What A Nottingham Student Should Do In the Summer

By Student Cribs | July 3, 2023 | Reading Time: 5 minutes

With exams and deadlines almost over – the question arises of what to do once term has ended. The good news is that Nottingham is jam packed with a whole host of activities to keep you occupied before you head home for the holidays. Few cities boast such a varied array of activities and festivals, so it is great to fully submerge yourself in all Nottingham has to offer. 

We asked students for their summer recommendations, and have put together this nifty guide with our favourite suggestions:

1. Summer events

Nottingham offers many independent music events over the course of the year, but the most memorable are during the summer months! Detonate festival and Dot to Dot are crowd favourites are there are also many other day-time events such as Riverside Terrace,Shapes Rooftop Terrace,  and Idiot Savant to get involved in!

2. Explore Wollaton Hall

Nottingham is home to the gorgeous Wollaton Park – a spectacular Elizabethan Mansion and Deer Park set in the suburbs (very close to QMC/ Uni Of). The hall was used for the setting for Wayne Manor in the 2012 Batman film, Dark Knight Rises and is great place to go just to chill with a picnic (and maybe a few bevs).
PS. Admission is free!

3. Go for a run by the Trent

We are all trying to get the perfect summer body – and what better way to get fit than going for a run by the river. West Bridgeford is the best place for a scenic river run

4. Alton Towers

Alton Towers is only an hours drive away from Nottingham (or a 1 and a half hours by bus). Perfect adventure before the schools break up!
To get there by public transport you need to get the X52 bus which runs twice daily and costs £14

5. Nottingham Contemporary

The Contemporary is a fabulous day out for all you art lovers. Located near the train station and with free entry, it is definitely worth a visit if you have the time!

6. Where to eat?

There are so many independent restaurants to visit, a Nottingham favourite being Bar Esca. Bar Esca offer a lunch time menu for £9.95 with fabulous tapas. The menu includes flat breads, 2 dishes, and a side – and the good news is it runs until 6:45 on weekdays! Great for an early dinner!
Oscar and Rosie’s do amazing pizzas, and likewise with Inferno. If you’re looking for a lighter meal Ugly Bread Bakery, Wired Cafe Bar and Delilah’s Fine Foods offer great lunches!

7. Beer Garden’s

We all love a drink outside when the sun is out, and Nottingham has plenty of spots to chose from. The Riverbank offers scenic views of the Trent, The Golden Fleece boasts a rooftop seating area, and Bodega has a fairytale outdoor seating area. Arguably the best place for an al fresco drink is Rocket at Saltwater, above the Corner House. Saltwater has views across the city, a rooftop terrace bars, and is an idyllic location for early evening cocktails.

8. Enjoy the summer – you’ve earnt it!

Make the most of the holiday’s before term starts once more… Don’t sleep in late and try to fit in as much fun as possible 

Are you still house hunting? We have some individual rooms left in our Lenton student houses and Arboretum student houses.  Fill out this form or call the office on 020 3758 7000 to book in a viewing before the rooms are snapped up!