7 Outdoor Birthday Ideas in Nottingham for a Fun-Filled Day

Planning the perfect birthday party can be tricky, especially if you’re tired of the usual indoor celebrations. Luckily, birthday ideas in Nottingham are plenty and offer a blend of adventure, history, and beauty of the outdoors. Imagine spending the day exploring Robin Hood's legendary folklore in Sherwood Forest or indulging in exhilarating watersports. Whatever your style, Nottingham has plenty of activities to make your birthday truly special. As you plan your day, remember the city’s motto, "Vivit post funera virtus"—which means "Virtue outlives death." It’s a reminder that the memories and experiences you create here will last, much like the legends and history that have shaped this remarkable city. Here are 7 ideas that will turn your birthday party in Nottingham into one for the ages.
2 June 2023 7 min read
Fantastic Birthday Ideas in Nottingham

7 Unique Ideas to Celebrate Birthday Parties in Nottingham 

If you’re planning a birthday event, these 7 outdoor activities are perfect for any celebration, from a kids’ birthday party in Nottingham to an adult gathering.

1. Exploring Legends and Nature at Sherwood Forest

Visiting the Major Oak is a must-do Sherwood Forest activity.

Experience the best of Sherwood Forest activities, where the tales of Robin Hood come alive. Begin with a guided forest tour, visiting the legendary Major Oak, the tree long associated with the folklore of Robin Hood and his Merry Men. After soaking up the history, you can try your hand at archery, channelling your inner outlaw in the heart of the forest.

You can take a break at the Sherwood Forest Café, where you can enjoy a light meal with beautiful woodland views. Continue the adventure by exploring other activities like birdwatching, nature walks, geo-caching, and even cycling at nearby Sherwood Pines.

Don’t forget to visit the Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre for interactive exhibits that delve into the forest’s rich history. This combination of activities makes it one of the top Nottingham birthday ideas for anyone looking to mix adventure, history, and natural beauty.

Highlights

  • Where to go: Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire.
  • Duration: 3-5 hours.
  • Price: Starts at £15 per person for group tours.

2.  Nottingham Castle Caves and Heritage Tour

Nottingham Castle opening times can vary depending on the weather.

If you are a history buff and also love a bit of adventure, planning birthday parties at Nottingham Castle might just make your day. Start your adventure with a cave tour of Mortimer’s Hole and King David’s Dungeon, two of the most famous caves in Nottingham’s extensive underground network.

As you wander through these ancient passageways, you’ll uncover fascinating stories of secret meetings, escape routes and hiding places. These tours are led by experienced local guides who bring history to life with engaging narratives, offering a glimpse into the city’s mediaeval past.

But the adventure doesn’t stop underground. Once you’ve explored the caves, take some time to stroll through the castle grounds, where you can enjoy stunning views over the city. You can visit the Nottingham Castle Museum and Art Gallery, which houses a collection of mediaeval armour, fine art, and other exhibits.

To ensure a smooth day, remember to check Nottingham Castle’s opening times, as they may vary according to the season and special events.

Highlights

  • Where to go: Nottingham Castle.
  • Duration: 3-5 hours.
  • Price: Starts at £12 per person for cave tours and at £15 per person for Castle.

3. Watersports at Springlake

Watersports in Nottingham is a brilliant way to spend your birthday.

If you’re looking for a mix of thrill and relaxation on your birthday, indulging in watersports at Spring Lakes is the perfect day for you. Tucked away in a beautiful spot, this watersports centre has something for everyone, whether you are planning group birthday activities for adults in Nottingham or just seeking a chill day by the water.

You can kick off your day with wakeboarding, enjoying the rush of speeding across the lake. Or, if you prefer something a bit calmer, stand-up paddleboarding is a great way to soak up the scenery at your own pace. Spring Lakes also offers cable skiing for those seeking an extra adrenaline rush.

What’s more? The centre has an inflatable aqua park with floating obstacle courses, which are perfect for racing with your friends and having a good laugh. Watersports in Nottingham’s Spring Lake is an excellent choice for an outdoor celebration, offering a blend of excitement and recreation.

Highlights

  • Where to go: Spring Lakes Watersports and Leisure Centre, Pasture Lane, Long Eaton, Nottingham.
  • Duration: between 2-4 hours.
  • Price: Depends on the activity, with group deals available.

4. Clay Pigeon Shooting

Clay Pigeon Shooting is perfect for friendly competition.

For a Nottingham birthday idea that’s a little different and offbeat, try your hand at clay pigeon shooting. It involves using a shotgun to hit flying clay targets, testing your reflexes and accuracy in a fun, controlled environment.

It’s an ideal choice for group birthday activities, offering plenty of opportunities for laughs and camaraderie as you compete to see who can hit the most targets.  Nottingham has several locations where you can experience the thrill of shooting, whether you’re a seasoned pro or a complete beginner.

