Nottinghamshire &amp; Derbyshire


<p>Switch off Abba’s <em>Slipping Through My Fingers</em> and stop ruminating on your emptying nest. If you’ve got a teen who’s set their sights on one of Nottingham’s or Derby’s universities, things are looking up for weekend escapes. Whether you’re dropping off, heading to an open day or treating your cash-strapped student to a posh meal out, these are the places to have on your radar when you visit.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/09/student-mum-hug-uni-notts-1024x683.jpg" alt="student hugs mum goodbye university of nottingham" class="wp-image-10280" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/09/student-mum-hug-uni-notts-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/09/student-mum-hug-uni-notts-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/09/student-mum-hug-uni-notts-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/09/student-mum-hug-uni-notts.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo / University of Nottingham</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nottingham">NOTTINGHAM</h2>



<p>Kid heading to Nottingham? Lucky you, because this vibrant city has lots to love. Welcome Week starts&nbsp;on Mon 23 September at the University of Nottingham and Freshers’ Week at Nottingham Trent Uni starts from Fri 13 Sept.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stay">STAY</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="748" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/04/orchard-signature-suite-1024x748.jpeg" alt="signature suite orchard hotel" class="wp-image-8692" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/04/orchard-signature-suite-1024x748.jpeg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/04/orchard-signature-suite-300x219.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/04/orchard-signature-suite-768x561.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/04/orchard-signature-suite-1536x1122.jpeg 1536w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/04/orchard-signature-suite-2048x1496.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The swanky Signature Suite at The Orchard Hotel</figcaption></figure>



<p>Although still without a five-star hotel, Nottingham has some pretty stellar places to stay if you’re making a weekend of it. If you’re at Nottingham Uni and fancy a taste of what’s in store on campus for your kid, you can’t get closer than <a href="https://nottinghamvenues.com/nottingham-hotels-accommodation/rooms-orchard-hotel">The Orchard Hotel</a> which sits in a quiet spot on the edge of the leafy campus. Top tip: book the penthouse Signature Suite (read Muddy’s review <a href="https://nottsderbyshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/travel/uk/hotels-inns/review-signature-suite-orchard-hotel-nottingham/">here</a>). The bonus? It’s available from a reasonably-priced £250.</p>



<p>Rather stay in the heart of the city? <a href="https://www.hartsnottingham.co.uk/">Hart’s Hotel</a> is the place to book if you want a little bit of luxe, easy access to the shops and stunning views (read out <a href="https://nottsderbyshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/travel/uk/hotels-inns/review-harts-hotel-kitchen-nottingham/">review</a>). Its restaurant, <a href="https://nottsderbyshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/harts-hotel-kitchen-nottingham/">Hart’s Kitchen</a> dishes up delicious locally-sourced food and is a perfect spot for intimate farewells. Popular <a href="https://nottsderbyshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/lace-market-hotel-nottingham/">Lace Market Hotel</a> on cobbled High Pavement is another safe bet if you’re staying in the city centre. Quiet, yet close to all the nightlife, it’s in a fab location for making the most of the city.</p>



<p>Closer to Nottingham Trent you’ve got budget boutique hotel <a href="https://stjames-hotel.com/">St James Hotel</a> right near the station (check out their graduation packages early too) or quirky, eclectic <a href="https://www.mamasinn.co.uk/">Mama’s Inn Boutique Guest House</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eat">EAT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/01/alchemilla.jpg" alt="alchemilla restaurant nottingham" class="wp-image-7918" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/01/alchemilla.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/01/alchemilla-300x300.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/01/alchemilla-150x150.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/01/alchemilla-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/01/alchemilla-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Alchemilla Restaurant</figcaption></figure>



