Hidden Gems of Nottingham: 10 Places Every Student Should Visit (That Aren’t in the Guidebooks)

Nottingham has a lot going for it — two massive universities, a buzzing nightlife, and more student deals than you can shake a TOTUM card at. But beyond the high street haunts and Freshers’ fair flyers, there’s a different side to the city that most students don’t stumble upon until their third year (or never at all).

If you’re new in town or just want to escape the Lenton bubble, here are 10 underrated gems that deserve a spot on your Nottingham bucket list:

1. The Secret Garden at Nottingham Arboretum

🌳 Location: Arboretum Street

Nottingham’s oldest public park is more than just ducks and trees. Tucked away near the back is a quiet garden with benches, winding paths, and some serious zen vibes. Perfect for revising, journalling, or just pretending your deadlines don’t exist.

2. Lee Rosy’s Tea Room

🍵 Location: Broad Street, Hockley

If you’re over-caffeinated and under-inspired, Lee Rosy’s offers over 100 loose-leaf teas in a cosy, mismatched furniture kind of setting. Great for studying or catching up with mates without shouting over club music.

3. Cobden Chambers

🛍️ Location: Pelham Street (look for the archway)

You’ll walk past it 10 times before realising it’s there. Cobden Chambers is a tucked-away courtyard filled with indie shops, artisan makers, and creative studios. Think Etsy, but IRL.

4. The Carousel

🎪 Location: Various, follow on Instagram

This rotating pop-up space changes every few weeks — art shows, food pop-ups, live music. It’s a cool way to see what local creatives are up to and maybe discover your new favourite street food vendor.

5. Broadway Cinema’s £5 Student Nights

🎬 Location: Broad Street, Hockley

Art-house films, cult classics, and the occasional blockbuster — all in a stylish cinema that doesn’t smell like popcorn sweat. Bonus: The upstairs café bar is perfect for pre-film drinks and post-essay debriefs.

6. The Canal Towpath Walk to Beeston

🚶 Location: Start at Castle Wharf

Walk or cycle along the canal path from the city to Beeston. It’s peaceful, pretty, and surprisingly therapeutic — even if you’re just procrastinating your coursework.

7. The Hungry Pumpkin

🍽️ Location: High Pavement, Lace Market

A family-run café that does unreal breakfasts and sandwiches. It’s affordable, friendly, and feels like a proper local secret (that we’ve now just ruined — sorry).

8. Thrift & Threads

🧥 Location: Derby Road

Affordable vintage and second-hand fashion that doesn’t smell like your nan’s attic. Great for scoring a statement jacket or dodging fast fashion guilt.

9. The Magic Garden (behind Nottingham Castle)

🧚 Location: Off Castle Boulevard

This little green escape is hidden behind the castle grounds. There’s a pond, sculptures, and enough space to pretend you’re in a fairytale — or at least not three weeks behind on a group project.

10. Kitty Café

🐾 Location: Friar Lane

Yes, it’s a café. With cats. You can stroke them, sip coffee, and pretend you’re not missing your family pet more than your own parents.

Final Word

Nottingham isn’t just clubs, chains, and campus. It’s packed with little-known spots that make student life here even better — you just have to know where to look.