I am still in denial that this is my last summer in Nottingham for the foreseeable. Everyone says that uni flies by and we all brush it off and assume that it won’t go by that fast, and then you blink and you’re trying on grad gowns and ordering your grad ball dress. As a last hurrah before leaving Nottingham at the end of the summer, here are 4 things from my summer bucket list with my housemates. Not all of these are season dependent, so can be added to your general Notts bucket list, but absolutely must be completed before you graduate, whenever that may be.
- Visit Bustler and Sneinton Market
Sneinton Market is Nottingham’s ‘home for creative and independent businesses’. The Avenues are some of the most vibrant and exciting streets in the city, with food spots, coffee shops, chocolatiers, vintage clothing, and plant shops to name a few; you’re guaranteed to find a new hidden gem. 10 minutes outside of the city centre, this part of Nottingham wasn’t on my radar until recently, and I wish I had found it sooner. Head for a mooch of the shops in the afternoon, or time your visit on a Wednesday to enjoy Bustler x Dirty Chicken’s £1 wing night, where juicy chicken wings are just £1 each… trust me, the butter chicken wings are not to be missed. Chuck a bag of cards in your bag before you leave, or enjoy Bustler’s extensive board game collection whilst you wait for your delicious food to arrive.
- Boating on Highfields Lake
I can’t believe that I have been at the University of Nottingham for 3 years and have never been boating on the lake before. The boats are available from April through to October, but going in May and June almost guarantees you the opportunity to share the waters with ducklings and cygnets, which have been a highlight of my walks around the lake in previous summers. Boat hire is only £7 for an hour, and is the perfect way to spend an afternoon in the sun, followed by an iced coffee from Lakeside cafe, or a Mr Whippy from the icecream van.
- Wollaton Park Outdoor Cinema
If you’re still in the city come August, Wollaton Hall’s outdoor cinema is a must. Bring a camping chair and your favourite snacks and watch a classic movie with friends. This summer’s line up includes Dirty Dancing, Jurassic Park, and Sing, and showings are on the 28th, 29th, and 30th of August.
- Get a bus to somewhere nearby
Ok so this one is sort of cheating because it involves leaving Nottingham, but speaking as a 3rd year student who didn’t properly explore Nottingham and the surrounding areas until the second half of 2nd year, just get on a bus and go somewhere new. Less than an hour away on public transport are some amazing spots and hidden gems that lie just on Nottingham’s doorstep and deserve to be explored. Honestly, just search on tiktok or instagram for things to do in Nottinghamshire or Derbyshire and watch your bucket list grow from there, but some honourable mentions go to the following:
- Get a bus or train to Newark and visit their self-serve cheesecake bar and spend the rest of the day exploring the historic market town
- Have a look at hikes in the Peak District. We are so lucky to live so close to the Peaks, and this is an opportunity not to be wasted. There are plenty of creators on social media with recommended hikes based on ability and time, and also take into consideration getting there by public transport. A quick social media search will send you in the right direction to planning your perfect picturesque hike with friends. (top tip – search for fairy pools and / or Luds Church for the most beautiful landscapes)