabethan mansions.
Spend a day admiring the building’s incredible architecture and 500 acres of parkland. And if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, why not come for a hidden history tour or even a Ghost Night?
How to get there: take the 30 bus from Upper Parliament Street and get off at Wollaton Hall. Walk seven minutes to Wollaton Hall, Gardens and Deer Park.
Journey length: 25 minutes each way.
Rushcliffe Country Park
Who doesn’t love a circular loop through the countryside?
Rushcliffe Country Park is the ideal day out for students. With over 8km of footpaths, forestry and conservation areas, there’s plenty to explore. There’s even a natural wood shelter cafe if you fancy a hot drink to accompany your walk.
Plus, you’re pretty much guaranteed to bump into a duck or two. Maybe even a dozen.
How to get there: take the 9 or 10 bus from Nottingham Railway Station and get off at The Green. Walk for four minutes, and you’ll arrive at Rushcliffe Country Park.
Journey length: 25-30 minutes each way.
Skegness
Haven’t experienced a UK beach yet?
This is your sign to change that. And there’s nowhere more quintessentially British than Skegness. It’s the perfect uni group trip.
Skegness, nicknamed by Midland folk as ‘Skeg Vegas’, is a sight to behold. A popular tourist destination, Skegness is a melting pot of modern funfairs and nostalgic arcades.
While you won’t find white sands and crystal waters here, you will find a town brimming with character. Even though the journey is a little long, bringing some fun drinks and games on the train will make it even more memorable.
Feeling lucky? There are plenty of coin pushes for you to have a go on.
How to get there: Take the train from Nottingham to Skegness.
Journey length: 2-2.5 hours each way.
Edale
The Peak District is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful parts of England. Nestled at the end of the picturesque Hope Valley, Edale is more than an Instagram-worthy picture.
With the country’s first long-distance and most famous walking path, the Pennine Way, there’s nowhere better for a post-exam pilgrimage.
And when you’ve built up an appetite from all the walking, there are a few popular pubs perfect for a post-hike drink. Plus, the village of Edale itself is a thing of beauty. Expect lots of cobbled streets, stone cottages and sheep.
Get the train early to give yourself plenty of time for this memorable day out.
How to get there: Take the train from Nottingham to Edale. You will likely have to change at Sheffield.
Journey length: 2 hours each way.