After your session, you can enjoy refreshments as most of these venues have clubhouses where you can relax and celebrate your victories. Clay pigeon shooting in Nottingham is perfect for those looking to add some excitement and friendly competition to their special day.

Highlights

  • Where to go: Orston Shooting Ground and District Gun Club.
  • Duration: Typically 1-2 hours.
  • Price: Starts from £35 per person.

5. Paintballing 

Paintballing in Nottingham is another exhilarating way to celebrate

Paintballing in Nottingham is an action-packed idea to celebrate a birthday. The city is home to several top-notch paintballing venues offering a range of activities for both beginners and experienced players. 

The centre typically provides all the gear you’ll need—marker guns, protective masks, and plenty of paintballs. Many venues also offer a variety of game scenarios to keep things interesting, from capturing the flag to the last man standing.

It’s the perfect way to bond with friends or family as you strategize and compete to outmanoeuvre the opposing team. It guarantees thrills, strategy, and a whole lot of fun, making it an excellent outdoor birthday party idea in Nottingham.

Highlights

  • Where to go: Skirmish Paintball Nottingham and Nottingham Paintball Jungle.
  • Duration: Typically 2-4 hours.
  • Price: Starts from £20 per person.

6. Zorbing

Zorbing in Nottingham is a fantastic way to spend your birthday.

If you’re looking for a unique and exhilarating experience, zorbing is a great outdoor party idea in Nottingham. Zorbing can be done in various forms, including hill zorbing, where you’re safely strapped inside the ball as it rolls downhill, or aqua zorbing, where water is added inside the ball for a slippery, splashy experience.

Whether you’re racing against friends or simply enjoying the ride, zorbing provides a mix of laughter and excitement as you bounce and roll your way down the course. It’s a fun, light-hearted way to challenge your senses and enjoy the day.

After your session, you can relax at the venue’s facilities, sharing stories and photos of your wild ride. Zorbing in Nottingham is a fantastic way to experience an adrenaline rush on your birthday or enjoy some good laughs.

Highlights

  • Where to go: Nottingham Off Road Events.
  • Duration: Typically 1-2 hours.
  • Price: Starts from £20 per person.

7. Glamping

Glamping in Nottingham combines luxury and nature

Glamping is an excellent choice for a birthday celebration that blends nature’s beauty with luxurious comfort. Picture spending your special day in a cosy, well-equipped glamping pod in the tranquil Nottingham countryside. 

Many sites offer glamping pods with hot tubs, perfect for unwinding after outdoor activities and soaking up the peaceful surroundings. As evening falls, gather around a campfire, roasting marshmallows, sharing stories and stargazing with friends and family. 

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Another great addition could be organising a movie marathon under the stars. To make the celebration even sweeter, arrange for a birthday cake from Nottingham’s best caterers or a pre-prepped gourmet picnic dinner.

Highlights

  • Where to go: Sherwood Hideaway and Redbrick Woodland Lodges.
  • Duration: 1-3 nights.
  • Price: Starts from £100 per night.

Plan the Perfect Finish to Your Birthday Activities in Nottingham

After a day filled with these unique birthday ideas in Nottingham, there’s no better way to cap off the celebration than by enjoying a delicious meal with your loved ones. 

While going to a restaurant sounds amazing, you should remember that most restaurants can’t accommodate large groups or cater to everyone’s dietary needs. Not to mention the lack of variety and food options.

This is where you can surprise everyone by hiring a private chef. From baking the best birthday cake in Nottingham and preparing tasty snacks to gourmet meals, a private chef opens the door to endless possibilities. Platforms like yhangry give you access to talented private chefs who can fulfil all these at any venue of your choice in the UK.

By hiring a private chef from yhangry,  you are giving yourself the opportunity to relax and enjoy the company of your guests without any of the stress that comes with hosting. It is the ideal way to add that final flourish to your special day, ensuring it’s one you’ll remember fondly for years to come.

FAQs

If a person is hosting their own party, they generally take on the expenses. In cases where friends or family organise a surprise party, they often pay as a gift to the person celebrating.  Parents or guardians usually cover the costs of children’s parties. For group gatherings, it’s common for attendees to split the bill or cover their own costs, depending on the arrangement.

When everyone pays for themselves at an event, it’s commonly referred to as “going Dutch.” This term is often used in social situations like dining out or group activities, where each person is responsible for their own expenses rather than having a single person cover the entire bill.

Consider treating yourself to a spa day, indulge in a hobby, enjoy a movie marathon, or spend time outdoors on a hike or bike ride. For something more reflective, you might choose to volunteer, take a class, or have a self-care day at home. Celebrating in a way that’s meaningful to you can make your day just as special, even without a traditional party.