With the weather set to be scorching this week and next, there has never been a better excuse for spending some quality time outdoors at the weekend. If popping into a country park isn't your thing then the city centre has some amazing hidden gems with outdoor seating areas just perfect for a visit.
Just make sure you are prepared for the weather as it's easy to get burned while having a coffee, or something stronger, at one of the many cafes on our list.
There are plenty of options out there to choose from including coffees at Contemporary, cakes at Colwick and or even a sticky bun in Beeston. We've narrowed it down to just five outdoor options for places to take some time out in.
1- Nottingham Contemporary
Nottingham Contemporary offers a quiet bit of culture right in the heart of the city centre. However, there is lots to do at the gallery besides taking the art including plant shopping with Sap Plants, gift shopping in the quirky shop and also soaking up the sun in their outside seating area.
The cafe, which can be found downstairs on the basement floor, opens out at the back near the tramline. Despite its busy location, both the cafe and outdoor area are relatively quiet. Nottingham coffee chain, Blend has recently opened its newest location at Contemporary so there is plenty of coffee and food on offer at the venue.
2- Wired on Wheels
Wired on Wheels is a bit of a hidden gem in Nottingham with one of the most picturesque surroundings to stop and have a coffee in. The distinctive yellow van can be found in the middle of Colwick park near the activity centre by the water's edge
The exceptional coffee is best served with one of their hot croissants mid-walk while you watch the birds and the water from your seat. It's a great spot for dog walking and family time as there are plenty of treks to take.
3- The Garage
The Garage in Chilwell is definitely one for the weekend as it offers a number of different coffee vans and street food vendors. Although if you are in the mood for something a bit stronger then coffee then they have a full bar onsite too.
The outside seating area is definitely one to arrive early to as it can get really busy but it's worth the wait as it is a great place to soak up some sun. There are a lot of different vendors on site so there are multiple food vans to choose from including fresh pizza and homemade chocolates.
4-Gedling country park
Gedling Country Park is a short drive outside of the city centre but really easy to get to. It's a great spot to spend a day completing the different walks that it offers.
The coffee shop at the park has a range of different cakes and coffee which can be eaten in the surrounding seating area while children make use of the nearby playground. It makes a difference getting outside of the city as the park feels beautifully quiet in comparison and the seating area is perfect for soaking up the sun.
5- Broadway cafe
Broadway cafe had a bit of a makeover during the lockdown and a relaunch of their cafe. The redesigned menu now features new pizzas, burgers and sides. The cafe's outdoor seating area is perfect for people-watching as you sit and watch the world go past.
Hockley is a great area for outdoor cafes, bars and restaurants so even if Broadway is full, there are lots of nearby options for you to choose from. However, its worth popping along early to grab one of the outdoor tables if you can because dishes like the kimchee-loaded tater tots or their signature homemade pizzas are worth the battle for a spot.
