Staying Active and Staying Safe

With restrictions easing, activities starting to open and nicer weather on the way, at Age UK Notts we thought we’d share some ideas of things you can do in and around Nottingham. We are lucky in Nottingham to have numerous parks and lovely trails only a short distance from the city centre. There’s also outdoor markets full of independent businesses to tickle your taste buds or pick up something for friends and families.

Here’s a list of places and events we know about that have measures in place to allow you to be socially distant and are good for the entire family.

The Garage at Chilwell

The Garage at Chilwell, which was first used as the home of Barton Transport Limited (Bartons) from 1913, holds a Fine Food and Craft market every 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month. The stalls include award-winning meats, patisserie, ales and coffees alongside beautiful bespoke items like woodcraft, ceramics, clothing and jewellery. Entry is free, and doors open at 10am; as they’re limiting numbers into the market you may have to wait outside but it’s worth the wait.

Find out more on their website

Highfields Park

Highfields Park offers a range of activities for everyone in the family. Not only can you have a relaxing walk around the lake, taking in the wildlife and the Trent Building of the University of Nottingham but the outdoor mini golf and boating lake is also open. The café does takeaway coffees and snacks, and at the weekend there’s an ice-cream van (no matter if it’s sunny or rainy).

Information for Adventure golf can be found here and for Boating on the lake here

Wollaton Park

While the main building may not be open, the park is open every day. You can walk around the gardens and grounds – if you’re lucky you’ll see the resident Deer. Both the café near the entrance and in the courtyard are offering a takeaway service; with the toilet facilities open as well.

Find out more here

Attenborough Nature Reserve

Attenborough Nature Reserve is a welcome reprieve from the city; but close enough to be an impromptu outing. The café at the Attenborough Centre is now open for takeaway, so you can grab some ice cream, sandwiches and drinks before wandering around the lake; or, even take a picnic with you find a quiet spot.

You can find out more on their website

For those of you that love a long walk or have a bicycle, Attenborough lies just off The Big Track which takes you along the canal through the city, and around Embankment on the River Trent. You can also connect to the Erewash Valley Trail which is a 30-mile loop that takes you up to Derbyshire and back.