Nottingham Students: 3 Free Attractions

Any students living in Nottingham can take advantage of the following local free attractions.

Sherwood Forest National Nature Reserve

You can’t have lived in Nottingham and not been to check out Robin Hood’s playground. Some of the trees are as old as the legend itself – 500 years in fact. The star of the show is the infamous Major Oak – Robin Hood and his Merry Men would kip here after a day of stealing from the rich and giving to the poor.

With 450 acres to discover, it’s a lovely place to go for a picnic with your housemates – it never gets crowded. If you’re too lazy to prepare one, there is a restaurant near the entrance to relax in after a refreshing woodland walk.

Also, if you’re fit or still clinging on to your New Year’s resolution, I’d highly recommend going for a run here – how can you not be motivated with such calm and peaceful surroundings. It beats the streets any day.

Where is it? Edwinstowe, Nottinghamshire, NG21 9HN

Wollaton Hall and Park

A perfect venue for lazy Saturday afternoons. Why not nurse that hangover within the confines of five hundred acres of parkland and woodland?

Originally built in 1580 as a home for Sir Francis Willoughby, Wollaton Hall now houses the city’s Natural History Museum. The venue also hosts Nottingham’s Industrial Museum and the Yard Gallery – there is plenty of local culture to take in here. When you’re done taking in knowledge you can cruise around the grounds on a Segway tour, or just lounge outside and take in the magnificent views. You can come and go whenever you please, it’s open to visitors daily.

Note -you’ll probably recognise Wollaton Hall from somewhere too – it featured in the spectacular 2012 film The Dark Knight Rises as the setting for Wayne Manor. So you film buffs will definitely want to check out Batman’s digs.

Where is it? Wollaton Park, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG8 2AE

Nottingham Contemporary

While the previous two attractions require you to get outside and make a bit of journey, this one is slap bang in the city centre. You’ve got no excuses not to give this a try.
It is one of the largest contemporary art centres in the UK, with four galleries as well as a performance and film space. With ever-changing exhibits, no two visits are ever the same. You may want to take an arty friend with you to explain the intricacies of the display pieces or you can just ask any of the helpful staff on hand. It’s a nice change of pace from the frantic nature of city life and makes for many introspective afternoons.

Where is it? Weekday Cross, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG1 2GB