Famous throughout the world as the setting for the fairytales of Robin Hood and his band of Merry Men (and Woman), Nottingham has plenty of attractions around that are very firmly part of the real world. For sure, you can visit some of the sites where the stories of the fabled highwayman took place, but there is more to Nottingham than that. There is enough here to make it a perfect place for a couple’s getaway—excellent bars and restaurants, plenty of venues to take in a romantic movie or two, and superb locations for a quiet walk. Check out the best hotels in the city, too, in case you don’t know where to stay just yet. All in all, it’s a city worth seeing, and our list of the top romantic things to do in Nottingham, the UK, is the ideal place to start.
1. Tour the inspiring Wollaton Hall, Gardens, and Deer Park
Nottingham is a city filled with truly wonderful attractions that you’re going to remember for years to come. Such a place exists in the form of Wollaton Hall, Gardens, and Deer Park. The hall is a 16th-century English Renaissance style museum with exhibits depicting natural history. Within the parkland premises, you’ll also find herds of deer that roam around. Currently, there are over 90 red and 120 fallow deer at this one-of-a-kind attraction in Nottingham. To top off your visit to the park, take a walk along the lake that perfectly mirrors its surroundings.
Wollaton Hall, Gardens, and Deer Park
Address: Wollaton Rd, Nottingham NG8 2AE, United Kingdom
Website: Wollaton Hall, Gardens, and Deer Park
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 4pm; Sat - Sun: 9am - 4pm
2. Feel bewildered inside the City of Caves
When looking for a bizarre adventure in Nottingham, you do not really have to search beyond the City of Caves. This attraction is all the eeriness you’ll need to spice up your date night. This tourist spot is a network of caves that have been of different uses throughout the years, namely a tannery, an air-raid shelter, and a public house cellar. The cave is established by Historic England as a scheduled monument called Caves at Drury Hill. Set aside the classic date for a moment and immerse yourselves in something unusual!
City of Caves
Address: Garner’s Hill, Nottingham NG1 1HF, United Kingdom
Website: City of Caves
Opening hours: Thu - Mon: 10am - 5pm (closed on Tue & Wed)
3. Let your heart melt at National Ice Centre
Ice-skating is an inherently romantic date idea, so a visit to National Ice Centre—which is situated close to the historic Lace Market area of Nottingham—could be a wonderful choice for any couple. The centre offers a range of ice-skating opportunities throughout the week, where you and a partner can take to the ice and have a fantastic time. When you’re skating session ends, you can also put the cherry on the top of your visit by checking out the wonderful Sub Zero Cafe for a bite to eat.
National Ice Centre
Address: Bolero Square, Belward St, Nottingham NG1 1LA
Website: National Ice Centre
Opening hours: Mon - Tue: 9am - 7pm; Wed - Fri: 9am - 9:30pm; Sat: 8am - 9:30pm; Sun: 8am - 5pm
Price: 11.50 USD (9 GBP)
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4. Take a charming Trent River cruise
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Up and coming Cruises with Trent River Cruises..... AFTERNOON TEA- Saturday 1st August 2020 2pm-4pm £15.50 per...
Posted by Trent River Cruises, Head Office on Tuesday, July 28, 2020
River Trent is one of the longest rivers in England, snaking through a number of different counties throughout the Midlands and even as far as Yorkshire, as well as through the centre of Nottingham itself. Those looking for a romantic experience can take a cruise on a section of the river and truly make an afternoon of it, admiring the views of the stunning surrounding scenery and enjoying a different perspective on this part of the world. This thing to do near Nottingham for couples is one that’s hard to forget.
Trent River Cruises
Address: The Information Hub Colwick Country Park, River Rd, Colwick NG4 2EW
Website: Trent River Cruises
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 5pm; Sun: 10am - 5pm
5. Join the "club" at The Lost City Adventure Golf
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Lost City Adventure Golf can be found in The Cornerhouse, a leisure complex that is located in Nottingham. Offering a fun adventure golf experience that is sure to be unlike anything you have ever experienced before, a visit to this venue is a great choice for couples looking for a fun afternoon where there’s plenty of opportunities to test their golfing abilities. There are two 18-hole courses to choose from, and the rainforest theme is undeniably charming and well-done, so you should be assured of a fantastic time throughout your visit.
