Hey, I’m Yaz, a writer and budget health blogger covering everything there is to consider when living on a budget and aiming for a health-conscious lifestyle. When Zanna offered the chance to provide a write up on my own city – Nottingham – I jumped at the chance!
Nottingham isn’t just home to Robin Hood – over the years, it has developed an absolutely thriving creative arts and food scene, with everything from pop-up exhibitions and local food markets to trendy craft-beer bars popping up almost every week. The hub of the East Midlands is easily accessible from anywhere in the country, and makes for the perfect day out for health-conscious food lovers on any budget – just let me show you how…
Get Outdoors
Nottingham is just an hour from the Peak District, which is home to some of the most spectacular countryside views, walks, and scenery you’ll see anywhere in England. Catch the train to Matlock and take in the fresh air as you enjoy some of the best hikes in the country with absolutely breathtaking scenery – finished off with a thoroughly deserved refreshment in one of the many cosy country pubs nearby.
If you’d prefer to stay closer to the city centre, Nottingham’s Wollaton Park makes the perfect location for an early morning run or an afternoon stroll. Be sure to see if you can spot any of the park’s resident deer as you go!
Get Active
Nottingham may be known for it’s bars and restaurants, but it’s not without it’s gyms either. Hit up Virgin Active, which is located inside Nottingham’s old railway station – you’ll never work out in a cooler space!
If you want to mix up your workout routine, there are a huge range of activities on offer. Try out Hotpod Yoga for hot yoga in an awesome inflatable pod, get your ice skates on at the National Ice Centre, or you could even try out some indoor bouldering at the Depot Climbing Centre!
Shop
Every great day out includes a visit to the local shops, and in Nottingham you won’t be lacking for choice. Grab yourself some activewear to suit any budget with offers from TK Maxx, Sweaty Betty, as well as a host of high street shops in the Victoria Centre – the city centre is completely walkable so you won’t miss out on any of the shops nearby.
For those looking for a frugal steal, be sure to check out some of the great vintage shops in the historic Lace Market too to find many gorgeous vintage and second hands clothes for a bargain!
Sightsee
Nottingham is swamped in history, and many a day can be spent getting some fresh air happily bumbling around the city centre taking in it’s tourist attractions. You could simply wander through the Lace Market to see the impressive 19th Century industrial architecture still preserved in many of the creative pop-up cafes and vintage shops that reside there.
Alternatively, drop in on Nottingham Castle and enjoy a drink in the nearby ancient pub Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, which is actually built into the surrounding stone caves! End your day of sightseeing by popping over to the gorgeous Wollaton Hall (you might recognise it as Bruce Wayne’s mansion in The Dark Knight Rises!)
Indulge
A busy day walking around bustling city centre is perfectly offset by some of the many treats Nottingham has to offer. There are more places to eat and drink in Nottingham that you can count, but some I’d thoroughly recommend include:
- A stop into The Nottingham Doughnut Company is an absolute must, with all kinds of delicious doughnut creations from Apple Pie flavour to Wagon Wheel – do not miss this place!
- For a savoury treat hit up Thai street food venue Zaap for a delicious dinner surrounded by decor that’s been pulled straight from the streets of Bangkok!
- Bar Iberico offers authentic tapas dishes for a great price and a guaranteed unforgettable meal.
- The food at the Peacock pub is completely vegan, offering their own twist on pub classics including “fish”& chips and even a vegan saveloy!
Hit the Town
We all know the key to a healthy lifestyle is balance, and when you’re in the City that boasts more pubs and bars per square mile than any other European city, it would be rude not to experience the local delights, wouldn’t it?
Try a craft beer at the trendy Six Barrel Drafthouse, or if a cheeky cocktail is more your thing, Tilt is one of most popular bars in the City, offering classic cocktails and jazz music every night.
No matter what your budget, tastes and interests are, Nottingham provides an array of things on offer to any health & fitness lover. I hope you found this guide useful and come and check out some of the places mentioned for yourself – it would be a shame to miss out!
Yaz blogs on her site The Wallet Moth, covering everything from health & fitness to travel on an achievable budget. Check out some of her frugal tips to adventurous living now!
