Taking the family out over Easter can be a huge cost. But it doesn't have to be in Nottinghamshire if you find the right thing to do. With the cost of living soaring families will be looking for fun things to do that won't break the bank.
From arty activities to farmyards and famous walks, there's plenty to see and do for free in Nottingham. Here's our pick of the places to visit that won't cost much to head to.
Nottingham Contemporary Gallery
Described as "the most inspiring gallery in the UK" the Nottingham Contemporary is a great space in the middle of the City. Entrance to the exhibitions is free, though there is the opportunity to make a donation and the venue regularly runs free workshops for all ages, including family activities, particularly during school holidays.
Where: Weekday Cross, Nottingham NG1 2GB
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Attenborough Nature Reserve and Visitor Centre
A beautiful wildlife space on the outskirts of Nottingham, Attenborough Nature Reserve is a lovely spot for a family afternoon or a quiet walk. Feed the ducks, swans, geese and more that make their home on the waters surrounding the reserve or take a walk along one of three signed nature trails.
The famous reserve has hides for bird watching across the large estate and ponds, including a Sand Martin Hide and Osprey platform. There is also a gift shop and café at the centre, with homemade cakes, breads and treats for all.
Where: Barton Lane, Chilwell, Nottinghamshire NG9 6DY
Info: Parking available with a suggested £3 donation
Highfields Park
Although there are paid activities to do at Highfields, such as a mini golf course and a row on the lake, there's plenty of exploring to be done for free at this beautiful Nottingham spot.
The park's history dates back to the late 18th century, as much of it originates from the landscaping carried out by Joseph Lowe and his son Alfred. In 1920 the Highfields Estate was purchased by the founder of Boots and Co Ltd, Sir Jesse Boot, who conveyed the site for the foundation of the then East Midlands University.
Following a £4.8m restoration the park is the perfect spot for walks, picnics and play. It features a large children's playground complete with sandpit and something for all ages. There are wooded areas to explore, a paved walk around the lake, stepping stones to cross and even a waterfall to admire. Plus there's plenty of open space near the playground for ball games.
Where: University Blvd, Lenton, Nottingham NG7 2RD
Holme Pierrepoint Country Park
Home to the National Water Sports Centre, Holme Pierrepont Park is a great place for a family walk or bike ride. A tip though - it's a 3-mile stroll, so worth bearing in mind for little legs!
Set in 270 acres of parkland, visitors can make their way around the Regatta Lake and explore the plentiful green space, too. Next door is Sky Larks Nature reserve which is also a great place to explore.
Where: Adbolton Lane, Holme Pierrepont, Nottingham, NG12 2LU.
Info: Parking charges apply
Greens Windmill
This restored and fully working tower windmill is a great place for a visit at any time of the year. The site is a registered charity so donations are welcomed. In the small Science Centre next to the mill you can discover the remarkable story of George Green and his achievements and experiment with the things that fascinated him, such as light, electricity and magnetism.
Where: Windmill lane NG2 4QB.
Stonebridge City Farm
A delightful city farm just outside the centre of Nottingham where visitors can see an array of animals for free (though a donation is welcome and helps keep the farm running). Sheep, ponies, pigs and goats are living a happy city life at Stonebridge as well as Kevin the tortoise and a host of birds, rabbits, guinea pigs and more.
An onsite playpark offers another area to explore as does the small garden area where veggies, flowers and plants are grown.
Where: Stonebridge Road, Nottingham, NG3 2FR
More info: 0115 950 5113
Sherwood Forest
They say it's the place 'where legends grow' so it's certainly worth a visit. Packed with lovely family walking trails, the forest is a great way to immerse in nature no matter the time of year.
The Major Oak trail is the 'essential Sherwood Forest experience'. It will take you to the iconic Major Oak, an ancient giant of around 800-1100 years old. It is the biggest Oak Tree in Britain with a canopy spread of 28 metres. The trail will take around 45 minutes and other walks can be experienced too.
Where: The entrance to the main car park is on the B6034, just north of the village of Edwinstowe, between the A6075 and the A616, 20 miles north of Nottingham.
Wollaton Hall and Deer Park
Wollaton Hall is one of the country's finest grade one listed Elizabethan mansions - lucky Nottingham. It's been the setting for many a movie and provides a great day out. Families can explore the museum inside the hall for free, which features an array of natural history artefacts, including George, the famous stuffed Gorilla in the hall's Africa room.
