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 or board a train, and just 30 minutes later you could be exploring a totally different landscape.
So, if you need some fresh air or sand between your toes, we’ve listed our favourite days out from Nottingham that you can easily reach by public transport.
Best days out from Nottingham
Sherwood Forest
Watch out for an arrow-wielding, Sheriff-pursuing outlaw…
Home to the legendary Robin Hood, Sherwood Forest is an absolute must-visit for every Nottingham student.
Step into the setting of one of England’s most famous tales. Whether you’re visiting Sherwood Forest to stroll, run or cycle, you’re sure to leave feeling enchanted by this iconic woodland.
Better still, Sherwood Forest is easy to reach from Nottingham city centre, making it a great option for an easy day trip.
How to get there: Take the Stagecoach Sherwood Arrow bus service from Victoria Bus Station in Nottingham. The service runs hourly.
Journey length: Around 1 hour each way.
Attenborough Nature Reserve
Never seen a kingfisher?
Attenborough Nature Reserve is one of your best chances to spot rare birdlife. In fact, it is recognised as one of the best places for birdwatching in the UK — not bad for somewhere only 25 minutes from Nottingham city centre.
Opened in 1966 by the multi-award-winning filmmaker and national treasure David Attenborough, this beautiful reserve offers a welcome escape from busy city life.
With free entry and more than 220 hectares to explore, Attenborough Nature Reserve is a dream day out for nature lovers. Keep an eye out for diving ducks, harvest mice, shrews and maybe even otters.
How to get there: Take the train from Nottingham to Attenborough, then walk 13 minutes to the reserve.
Journey length: Around 25–30 minutes each way.
Colwick Country Park
Picture 250 acres of rolling English woodland, grassland and open water. That’s Colwick Country Park.
Round up your friends and spend a Sunday exploring Colwick’s charming meadows. Spring is when the park really comes alive, with butterflies, dragonflies and migratory birds all making an appearance.
Want to try cold-water swimming? The West Lake at Colwick Country Park offers outdoor swimming lessons from April to October each year.
How to get there: Take the 44 bus from King Street to Candle Meadow, then walk five minutes to Colwick Country Park.
Journey length: Around 20–25 minutes each way.
Wollaton Park and Hall
Wild deer, manicured gardens and a giant stately home. Can you get more British than that?
Wollaton Hall & Deer Park is one of Nottingham’s top visitor attractions, and somewhere you simply have to visit while studying in the city.
Here, you’ll find one of the country’s finest Grade I listed Elizabethan mansions.
Spend the day admiring the building’s incredible architecture and 500 acres of parkland. And if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, why not book 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. From there, it’s a seven-minute walk to Wollaton Hall, Gardens and Deer Park.
Journey length: Around 25 minutes each way.
Rushcliffe Country Park
Who doesn’t love a circular countryside walk?
Rushcliffe Country Park is an ideal day out for students. With more than 8km of footpaths, plus forestry and conservation areas, there’s plenty to explore. There’s even a natural wood shelter café if you fancy a hot drink to go with 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. From there, it’s a four-minute walk to Rushcliffe Country Park.
Journey length: Around 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 ‘Skeg Vegas’ by plenty of Midlanders, is a sight to behold. A long-time favourite seaside destination, it is a mash-up of modern funfairs, nostalgic arcades and classic British beach-town charm.
You may not find white sand and crystal-clear water here, but you will find a place full of character. Even though the journey is a little longer, bringing snacks, drinks and games on the train will make the day even more memorable.
Feeling lucky? There are plenty of coin pushers for you to try.
How to get there: Take the train from Nottingham to Skegness.
Journey length: Around 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 much more than just an Instagram-worthy backdrop.
Home to the Pennine Way — the country’s first and most famous long-distance walking trail — there’s nowhere better for a post-exam pilgrimage.
And when you’ve built up an appetite from all that walking, there are plenty of popular pubs that are perfect for a post-hike drink. The village itself is also full of charm, with cobbled streets, stone cottages and plenty of sheep.
Get an early train to make the most of this memorable day out.
How to get there: Take the train from Nottingham to Edale. You will most likely need to change at Sheffield.
Journey length: Around 2 hours each way.
