Affordable Summer Stays in Nottingham: Why St Peter’s Court is Perfect for Your Visit
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Nottingham is the perfect city to explore on foot at a relaxed pace, thanks to its compact footprint. Whether you’re delving into the city’s rich history, following in the footsteps of the legendary Robin Hood, or indulging in a pint in England’s oldest pub, there’s something for everyone in Nottingham. The city’s expansive underground cave network also presents a unique means of escaping the summer heat!
Whether you’re a first-timer exploring your new university city, a frequent visitor, or you’re here temporarily for work and need something to fill your evenings and weekends, here’s our pick of the best activities to do in Nottingham this summer…
History and Culture
- The recently renovated Nottingham Castle allows you to wind back 1,000 years to experience medieval life in the city. The castle features interactive exhibitions, beautiful grounds and panoramic views of the city, as well as the chance to learn more about everyone’s favourite outlaw, Robin Hood. You can even snap a selfie with the giant Robin Hood statue in the Castle Quarter.
- One of Nottingham’s most unique features is undoubtedly its network of over 800 man-made caves hidden beneath the city. Over the years, the caves have been used for everything from slums for the poor to WWII air raid shelters. At the City of Caves Museum, you can experience first-hand what it must have been like living, working or hiding in this unusual environment.
- Into horrible histories? Then the National Justice Museum, an 800-year-old gaol and courtroom, will be right up your street. Here, the grisly reality of crime and punishment in Victorian England is on full display. The museum runs a series of fun events throughout summer, from trial re-enactments to murder mystery nights.

Green Spaces
- Fans of Batman won’t want to miss Wollaton Hall, a beautiful Elizabethan mansion that starred as Wayne Manor in The Dark Knight Rises. Set in 500 acres of parkland, the site is also home to the Natural History Museum and Nottingham Industrial Museum, as well as stunning gardens and hundreds of free-roaming deer.
- Right next to the University of Nottingham, you’ll find Highfields Park. Summer is the perfect time to go out on the boating lake, play a round of adventure golf, explore the gardens in full bloom, or take a scenic stroll along one of the many walking trails.
- About 45 minutes outside Nottingham is the legendary home of Robin Hood, Sherwood Forest. Soak up the breathtaking woodland on a walking or biking trail, and make sure to check out Major Oak, the 1,000-year-old oak tree and the forest’s most famous resident. Over summer, the forest turns into an outdoor cinema for the ‘Films in the Forest’ series; a stunning backdrop to some cult classics and family favourites.
Entertainment
Nottingham offers a lively entertainment scene, with a wide range of music, comedy, West End shows and family fun activities to choose from:
- The city has several spectacular theatre venues, including Nottingham Playhouse, Nottingham Arts Theatre and the Theatre Royal & Royal Concert Hall, which have diverse performances throughout summer and beyond.
- The Cornerhouse, in the heart of the city, has a range of fun activities all under one roof, from bowling and adventure golf to axe throwing. You’ll also find a cinema along with plenty of places to eat and drink.
Food and Drink
Bringing an ideal blend of (very) old and new, Nottingham’s food and drink scene is thriving and caters for every occasion and taste:
- Nottingham is home to what is thought to be England’s oldest pub, Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem. Established in 1189, the pub is built into the rocks of Nottingham Castle, so the perfect opportunity to combine your pint with something more cultural.
- Head to the Lace Market, a historic area once central to the lace industry, which is now brimming with trendy bars and cafes.
- For canal-side outdoor dining and drinks on a summer’s day, Binks Yard at The Island is the place to be. DJs and live music bring the vibes, and it has the largest outdoor screen in the East Midlands, making it a great place to catch live sports fixtures this summer. You can also catch a film there, with the venue turning into an outdoor cinema on select dates over summer.
- Sweet tooth? Local favourite The Pudding Pantry is a Nottingham institution! The American pancake stacks are a particular favourite.
By now, you’ll be ready to book your stay in Nottingham… In a prime location just a short stroll from the city centre, St. Peter’s Court offers the perfect accommodation solution for summer visitors.
At a fraction of the cost of city hotels, visitors to St. Peter’s enjoy beautifully designed rooms, with everything the city has to offer on your doorstep.
From private en-suite rooms to spacious studios, we have something to meet everyone’s needs. An on-site (free!) gym, laundry facilities, a pool table, table tennis, and an outdoor dining space are the cherries on top of the cake. And, for extra peace of mind, on-site CCTV and an out-of-hours security team mean you can rest easy.
If St. Peter’s sounds perfect for your trip to Nottingham, book your stay here.