Visitors can enjoy the 500 acre park setting where deer roam freely, as well as the playground and on-site cafes. Parking charges apply and some exhibitions require paid tickets.
Where: Wollaton Hall & Deer Park, Nottinghamshire, NG8 2AE.
The William Booth Birthplace Museum
It's worth noting from the off, that an appointment must be made to visit this special place, but it's easy enough and details are below.
This is the birthplace home of William Booth and tells the story of the famous socialist's life. He founded the Salvation Army. A preacher and social reformer, visitors can travel back in time to William’s home as it would have appeared in 1829 and explore how he turned his vision into reality.
Where: Notintone Place, Sneinton, NG2 4QG.
Info: Visits can be booked on 0115 9793464 or e-mail: wbbm@salvationarmy.org.uk
The Bestwood Winding Engine House
This is the last remaining part of a vanished colliery and a relic of industrial engineering. The attraction is free and promises to give a flavour of life as a miner and experience of the sheer size and power of the winding engine.
The museum has lots of artefacts from its days as a colliery, with recorded audio commentary available. The park also offers great opportunities for walks, with paths and trails. Reviewers say it can get very muddy, so wear boots or wellies.
Where: Bestwood Country Park, Park Road, Bestwood Village, Nottingham, NG6 8TQ.
Info: Note - the onsite café is staffed by volunteers and only open on Saturdays 10-1pm and bank holidays. Find out more.
New Art Exchange
Nottingham is proud to be home to the largest arts centre in the UK dedicated to culturally diverse arts. Entry to the centre and its exhibitions is free. The gallery's three spaces offer an ever-changing programme of exhibitions that showcase the work of renowned British and international artists. There's a Cafebar and plenty of events and family activities.
Where: 39 - 41 Gregory Boulevard, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG7 6BE.
Rufford Abbey & Rufford Abbey Country Park
This English heritage site is the best-preserved remains of a Cistercian abbey west cloister range in England. It dates mainly from around 1170 and was incorporated into part of a 17th century and later mansion. The ruins are only partly accessible to wheelchair users.
There is ramped entry into the undercroft at the rear of the building, but the upper level of the abbey is accessed via steps.
The surrounding country park offers beautiful scenery, set around a lake and with wooded areas. There is also a very large, well equipped children's playground.
Where: Rufford Abbey Country Park, Ollerton, Nottinghamshire, NG22 9DF.
Idle Valley Nature Reserve
This is one of the largest sites for nature conservation in the East Midlands, set amid 375 hectares.
It consists of a stunning network of lakes, wetlands, grasslands and scrub and is home to a diverse range of wildlife. Bird-lovers can spot Little Grebe and gadwall in winter, as well as little ringed plover and redshank in spring and summer.
There are four designated walking trails and rare breed cattle and sheep can be seen grazing in some areas of the reserve.
Where: North Road, Retford, Nottinghamshire DN22 8RQ.
Cresswell Crags
This archaeological museum in a limestone gorge is a Nottingham family favourite. Access to the visitor centre, meadow and gorge is free. Entrance to the museum's extensive exhibition of fossils, including treasures dating back to the ice age is free for under 16s but £3 per adult.
You'll also find picturesque walking trails for either a short stroll or a longer hike and the venue is a site of special scientific interest so offers lots for nature lovers throughout the year. The gorge is said to be little changed since the Ice Age.
Where: Crags Road,Welbeck, Worksop Nottinghamshire S80 3LH
Info: Parking charges apply, more here.
Nottingham Heritage Railway
The Nottingham Heritage Railways offers rail and transport enthusiasts 10 miles of heritage railway running through the beautiful scenery of South Nottinghamshire and North-West Leicestershire.
The Ruddington site is the base for the railway's operations and principal station. There is a café, a gift shop, the narrow-gauge line operated by the Nottingham Society of Model and Experimental Engineers (NSMEE) and a collection of historic buses as well as a building hosting three model railway layouts.
Rushcliffe Country Park is just next door with miles of parkland, a playground, skatepark, bike track and lake.
Where: Mere Way, Ruddington , Nottinghamshire NG11 6JS
