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Feeling skint but still want a staycation? A city break in Nottingham is an excellent idea if you want to get away but save the pennies. It was ranked number one for Best Value City Break by Trip Advisor in 2017.
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There are plenty of free things to do, cheap places to eat, and reasonably priced places to stay in the city. Unlike some other cities like London, Bristol and Edinburgh, a trip to Nottingham won’t break the bank.
Read on to find out how to have a budget break in Nottingham.
Free things to do in Nottingham
There are plenty of free things to do in Nottingham. From museums and galleries for culture vultures to wandering around the city’s green spaces, you’ll find something to do without splashing the cash.
Explore the city centre
The Market Square is the heart of Nottingham’s city centre and is well worth a visit. The impressive Baroque-style Council House takes centre stage, and just off the square, you’ll find a statue of Brian Clough.
Considered a hero in Nottingham, Forest’s former manager won two European cups and can be seen here in his trainers and tracksuit. However, being a Derby County fan myself, I’d say he probably preferred his time at Derby County!
Head to the Lace Market
In the 19th century, Nottingham was well-known for its lace industry. Unfortunately, the industry didn’t survive, but it has left the buildings of the former warehouses and factories in the city centre.
The Lace Market is where you’ll now find these gorgeous Victorian red brick buildings, which are now home to restaurants, bars, and businesses.
Visit an art gallery
There are three art galleries in Nottingham that don’t require an admission fee. These are great places to visit on rainy days too.
Nottingham Contemporary is one of the largest contemporary art galleries in the UK. Alongside its international art exhibitions, the gallery also hosts talks, film screenings, music concerts, and live performances.
New Art Exchange is dedicated to culturally diverse arts and is the largest centre of its kind in the UK. The exhibits here are showcased over three floors and change regularly to showcase the best of British and international art.
Another contemporary gallery, the Harley Gallery, showcases art from the historic Welbeck Estate where it is situated. There’s something for everyone here, with exhibits ranging from photography to ceramics.
Visit the Attenborough Nature Reserve and Centre
If you’re a fan of exploring the great outdoors, then this one is for you. Situated on the outskirts of the city, this beautiful nature reserve was opened by Sir David Attenborough in 2005.
Enjoy a peaceful walk around the nature reserve before popping into the centre to learn more about the wildlife that lives there.
Cheap places to eat in Nottingham
You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to places to eat in Nottingham, as the city is jam-packed with restaurants. Choose from Michelin-starred fine-dining establishments, Thai street food joints, and burger shacks.
If you’re travelling on a budget then you probably don’t want to spend all your money on food.
If you’re looking for somewhere cheap to eat, then there are plenty of restaurant deals in Nottingham. You can get 2 for 1 on starters, mains, and desserts at popular restaurants Pizza Hut, Prezzo, Zizzi, and Bella Italia with a tastecard membership.
tastecard is a restaurant discount card that also gives you deals and offers on activities, cinema tickets, and shops. It’s a great way to save money, especially if you like to eat out often or you travel a lot within the UK.
Where to stay on a budget in Nottingham
Nottingham isn’t short on places to stay. There’s a selection of apartments, high-end hotels, and budget accommodation options to choose from.
Here are some suggestions for cheap places to stay in Nottingham.
Igloo Hybrid
Igloo Hybrid is a hostel in Nottingham’s city centre that offers beds in dorm rooms as well as private rooms. It’s full of quirky street-art style decoration, plants, and plenty of colour.
Staying in a hostel is a great way to meet people if you’re travelling on your own, and this hostel looks really cool.
Ibis Nottingham Centre
You know what you’re getting when you stay in an Ibis and Ibis Nottingham Centre is no different. It has a fantastic location, around 10 minutes’ walk from the train station, comfortable basic rooms, and a stylish bar.
This is a great place to base yourself for a weekend in Nottingham and is suited to solo travellers, couples, and groups of friends.
Midtown Lodge
Another hostel-style accommodation for our list, Midtown Lodge is highly rated on Booking.com and enjoys a great spot right in the heart of Nottingham’s city centre. Rooms are clean and basic, and there is access to a self-catering kitchen, so you can save yourself even more money by cooking in the hostel rather than eating out.
P&J Hotel
I stayed at P&J Hotel many years ago for a hen do and was really impressed with the quality for the low cost. It’s slightly outside of the city centre, so you will need to take a bus or taxi to get in, but it has free on-site parking.
It’s an excellent option for groups of friends travelling together.
So there you have it. My guide to having a budget city break in Nottingham. What other ways do you save the pennies on weekends away? Let me know in the comments.