<p>Nottingham has a vibrant restaurant scene, with a clutch of <a href="https://nottsderbyshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/latest-news/newsflash-new-restaurants-openings-near-you/">shiny newcomers</a> to try out too. For a fun last supper with the fam try <a href="https://zaapthai.co.uk/locations/nottingham/">ZaapThai</a> (where you can dine in a tuktuk), or award-winning Japanese <a href="https://kushi-ya.co.uk/">Kushi-Ya</a>, newly opened in a bigger restaurant on pretty High Pavement. Muddy Awards winner <a href="https://www.barescatapas.co.uk/escabeche">escabeche</a> and sister restaurant <a href="https://www.barescatapas.co.uk/baresca">baresca</a> are also spots for delicious casual dining.</p>



<p>For posh nosh, head to <a href="https://www.no12nottingham.co.uk/the-restaurant">No.Twelve</a> for veggie and vegan eats, while new kid on the block <a href="https://www.raymondsnottingham.co.uk/">Raymond’s</a> in Hockley is a great spot for parents to head after drop-off for an empty nest tipple and a few small plates. Looking to seriously splurge? <a href="https://www.alchemillarestaurant.uk/">Alchemilla</a>&nbsp;is Michelin starred treat of a restaurant and <a href="https://www.restaurantsatbains.com/">Restaurant Sat Bain</a>s deservedly holds two Michelin stars. Maybe save this one as a graduation gift.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-walk">WALK</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/Wollaton-Hall-Nottingham-by-Chris-Denning.jpg" alt="wollaton hall in autumn" class="wp-image-6385" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/Wollaton-Hall-Nottingham-by-Chris-Denning.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/Wollaton-Hall-Nottingham-by-Chris-Denning-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/Wollaton-Hall-Nottingham-by-Chris-Denning-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/10/Wollaton-Hall-Nottingham-by-Chris-Denning-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image by <a href="https://www.chrisdenningphotography.com/">Chris Denning</a></figcaption></figure>



<p>Get a feel for the leafy Uni of Nottingham campus and take a stroll around the lake (be sure to pop into Lakeside Arts where there’s some <a href="https://www.lakesidearts.org.uk/festival/autumn-exhibitions/">great autumn art exhibitions</a> lined up). A stone’s throw from Nottingham University is the gorgeous Wollaton Park. Complete with deer park and madcap museum inside the hall. Close to Nottingham Trent, you’ll find The Arboretum, the city’s oldest park and inspiration to <em>Peter Pan</em>&nbsp;author J.M. Barrie.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-play">PLAY</h2>



<p>Feeling blue now you’ve said goodbye? Cheer yourself up with a brilliant comedy line-up at <a href="https://www.justthetonic.com/nottingham-comedy/shows/saturday-21-sep-2024/6367/">Just the Tonic Comedy Club</a> on Sat 21 Sept at Metronome. Or, empathise with your teen and get a peek into the anarchy of adolescence at <a href="https://trch.co.uk/whats-on/the-history-boys/">The History Boys</a> at the Theatre Royal (10-14 Sept).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-derby">DERBY</h2>



<p>Welcome to Derby! Perfect for tying in with a weekend in the Peak District (check out our <a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/travel/uk/travel-guides/travel-guide-peak-district/">insider guide</a>), Freshers and &#8216;Refreshers&#8217; events start from Sat 14 September.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stay-0">STAY</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/09/coachhouse_derby_room05_bed6537-1024x683.jpg" alt="bright colourful bed at the coach house hotel derby" class="wp-image-10250" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/09/coachhouse_derby_room05_bed6537-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/09/coachhouse_derby_room05_bed6537-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/09/coachhouse_derby_room05_bed6537-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/09/coachhouse_derby_room05_bed6537.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Coach House, Derby</figcaption></figure>



