First dates in Nottingham city centre
Key facts
| Nottingham Contemporary | Free, book entry, Weekday Cross |
|---|---|
| Nottingham Trail | Self-guided walk of 1 to 2 hours |
| Winter Wonderland 2026 | 12 November to 31 December, closed Christmas Day |
| Old Market Square | The UK's largest public square after Trafalgar Square |
A first date goes best somewhere central, busy and easy to get to. Nottingham's centre is small enough to walk, so you can change plans if the first place is too loud. Here are three easy starting points.
A gallery at Weekday Cross
Nottingham Contemporary is free, and you book your entry online or at the desk. The two current shows run until 10 January, so there is plenty to talk about straight away.
Source: Nottingham Contemporary, checked 8 November 2026
Walk the Nottingham Trail
The Nottingham Trail is a self-guided walk of one to two hours round the city centre, with a free map to download or use on the Guidigo app. It is a nice way to fill the gap between coffee and dinner.
Source: Visit Nottinghamshire: Free days out, checked 8 November 2026
Winter Wonderland in Old Market Square
From 12 November to 31 December 2026, the square has an ice rink, a skate path above the market, an observation wheel and an ice bar. Entry is free but the rides and the rink are ticketed, and the market stalls run until 24 December.
Source: Visit Nottinghamshire: Winter Wonderland, checked 8 November 2026
Questions
Is Winter Wonderland free?
Walking round is free. The ice rink, the wheel and other attractions need tickets, so check prices before you go.
Do I need to book Nottingham Contemporary?
Yes, entry is free but you book it, online or at reception. Check the gallery's website before you go.
How do we get home after a night in town?
Use a black cab from a rank or a pre-booked private hire car. Never get into a private hire car you have not booked.
Read next
Our sister site Smooch has a page on dating in Nottingham. WhichDating, our sister review site, compares dating apps in the UK.