Planning a family day out can be difficult, especially if you’ve only got a tiny budget. This is when it pays off to consider less obvious destinations here in the UK – and today I’ve chosen to highlight Nottingham.
The home of Robin Hood is one of the largest cities in England, and actually, sees over £1.5 billion from tourism every year. Yet despite this, Nottingham is not the first city that comes to mind for many of us when we plan a day out or short break.
Travel
Located in the East Midlands, Nottingham is conveniently situated for travel from anywhere in the country – just a stone’s throw away from large cities such as Birmingham, Sheffield and Leicester.
If travelling by car, your journey will most likely take you onto the A52 if you are travelling from the south or A60 if you are north of the city. Located in the Midlands, Nottingham is easily achievable by car from most ends of the United Kingdom.
Home to one of the country’s major railway stations, Nottingham is just as easily reached by train, especially on the East Midlands Train services that operate between Liverpool and Luton.
What to do
There’s loads to do in Nottingham. For sporting enthusiasts, the city is famous for its ‘sporting triangle’, consisting of two football grounds (Meadow Lane and the City Ground, homes of Notts County and Nottingham Forest respectively) and the cricket ground (Trent Bridge). If, however, a guided tours of one of these venues doesn’t appeal, then there are plenty of other options.
The Galleries of Justice is a must visit for families with children of all ages. Here you can delve into the history of the rebel city, learning all about Nottingham’s dark past that is filled with murderers and highwaymen.
If after this you feel in the mood for something a little more light-hearted, how about taking the kids for a spot of lunch and a round of crazy golf at The Lost City Adventure Golf? This houses two 18-hole courses as well as numerous onsite facilities geared towards the kids.
If a nice quiet day out is all that you are looking for then a walk along the River Trent should be high up on your priorities. There are some really pretty scenic walks, and a host of riverside eateries to boot.
Where to Stay
Deciding where to stay can be the most difficult part of any family trip, especially if your budget is tight. You will also have the additional concern of making sure your hotel is child-friendly. St James Hotel Nottingham offers a good package for inexpensive rates, while other budget hotels such as Travelodge and various Bed & Breakfasts can easily be found in the city centre.
While you may only be looking to spend the day in the city, if you have a long drive back it often pays to rest your weary feet and stay overnight instead of rushing home - especially if you have a couple of exhausted children. That and it is also nice to treat you and the family every once in a while. Waking up in the morning to a cooked breakfast is always a great way to bring an end to a family trip.
If you do decide to visit the city made famous by Robin Hood, let me know if you have any other advice on how to explore the area on a shoestring budget.
