Plan your visit
Things to see and do whilst visiting us…
About Nottingham
Nottingham is perfectly located within the East Midlands region. There’s lots to do here, whatever your length of your stay. We are famous for our sporting venues, Nottingham Castle, Wollaton Hall and of course Robin Hood.
Although our venues are located within the University of Nottingham campus, we have easy links to the City centre. Similarly, if it’s peace and tranquility you are after, we have plenty of that too.
Below is a list of some of our top picks of things to do during your stay.
Things to do while visiting Nottingham Venues
University of Nottingham Campus
- Lakeside Arts: Lakeside arts is a short 15 minute walk from the Orchard Hotel. There’s always lot’s to see, from art exhibitions to children’s theatre. See what’s currently on here.
- Highfields park adventure golf: Pop over for a game or two of adventure golf at Highfields adventure golf.
- Campus walks: There’s many walks, gardens and green spaces to enjoy on campus. Read the universities garden guide and tree walk here.
- David Ross: All our hotel guests have complimentary use of the gym at David Ross. You will need to book in advanced at reception before use.
- Spokes Cafe: Relax and enjoy some lunch at Spokes, sit by the lake on our Jubilee Campus.
- Active Trails: The Active Trail is a 1.7mile journey around University Park Campus connected by five separate workstations, which is open for anyone to use for free.
Beeston and the local area
- Beeston Marina: The Beeston Marina is a long standing and well established marina. It caters for over 100 moorers and there’s the Riverside Bar and Boathouse Cafe on site for food and drink.
- Canalside Heritage Centre - The Canalside Heritage Centre is a vibrant hub for visitors to enjoy and explore, with an enticing tearoom, welcoming gift shop and interpretation centre, as well as tranquil gardens and lots of activities to delight in.
- Beeston Town Centre: Just a short walk or tram ride away, Beeston town centre offers a diverse mix of shops, cafes, bars and a recently opened cinema. So if you don’t fancy the hustle and bustle of the City Centre, this is the place to go.
- Wollaton Hall: Visit the famous Wollaton Hall, only a 15 minute drive away from the Orchard Hotel. Built in the 1580s, Wollaton Hall has been home to industrialists, barons and Batman: a classic prodigy house dubbed “the architectural sensation of its age”. Enjoy a walk around the gardens, spot some deer or take a tour.
- Highfields park: The loveliest part of the Highfields is the esplanade beside the boating lake, with a balustrade and view across to the university’s Trent Building.
Nottingham City Centre
- Nottingham Castle: One of the most famous attractions in Nottingham. Nottingham Castle’s story began in 1068, when William the Conqueror ordered the construction of a castle at Nottingham, as he aimed to fortify Norman power over central and northern England. The Castle began life as a wooden motte-and-bailey, before being developed into an imposing stone fortress. The structure has been destroyed and rebuilt throughout its tumultuous history.
- Shops & Restaurants: There’s a range of shops and restaurants to suit everyone’s needs. The best place to discover all Nottingham has to offer is Visit Nottinghamshire.
- Motorpoint Arena: Relish in a night of entertainment at a concert, ice hockey game or some stand up comedy.
- Theatre Royal & Royal Concert Hall: Are musicals and theatre your thing? Then this is the place for you.
- National Ice Centre: Take your children to ice skate or join one of the disco skating sessions here.
- National Justice Museum: You’re in the right place for an amazing adventure. See remarkable spaces, exhibits and learning experiences at the National Justice Museum.
- Nottingham Contemporary: An elegant building sunk into a sandstone cliff with modern art galleries, a learning area and a cafe.
- City of Caves: Soak up the extraordinary atmosphere of the ancient caves carved deep beneath Nottingham’s city centre.
Further Afield
- Sherwood Forest: Home to the legend Robin Hood, take a walk around Sherwood Forest to witness the major oak and learn all of Robin Hoods story.
- Newstead Abbey: If you need some inspiration for a day out, the ancestral home of the poet Lord Byron is 10 miles north of Nottingham.
The 12th-century Augustinian abbey was dissolved during the Reformation in the 16th century and turned into a country house right after.
- Attenborough Nature Reserve: Established in 1966 and was opened by Sir David Attenborough, this much loved, nationally important site is best known for its birds with over 250 species recorded, but also provides a home for hundreds of species of plant and insects.
Find us
Our Locations
The Orchard Hotel & Restaurant
Orchard Hotel, Beeston Lane, Nottingham NG7 2RJ
The Jubilee Hotel & Conferences
Triumph Road Jubilee Conference Centre, Nottingham NG7 2TU
East Midlands Conference Centre
Beeston Ln, Nottingham NG7 2RJ
Campus Venues
University of Nottingham University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD
52.939294, -1.202119
52.9498921, -1.1864517
52.9384717, -1.2046183
52.9378177, -1.1948226
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By train
We are approximately 4 miles away from Nottingham train station and only 2 miles from Beeston train station. Nottingham’s tram system is accessible from both stations, which will take you directly to the university park campus.
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By plane
You can fly into East Midlands Airport via the M1, which is just 12 miles away.
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By tram
Trams from every 7 minutes from key locations such as Nottingham City Centre and Nottingham Train Station. the University of Nottingham has 2 stops close by (University of Nottingham and University Boulevard) both are a short walk onto the University park campus.