Celebrate the legacy of the arts and Nottingham

The City of Nottingham has long been an artistic hub, attracting creatives such as J.M Barrie who took inspiration for Peter Pan from the City Centre’s Arboretum, and Lord Byron, who is said to have written his first verses in Hockley, when a woman offended the young poet with a reference to his lameness. Here at Lakeside, we have something in our programme for everyone. There are four free galleries and museums for you to enjoy, alongside our jam-packed programme of theatre and music events. Have look What’s on here.

A day out for the whole family

Lakeside Arts are the region’s leading venue for theatre and dance for children and families. Passionate about being family-friendly, Lakeside Arts have an interactive gallery dedicated to families, an adventure park, buggy parking for shows, plus baby changing facilities. There is a dedicated arts programme for children, which includes a wide range of shows, including theatre, comedy and dance.  Lakeside Arts also offer workshops, summer schools and talks throughout the year. At the end of year packed full of fun, celebrate with us at our magical Christmas show, The Storm Whale, as we take you out to sea to meet a little whale…

Explore Historical Architecture

Highfields Park first opened to the public in 1926 and was one of the country’s first, large, man-made public parks. The park is now Grade II Listed in English Heritage’s Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest. The park was designed by the architect Percy Richard Morley Horder to form a setting for the Trent Building which he designed and built between 1922 – 1928. As a result, Highfields Park has a strong architectural emphasis in both its structural layout and the quality of the buildings.

Discover Highfields Park and Boating Lake

Lakeside Arts is surrounded by beautiful parkland, with both the University Park and Highfields Park on our doorstep. With over 120 acres of grassland, trees, shrubs and a stunning boating lake, there is so much to enjoy. Look out for the hidden treasures throughout the parks, including stepping stones at the end of the lake, a mini hedge maze and a Millennium Garden. With playing fields for picnics, ball games, and outdoor events, you can make a day of it. There is also an adventure play park to enjoy, plus Adventure Golf. And in the summer why not take a boat out on the lake for a different perspective?

Make the most of our Lakeside Cafés

Our Pavilion Café has beautiful views of the Highfields Park Lake and is a must visit throughout the year. Relax with a coffee and watch the boating lake as people and wildlife enjoy the idyllic surroundings. The ideal spot for birdwatching, we share our parks with swans, moorhens and coots, ducks such as tufted ducks and mallards, Canada Geese, plus some rather enigmatic Egyptian Geese. Our park is also home to bunnies, badgers and squirrels.

You can also enjoy our Gallery Café, nestled outside our Djanogly Gallery, watch the trams pass behind the serene fountain and stunning botanical surrounds.

For directions, opening times and more, take a look here.