From day trips to staycations, there are some great hidden gems just a stone's throw away from Nottingham.

One of the closest and most accessible places to visit is the Peak District in Derbyshire. This is a hotspot for dog-walkers, climbers and nature lovers, and there are many places which are sure to suit your needs. The Kinder Scout provides a good walk with some excellent views from Mam Tor and Grindslow Knoll. Another great attraction is Lud’s Church which is a mossy chasm located in Buxton, and is bound to feature in your next Instagram post! For those looking for a weekend away in the Peaks, sites such as Sykes Holiday Cottages and AirBnB will provide great accommodation for a range of budgets. I would personally recommend camping as it allows you to truly embrace the outdoors and will provide you with precious- and oftentimes hilarious- memories!

Another great place for a day out is Bakewell. Bakewell is the biggest town in the Peak District National Park, with a population of just under 4000. One of its renowned sites is Chatsworth House, which was most notably the filming location for the 2005 film Pride and Prejudice. Of course, it wouldn’t be a trip to Bakewell without touring the many gift shops and stopping by for an infamous Bakewell tart! For Bakewell and other attractions in the Peak District, the best way to get there is by taking the train to Sheffield, then going by bus or train to your chosen destination. 

Moreover, Lincolnshire is another location which is ideal for day trips. In particular, Stamford is a lovely town which only requires one change from Nottingham (at Leicester station). Characterised by its mix of Medieval and Georgian architecture, this town was home to the Burghley family; one of its most notable members being Sir William Cecil who was a member of Queen Elizabeth I’s Privy Council. There are a whole host of events that take place at Burghley House, including the Classic Ibiza event which takes place in summer 2025 and will provide you with great music and entertainment. There are also guided tours of the town starting from just £10.50 per person which will give you information on the rich history Stamford has to offer. 

My main tips for day trips/staycations are as follows: plan an itinerary in a group, create a budget and stick to it, and ensure that you have someone close by who you can contact in an emergency. For those looking to go on multiple trips in the year, a student railcard may provide you with discounted, off-peak train tickets. If staying in an AirBnB/holiday let, it can be helpful to buy food beforehand to keep costs low, and to avoid any nasty surprises when the local shops are further than expected!

Overall, there are a variety of places near Nottingham which will help you to plan your next day trip or staycation. Hopefully this insight has given you some inspiration with which you can create lasting memories with your friends and family.