The Lost City Adventure Golf
Address: The Cornerhouse, Burton St, Nottingham NG1 4DB
Website: The Lost City Adventure Golf
Opening hours: 10am - 11pm (daily)
Price: 8.50 - 11 USD (6.50 - 8.50 GBP)
6. Have a lovely evening at Motorpoint Arena
Found in the famous Lace Market district of Nottingham, Motorpoint Arena is an events venue that regularly hosts shows and performances across a variety of genres. It is the largest of its kind in the region, and while here you and a loved one can expect a spectacular show—be it a comedy performance, live music, circus act, or any of the other options that regularly visit the arena as part of wider UK tours. During your time at the site, you’ll also be able to check out Encore Bar and Grill if you’re looking for a bite to eat, or you can sample the incredible treats found at Sweet Retreat on the same premises.
Motorpoint Arena
Address: Bolero Square, Nottingham NG1 1LA
Website: Motorpoint Arena
7. Take in a movie at Moonlight Drive-in Cinema
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Drive-in cinemas can often seem like a throwback to a simpler time, but the concept continues to endure to this day thanks to the popular Moonlight Drive-in Cinema. Several sites in and around Nottinghamshire have hosted drive-in evenings in the past, including Southwell Racecourse and Giltbrook Shopping Park, and they could do so again in the future. In Nottingham, this romantic place to visit can provide a perfect evening out, so be sure to check their schedule!
Moonlight Drive-in Cinema
Address: Ikea Way, Giltbrook, Nottingham NG16 2RP
Website: Moonlight Drive-In Cinema
8. Treat yourselves to afternoon tea at The Pudding Pantry
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Afternoon tea is a classic romantic experience for a couple to share, and The Pudding Pantry is a fantastic choice for any pair who are based in (or visiting) Nottingham to try. The establishment offers classic afternoon tea (which includes loose-leaf tea, petit fours, and various other delights) as well as high afternoon tea (which involves savoury treats, vanilla scones, and a glass of prosecco). You will usually need to visit between 2:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. to enjoy the tea options, but this extends to 5:30 p.m. if you choose to dine on a Saturday.
The Pudding Pantry
Address: 27-29 Trinity Square, Burton St, Nottingham NG1 4AF
Website: The Pudding Pantry
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 8am - 6pm; Fri: 8am - 10:30pm; Sat: 9am - 10:30pm; Sun: 9am - 6pm
9. Witness the exhibits at Nottingham Castle Museum and Art Gallery
Nottingham Castle Museum and Art Gallery is a fantastic art gallery in Nottingham, which offers a special focus on fine and decorative artworks. This romantic place to go in Nottingham has been closed for refurbishment for some time but is set to reopen this year, and making sure you and your romantic date are one of the firsts to visit and explore the exhibits could be a real treat. You can expect to see watercolours, drawings, silverware, glass, jewellery, and medieval alabasters if you do take the opportunity to stop by.
Nottingham Castle Museum and Art Gallery
Address: Lenton Rd, Nottingham NG1 6EL
10. Enjoy a romantic dinner at Marco Pierre White Steakhouse
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Those looking for an exemplary culinary experience in Nottingham need look no further than Marco Pierre White Steakhouse in the city. The menu at this romantic restaurant in Nottingham offers a variety of tantalising dishes. Steak is, as you’d expect, the main focus, but there are other options such as salads, burgers, fish-based meals, and even vegetarian and vegan options to be enjoyed also—and the quality is second to none! What’s more, you can relish the relaxed atmosphere and sumptuous surroundings as you and your partner dine, resulting in a truly wonderful romantic date.
Marco Pierre White Steakhouse
Address: 33 Wollaton St, Nottingham NG1 5FW
Website: Marco Pierre White Steakhouse
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 12pm - 3pm, 5pm - 10pm; Sun: 12pm - 7pm
11. Enjoy a pampering date at Chinese Massage Nottingham New Leaf
Chinese Massage Nottingham New Leaf is a great choice if you and your partner are looking to share a pampering session. The establishment is a member of the Association of Chinese Medicine Practitioners, and all therapists are well-qualified, so you can be sure of the highest-quality massage experience. Appointments are available from 9:00 a.m. to midnight Monday through Sunday, so you should have no problem finding a slot that suits your schedule.
Chinese Massage Nottingham New Leaf
Address: 511 Mansfield Rd, Sherwood, Nottingham NG5 2JL
Website: Chinese Massage Nottingham New Leaf
Opening hours: 9am - 12am (daily)
Nottingham has it all for couples in love
By the banks of the Trent, you’ll find everything you need to ensure a great time on a weekend away in Nottingham. Along with a wealth of excellent pubs and restaurants where you can enjoy a romantic meal, there are cultural attractions and plenty of places where you can go for a quiet walk or see a movie together. Nottingham itself is easy to get to, with railway and bus links as well as the nearby East Midlands Airport, which makes it perfect for a couple’s getaway—and a city you’ll soon fall in love with.
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