Nottingham March events — 10 things to do this month
Gardening, afternoon tea, crafting, and more...
The sun is starting to shine, and the daffodils are in bloom, which makes it the perfect time to find out about events in Nottingham this March.
I’ve rounded up a range of events, such as theatre shows, gardening workshops, Mother’s Day treats, and more. I have chosen these based on their seasonality, their uniqueness, the quality of the offering, and the value for money.
If you’re looking for events and things to do this month, these activities around the county are sure to keep you busy. For more guides like this, including our weekly Notts Going On newsletter, subscribe to The Notts Edit for free.
10 things to do in Nottingham this March
By Eve Smallman
1. Nottingham 10K
When: March 8
Where: Starts at Old Market Square
How much: £34pp
One of the city’s best running events, this 10K starts in the square, before heading north of the city centre towards Nottingham Girls High School. From here, it loops to Church Cemetery, heads all the way down towards the Motorpoint, and slingshots to The Park. The finish line? The iconic Nottingham Castle, of course. The ticket includes a finisher medal and a goody bag.
Do if: You’d like to get some exercise and explore the city centre in the (forecasted) sunshine.
2. Pop-Up Plate Decorating
When: March 12
Where: Philos Deli, Ruddington
How much: £15pp
Set at the lovely Philos Deli, during this workshop you’ll design your own plate. Choose from vintage china or a more modern design, then decorate with paint and transfers. This workshop is just before Mother’s Day, so you could make a gift for your mum or someone else in your life, or simply make something beautiful for your home. They also recommend bringing your own drinks.
Do if: You’d like to spend a cosy evening doing something mindful that will leave you with a charming finished product.
3. Punch
When: March 13-April 4
Where: Nottingham Playhouse
How much: From £14.50pp
Returning to Nottingham Playhouse after being on Broadway and in the West End, Punch is an impactful show based on a true story. After one fateful night out leads to Jacob Dunne leaving lost and directionless, he meets the parents of his victim, and his life changes forever. The play is based on the book by Jacob Dunne, with the script penned by Ashfield’s James Graham of Sherwood, Dear England, and Quiz fame.
Do if: You’d like to see something with a local feel at the theatre that will leave you feeling moved.
4. Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea
When: March 15
Where: Kelham Hall, Newark
How much: £30pp adult, £18pp child
The grand Kelham Hall is a beautiful setting for a spot of afternoon tea – and it’s sure to impress for Mother’s Day. Enjoy freshly baked scones, sandwiches and delicious homemade cakes, as well as a choice of tea or coffee. Vegetarian and vegan options are available, as is a children’s menu. The picturesque gardens are also worth wandering around before or after your treat.
Do if: You’re looking for a special way to show your mum you love her – this country house is truly wow-worthy.
5. Spring Plant Hunters Fair
When: March 15
Where: Thoresby Park, Ollerton
How much: Free entry, parking £3
With 33 plant nurseries – including 12 RHS medallists – this fair offers the perfect opportunity to find new shrubs. The experts will be able to help you find the right one for your garden style and direction, so they have the best possible chance of thriving. Along with these, there will be accessory stalls to help make them shine. The country park is also free to enter, and is a beautiful location for a spring walk.
Do if: Your garden is looking a little grey and you’d like to bring some life into it.
6. RSC Hamlet
When: March 17-21
Where: Theatre Royal, Nottingham
How much: From £21pp
The Royal Shakespeare Company is returning to Nottingham with a new production of Hamlet starring Ralph Davis (of House of the Dragon fame). Hamlet’s mother has married his uncle, and at a less than decent time. As he pulls at the threads of his not-so-happy new family, Hamlet unravels a web of deceit and immorality. The show is fittingly fresh from its run in Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon.
Do if: You love quality theatre that enraptures you – this is arguably one of the greatest plays of all time.
7. Fruit Tree Grafting
When: March 21
Where: St Ann’s Allotments, Nottingham
How much: £38.62pp
The owner of the award-winning Blue Barrel Cider Company, Leo Jordan, will be sharing the art of fruit tree grafting during this workshop. This technique creates quality fruit trees with strong roots, as well as increasing disease resistance. You’ll have a selection of apple and pear varieties to choose from, and you can take your grafted trees home with you. Few tickets are left, so be sure to be quick if you’d like to go.
Do if: You’ve always loved the idea of having a fruit tree, but never known where to begin – this technique is much easier than growing from the pip.
8. A Semester in Nottingham, 1976
When: March 21-May 9
Where: Bonington Gallery, Nottingham
How much: Free entry
This exhibition of photographs by Baltimore-based John Dean will showcase pictures from his time as a visiting student at Nottingham Trent University (or Trent Polytechnic as it was then). He immersed himself in Nottingham life, wandering through Hyson Green, Market Square, and the Arboretum, capturing striking black-and-white portraits of residents going about their daily lives. The resulting images are both documentary and deeply personal.
Do if: You’d like to discover more about Nottingham’s past – these photos capture a transformative time in the city’s history.
9. Ay-Up Market
When: March 27-29
Where: Old Market Square
How much: Free entry
Over 90 of Nottingham’s independent retailers and creatives will be setting up shop in Old Market Square for this three-day-long celebration. Stalls will have clothing, homeware, jewellery, plants, and more to browse. You can also participate in workshops from The Bead Shop, enjoy free face painting and crafts, and try hook-a-duck. After all the excitement, you can fuel up with street food from the likes of Bombay Deli and The Bagel Project.
Do if: You’d love to support local businesses and scout out unique gifts and trinkets.
10. Peter Rabbit’s Picnic
When: March 29
Where: Waterstones, Nottingham
How much: £8pp per child, adults and carers free
Forget teddy bears’ picnics – this is a rabbit picnic. The Beatrix Potter favourite will be hosting this, with stories, games, and bites to eat (including plenty of carrots, of course). You’ll also be able to make your own bunny hat before hopping to a meet and greet with the main man himself. This is part of Waterstones Nottingham Children’s Gala, which is taking place from March 29-April 5.
Do if: You’d like to experience some adorable Easter magic while in town for half-term.
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