Visiting Nottingham

[helpwithnottingham]

Planning to take an elderly relative to Nottingham to visit an old friend of theirs for one day

I Would like to stay a few days because of the distance as it will be only me driving

If the weather is ok, we can amuse ourselves with a few short walks , but if it's wet what can we do ?

The art gallery?

Shopping

Edit - I wrote this before I re read and saw you need wet weather suggestions but going to leave it anyway as it’s my fave bit of Nottingham!

Take the tram to university boulevard and walk through the park, it’s flat and lots of spaces to sit if necessary. Really beautiful, lots of birds to watch and water bits etc.

The castle. But it's not that good. I live in Nottingham and I can't think of much else I'm afraid. If you are in the NT Belton, Calke or Kedelston are not that far.

The caves, well worth a visit.

Excellent choice and the cafe at lakeside is good. Also the art gallery nearby is worth a look, not sure what exhibitions are on currently though.

Viccie Centre - John Lewis cafe and House of Fraser and big Boots and Next should keep you entertained for a bit - and dry.

if it’s nice, hang out in the Old Market Square or go to the castle, which also has an art gallery. Or go to Wollaton Park, a shortish drive away.

Caves are good, but maybe not a good choice if there are access issues

The Galleries of Justice at the old prison, just off the City Centre are good fun.

Also have a read of this for some suggestions.

I was going to suggest the hidden bars until you mentioned elderly relative. Unless she likes a tipple 😏

We love Wollaton Hall and the museums there. Possibly not up your street but we all felt in awe of Titus the real TRex skeleton. The museum is a good trip down memory lane for oldies and a lovely cafe.

The contemporary might be worth looking at for an hour or so, and they have a really nice coffee shop. There is also the Justice museum, and the Broadway cinema in Hockley. Also a big Waterstones with a cafe. Even the Victoria centre could be worth a quick look, there is a John Lewis and an unusual shop upstairs, something like Swedish sisters.

We enjoyed a delicious Hotel Chocolat ice cream in the city centre too.

Oh yes the Salutation Inn and the Olde Trip to Jerusalem.

Galleries of justice are great and well worth a visit plus the caves are good ... There's also the contemporary gallery, the lace market is worth a wander if the weather is OK and Hockley is nice too. We went on a 'ghost walk' last year which was also surprisingly good.

Wow that's quick - thanks

Any more ideas ( shopping won't appeal ! )

I'd take in an ice hockey match if the date fits. So much fun and a great atmosphere. And lots of great shows to see in Nottingham.

Wollaton park. The castle, the caves and the galleries of justice.

Honestly there's not a great deal in the actual centre itself. Hockley is nice but if you're not bothered about shopping there's not much else.

If you're going this week or next Goose fair is on but that probably won't be appealing either 🤣 I just go for the food, not the rides. Peas with mint sauce 😋

The areas around Derbyshire/peak district are nice to explore if you wanted to go a bit further out.

Can’t think of more than what’s been suggested. There is a theatre in the city centre you could check what’s on there. To be honest whenever I’ve been to Nottingham there isn’t a great deal in the centre if it’s not shopping.

If you fancy a drive out, Southwell is nice, has nice independent shops and eating places and has a preserved Victorian workhouse there. Lots of nice walks round there too.

If you need somewhere for lunch and you’re going towards Southwell, there’s a place called All Mine Cakes which is amazing. Proper lunch foods as well as cake.

And Southwell Minster currently has a WWII exhibition, but that might end on Friday unfortunately.

There an amazing bar in a converted church. It's magnificent. Think it's the Pitcher and Piano?? Definitely worth a visit.

pitcherandpiano.com/bars/nottingham

Rainy days in Nottingham are hard, we don't have a lot to choose from!

Second Wollaton hall, university park & Southwell for great wanders around if not too wet.

Oh and adding the malt cross to the bars to visit - lovely old music hall now run by the YMCA, good place for a coffee and a read during the day!