Things to Do In Nottingham: A Student Guide

What is there to do in Nottingham? Quite a lot!

In this post we’ll explore some of the best things to do in Nottingham for students. We’ll look at the best places for a good meal or a great night out, as well as the best places to unwind and reflect. We’ll also look at some of the special events that take place each year.

The Best Bars in Nottingham

There are so many brilliant bars and restaurants in Nottingham that all you have to do is head to the city centre or Lace Market with an open mind. Wander around and within minutes you’re sure to find somewhere that works for you.

But if you’re looking for a good place to start, you can’t beat an old historical pub. Nottingham has what might well be the oldest pub in the country: Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem. Dating back to 1189, it offers a warm welcome, a stirring atmosphere and an excellent selection of drinks.

The Malt Cross is an old Victorian music hall. It’s a stunning space where, beyond the beers and wines, there’s also regular live music and other events, such as record fairs and exhibitions.

Next, a contender for the most interesting pub in Nottingham is Canalhouse. The pub literally has a canal running through it, where boats can dock overnight. You have to cross a bridge to get to the well-stocked bar.

If cocktails are your thing, Hockley Arts Club has a late licence and some very curious decor, so it’s perfect for partying into the small hours. Boilermaker is a lot of fun, as you have to pass through an unassuming boiler repair shop to get in. Tilt offers some unusual cocktail creations, while Coco Tang has that classic and classy underground speakeasy vibe.

Finally, 400 Rabbits remains Nottingham’s only mezcaleria – a stylish and atmospheric back-alley den with excellent music specialising in tequila, cocktails and, of course, their signature mezcal.

You can also check out our guide to the best student friendly bars in Nottingham.

Best Restaurants in Nottingham

Nottingham might not be renowned for being a foodie heaven. But it most certainly is!

Most of the bars and pubs we listed above also serve food. Yet many will tell you that The Roundhouse offers the best pub grub in Nottingham. Their Sunday roast is the stuff of legend.

Delilah Fine Foods calls itself a deli, but it’s staggeringly huge. Plus they have a mezzanine dining area, where you can enjoy some very good food for surprisingly cheap. Cod’s Scallops and George’s each promise the best fish and chips you’ll ever taste, while Iberico offers a truly unforgettable tapas dining experience.

If you like your food grilled and meaty, you really can’t beat Annie’s Burger Shack. They offer an astounding choice of burgers, with vegetarian and vegan alternatives for every single item on their menu. Red’s True Barbecue delivers exactly what they promise – an irresistible barbecue experience with some formidable sharing platters.

If you want good meat-free eating, Nottingham’s also got you covered. No. 12 is a dedicated plant-based restaurant located in a hearty old red brick mill building. As well as being excellent Indian restaurants, The Cumin and Nawaab Saab also happen to have very vegan-friendly menus. Finally, Caffe Velo Verde combines a love of good coffee with a profound respect for cyclists, and their menu’s just as green as you might imagine.

You can also check out our guide to the best places for breakfast in Nottingham.

Best Clubs in Nottingham

Rock City has live music almost every night, and on some nights they run club nights long after the bands stop playing. Just around the corner is The Rescue Rooms, where you’ll find a similar mix of live music and club nights.

The Glee Club is great if you like to laugh, as it’s the largest dedicated comedy club in Nottingham. The Bodega calls itself a social club, but they actually host a diverse range of activities, from live music to club nights. This is the place to go if you want to see the next big thing. Coldplay and The Arctic Monkeys both played here while on the rise!

For a more traditional clubbing experience – think drinks, DJs, and dancing – head for Ink,  Oceana or Stealth. Or, just take a turn round the market square, and head for anywhere with loud music and bright lights!

The Best Museums and Galleries in Nottingham

You’re going to Nottingham to learn, right? So of course you’ll want to know about the various museums and galleries the city has to offer.

There’s always something new to see at the Nottingham Contemporary, and the majority of their exhibits are free. The National Justice Museum has fascinating exhibits of crime, punishment, forensics and policing. The City of Caves is a sprawling network of caves running under the city streets. It’s cool in both senses of the word.

The Haunted Museum is full of haunted items, possessed dolls and a maddening mirror, all housed in a cursed 1920s cinema. Perfect for engineering students is the Nottingham Industrial Museum, where you can learn about the numerous innovations that put this city on the map.

But if you really want to take in the things that make Nottingham famous, head to Nottingham Castle or explore The Robin Hood Experience.

The Best Outdoor Spaces in Nottingham

These are free to visit, full of trees and wildlife, and the perfect places to head if you need a quiet place to study, or just a bit of fresh air.

In the city itself you’ll find the War Memorial Gardens, The Arboretum, and Wollaton Park. And don’t forget that The University of Nottingham’s campus also happens to double as a park, with a boating lake and mini golf.

Head a little outside the city and you’ll find Attenborough Nature Reserve and, of course, Sherwood Forest. Can you even say you’ve been to Nottingham if you’ve not seen The Major Oak?

Seasonal Events

Splendour Festival takes place at Wollaton Park every July. It’s an all-day event featuring pop stars, old bands, new bands, and comedy, with a family-friendly atmosphere.

The Goose Fair takes place in the first week of October, and it’s one of the largest travelling funfairs in the country. One of the oldest too – the first was held as early as 1284.

From late November, head to the city centre for the annual Christmas Market. As well as the numerous shops, stalls, drinking halls and eateries you might expect from a Christmas Market, Nottingham’s also usually has a large ice rink, and a helter-skelter.

Best Places to Live in Nottingham

So what is there to do in Nottingham? As we’ve seen, lots! And we’ve barely scratched the surface here.

But where’s the best place to live in Nottingham? Read our full guide to the best areas for students in Nottingham.

And if you need any more advice before you move to Nottingham, you can chat to us about student rooms and other stuff too. We’re here to help. Find your perfect student property today.