<p>Looking for city digs? Beautiful, brightly-coloured boutique hotel <a href="https://www.coachhousederby.com/">The Coach House</a> is just over the A38, close to campus and is a total treat. Just 2 miles from the uni (but feels a million miles away) is <a href="https://www.kedlestoncountryhouse.co.uk/">The Kedleston Country House</a> and its boutique bedrooms from £99. Or head into one of the nearby villages to stay in one of the excellent country gastropubs in this neck of the woods. We love <a href="https://thebootatrepton.co.uk/">The Boot at Repton</a> (known for its droolworthy food), <a href="https://thedragonatwillington.co.uk/">The Dragon</a> at Willington (with its cool, canalside beer garden) and <a href="https://www.cowdalbury.com/">The Cow</a> at Dalbury Lees, all of which have contemporary, beautifully furnished bedrooms.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eat-0">EAT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/04/Darleys.jpg" alt="restaurant window overlooking weir darleys derby" class="wp-image-4293" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/04/Darleys.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/04/Darleys-300x300.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/04/Darleys-150x150.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/04/Darleys-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/04/Darleys-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/04/Darleys-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The weir view from Darleys</figcaption></figure>



<p>If the promised Indian summer materialises, there are some fabulous al fresco dining spots in Derby, including&nbsp;<a href="https://darleys.com/">Darleys Restaurant</a>&nbsp;overlooking the mesmerising weir and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/thecottonworksderby/">Lorentes</a>, with its beautiful leafy terrace and tapas dishes. For drinks, wine bar&nbsp;<a href="https://darleyabbeywines.co.uk/?fbclid=IwAR1RMRX21N6VIU1nCfP8vqkmaLF5QEEDRQsm_0dWEyzk0qJeAZqDM2UWtXw">Darley Abbey Wines</a>&nbsp;hosts regular tasting events, live music and cheese and charcuterie boards. There are some Muddy favourites a short drive away too. <a href="https://nottsderbyshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/binary-bar-restaurant-mickleover-derbyshire/">Binary Bar &amp; Restaurant</a>&nbsp;is in nearby Mickleover for brilliant brunches of reliable evening eats. Gorgeous gastropub&nbsp;<a href="https://nottsderbyshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/pubs-inns/muddy-reviews-the-cow-dalbury-lees/">The Cow</a>&nbsp;is worth a visit too for stand-out seafood.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-walk-0">WALK</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/12/Kedleston-NT.jpg" alt="View of the 18th century bridge and woodland beyond at Kedleston Hall, Derbyshire" class="wp-image-2684" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/12/Kedleston-NT.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/12/Kedleston-NT-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/12/Kedleston-NT-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/12/Kedleston-NT-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">©National Trust Images/Chris Lacey</figcaption></figure>



<p>Down by the river, stunning Darley Park sprawls over 80 acres, shaded by majestic, mature trees – from redwoods and pines to oaks and acers – it has the feel of an ancient arboretum. Nearby National Trust property&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/peak-district-derbyshire/kedleston-hall">Kedleston Hall</a>&nbsp;(pictured) is close to the uni and is like a mini Chatsworth with glorious gardens. Try the 5km ‘<a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/peak-district-derbyshire/kedleston-hall/kedleston---long-walk">long walk’</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-play-0">PLAY</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.derbypride.co.uk/">Derby Pride</a> takes over Markeaton Park on 14 Sept with a large and colourful parade kicking off at 11.30am. Book tickets for <a href="https://derbycathedral.org/events/concerts/an-evening-of-radiohead-2-2/">An Evening of Radiohead</a> on 13/14 Sept in the stunning setting of Derby Cathedral. Or head 8 miles south of Derby to the pretty village of Melbourne and its fabulous <a href="https://www.melbournefestival.co.uk/home">Melbourne Festival</a> on Sat 14 and Sun 15 September. The highlight is the Arts &amp; Culture Trail that leads you in and out of residents’ houses to view the work of talented artists. Good for nosey parkers!</p>



<p><em>Check out Muddy&#8217;s <a href="https://nottsderbyshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/travel/uk/travel-guides/insider-guide-to-nottingham/">Insider Guide to Nottingham</a> and find the fun in our <a href="https://nottsderbyshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/things-to-do/whats-on/">What&#8217;s On guides</a>.</em></p>


Not just for freshers: Turn the uni drop-off into a grown-up weekend escape

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