NOTTINGHAM STUDENTS: WHAT TO DO IN THE SUMMER HOLIDAYS

Money is tight but you have time off after a long stretch of studying and exams, so to ensure you make the most of your long summer holiday, we’ve put together some fun, cheap and cheerful things you can do locally.

• Trip to Dovedale 
  Being outside on a sunny day is your kind of fun? Visit the Dovedales in Derbyshire. Here you will find beautiful limestone ravines, stepping stones, lush greenery and hike worthy hills. Take your trusty pair of walking boots, bottled water and a couple of high-sugar snacks and take in the picturesque views.

Peak District National Park Derbyshire England UK Valley of the River Dove Footpath Dovedale

• Alton Towers – Staffordshire
  
  Are you and your friends thrill-seekers? Alton Towers might just be the perfect day trip out for you all. We encourage you to book your tickets online for £34, as purchasing them on the day is £56, a £22 saving – is definitely worthwhile. Alton Towers is home to many thrilling rides including:
  
  – Wicker Man
  – Galactica
  – Nemesis
  – Oblivion
  – Rita
  – Th13teen
  – The Smiler
  – The Blade
  – Enterprise

  Alton Towers is located between the M1 and the M6 – you can drive to Alton Towers and park all day for £6 or take the X52 daily bus service that runs from Nottingham and Derby. If you’re in a group of 5 people – you can get cheap group bus ticket too! For those avid cyclists, you and your friends could take a leisurely trip to Alton Towers and lock your bikes up at their bicycle racks – for free.
  

• Visit Nottingham Caves
  
  Right on your doorstep, Nottingham’s underground dwellings provide a great dip into a little bit of history and an unusual day out. With over 540 caves beneath Nottingham, these impressive features were originally used for all sorts including  ornamental follies, wine vaults, wagon works, dungeons – just to name a few. Tickets for students with a valid NUS card costs £6.95, book your ticket online to explore the City of Caves.
• Go Ape – Sherwood Pines
  
  Fly down a zip wire, climb your way to the treetops and explore the woodlands when you take on the Go Ape challenge. In Sherwood Pines you can hire bikes and cycle through designated trails, have a picnic in a natural picnic area, take a stroll through some lengthy walking routes, enjoy on site food and drink or pop by to the visitor centre for more information. You can book your Go Ape tickets here.
• Boat trips – River Trent
  
  Take a cruise with your housemates or coursemates along the River Trent. There are plenty of excursions that run throughout the summer and all cruises have a full catering service, regardless of whether you choose a 2 or 3 hour cruise. During your time on the cruise there will be an informative live commentary and a map for you to follow, so you can take in all of the points of interest throughout your journey. To book online, follow this link.

Overlooking the River Trent towards the West Bridgford skyline with Nottingham County Hall and a line of boats reflection onto the River Trent in Nottingham

• Holme Pierrepont Country Park – National Water Sports Centre
  
  At Holme Pierrepont, there’s loads to do. There are various activities you can take part in, kayaking, canoeing, wall climbing, archery, paddleboarding, segwaying – you name it. Whatever you have in mind, take a look with your friends and book an activity you’ll all enjoy. Here’s a link to the price list and activities available to you.

• Pure Land Japenese Gardens – Meditation Centre
  
  In North Clifton you can find Pure Land Japenese Gardens, Meditation Centre. This is an award winning and internationally acclaimed retreat that’s home to peace and tranquility inside Nottinghamshire. With ornamental trees, zen gardens, calm waters, koi pond and a tea room for a delicious cup of tea and a homemade scone or two. Read more about Pure Land here.
• Take a local flight from East Midlands
  
  East Midlands Airport is only a 14 minute train ride away from Nottingham and you can travel to a number of great locations – see list for inspiration. Take a look and book the cheapest deal for a quick and enjoyable getaway.

Sign for exit to Stoke, Derby and East midlands airport, also Nottingham and the North

Uni 2 Rent provides Nottingham students accommodation and lettings, offering first-rate accommodation to those from both Nottingham Trent University and Nottingham University. Working closely with local students, we’ve come to really understand what it is they’re looking for. For more information, get in touch with Uni 2 Rent and let’s see what we can do for you.