6 free things to do in and around Nottingham during the summer holidays

The Bulwell Bogs Splash Park is a great place for families to visit this summerThe Bulwell Bogs Splash Park is a great place for families to visit this summer
The Bulwell Bogs Splash Park is a great place for families to visit this summer | Nottingham Parks and Open Spaces
Here are some amazing things you can do without spending any money!

Later this week schools in Nottingham will break up for the summer holidays, beginning six weeks of having the kids at home every day. 

As much as we all enjoy spending time with our children, the task of keeping them occupied for over a month can be a daunting one. 

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Six weeks is a long time to keep children occupied, particularly if the weather isn’t great. 

There’s also no denying that the summer holidays can be an expensive time for parents taking their children on days out. 

Things like admission fees, food and transport can all contribute to a pricey six weeks for parents. 

But the good news is that you don’t need to break the bank in order to make life-long memories with the kids this summer. 

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

We’ve picked out a few activities in and around Nottingham that you can enjoy without spending a penny. 

1. Take in the history and greenery at Wollaton Hall and Deer Park

Unlike many historic sites these days, neither Wollaton Hall or the surrounding Deer Park charge for entry. 

You can easily spend a day exploring the hall and the surrounding 500 acre park, so why not head down on a nice day over the summer holidays? 

2. Chill out at Nottingham Beach

Open until September 1, Nottingham Beach really is an open goal when it comes to free summer activities. 

Hide Ad
Hide Ad
The pool and beach in Old Market Square are both free to useThe pool and beach in Old Market Square are both free to use
The pool and beach in Old Market Square are both free to use | Nottingham World

While you’ll have to pay for food and rides, the beach and pool are completely free to use. 

3. Explore one (or all) of Nottingham’s amazing parks

No matter where you are in the city, you’re never too far away from some stunning greenery. 

From Attenborough Nature reserve and Colwick Country Park to the Arboretum and Highfields Park, you could easily kill a few days just by visiting some of Nottingham’s beautiful parks!

4. Cool down at Bulwell Bogs Splash Park

A free water park on the outskirts of Nottingham? Yes, really!

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The Bulwell Bogs Splash Park will be open throughout the summer for locals to cool down on hot days. 

With a paddling pool and many different water features, the splash park is a great place to take the little ones. 

5. Watch the vibrant Nottingham Carnival

Returning to the Victoria Embankment on Sunday, August 18, is the Nottingham Carnival. 

You’ll have to pay to get into the carnival site, but watching the procession won’t cost you a penny. 

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The vibrant procession of dancers and other performers will begin at 2pm with members of the public encouraged to head down and line the route. 

As in previous years, the parade route will start on the Victoria Embankment, head up Wilford Grove, Felton Road and Green Street before making its way back down to the Embankment via Bunbury Street. 

6. Enjoy breathtaking views by climbing the Bennerley Viaduct 

The Bennerley Viaduct, just outside Ilkeston, is one of those places you simply have to visit this summer, if you haven’t already been. 

The Bennerley Viaduct offers panoramic views of Nottinghamshire and DerbyshireThe Bennerley Viaduct offers panoramic views of Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire
The Bennerley Viaduct offers panoramic views of Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire | N Chadwick

Standing 20 metres high above the valley of the River Erewash, and a quarter of a mile long, the viaduct cuts a dominant figure in the landscape.

It’s completely free to visit and you’ll be afforded breathtaking views.

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.

Follow us
©National World Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice