It’s a new year and inevitably many of our thoughts turn to lifestyle changes, getting fit, trying new things and increasing our physical and mental wellness. Aside from hitting the gym there are various other things you can try in Nottingham to get the endorphins going and make this January feel a little lighter. Here are a few of our recommendations, but make sure that you check out individual websites for special events and more info…
Saunahood
What is it?
Saunahood offers wood-fired sauna and plunge pool contrast therapy. The sauna is a beautifully converted horse box seating up to eight people; handcrafted and fire-powered. You sit. You sweat. You melt. The Plunge is two state of the art steel stock baths powered by an industry-leading filtration and cooling system. Take the plunge under the canopy of trees and enjoy calm, clarity, and the kind of high you can’t bottle from contrast therapy.
Where is it?
Nestled away in a quiet corner on the campsite for the National Watersports Centre in Nottingham's Holme Pierrepont Country Park. Adbolton Ln, West Bridgford, Nottingham, NG2 5AX.
How much?
£15 per person for a public session. Or if you can book the whole place for up to eight of you for £100. Sessions last fifty minutes.
What the experts say…
"At our wood-fired sauna you will find deep relaxation, improved circulation, and a calmer mind, while the contrast of cold water boosts resilience, recovery, and mental clarity. For me the combination of hot/cold therapy combined with time in nature significantly lifts the mood, and creates a powerful sense of balance, leaving you feeling refreshed, focused, and fully restored." Ellen Tobin
What is it?
MinorOak is an independent 22-seat coworking space located in Sneinton Market, in Nottingham’s Creative Quarter. It includes a social workspace downstairs, a quiet workspace upstairs, a meeting room, two phone rooms, and is open from 8.30am to 6:00pm Monday to Friday. Need to be in a Zoom meeting? Want a snack or a warm drink? Prefer to use a monitor with your laptop? Loaner monitors, refreshments, and phone rooms are included.
Where is it?
Situated amongst the creative businesses of Sneinton Market, MinorOak is on Gedling Street and Avenue A at Unit 6 Sneinton Market, Nottingham NG1 1DS.
How much?
Specialising in flexible, part-time memberships; you never pay more than £2.50/hour and yes, you can just walk in and work.
What the experts say…
“Many people are working from home these days, but it can be both isolating and distracting! Get out of the house, get your daily walk in and get more done while immersing yourself in the creative community of Sneinton Market Avenues. Work alongside friendly, interesting people and be part of a community of independent workers.” Dee Miller
What is it?
Studio Dreamland is a radical wellbeing studio, and a creative community space rooted in inclusivity, connection, and dreaming new worlds into being. At heart it’s a wellness space, though their idea of ‘well’ is expansive. They have a one-to-one treatment room, a collective of wellness practitioners, and a group space with regularly curated events, from breathwork and sound baths to full moon gatherings.
Where is it?
It’s in Cobden Chambers, a lovely little hub for creative and indie businesses found down the alleyway next to The Bodega. 4d Cobden Chambers, NG1 2ED.
How much?
Workshops are priced between £20-30 each. Contact them directly for one-to-one session prices.
What the experts say…
“We’re here for the queers and the weirdos. For the dreamers and creatives, the folks who stand a little (or a lot) left of centre. Our aim is to support folks to move into a deeper relationship with themselves, community, and the world.” Elle Bower Johnson
What is it?
If you’ve been hankering to get more creative in 2026, over at Nottingham College there is an excellent range of part-time creative courses, where you can work and learn alongside professional artists and designers. Check out topics like creative beadwork, drawing and painting, interior design, stained glass, and lots more. We quite like the sound of the beginners’ ceramics course, which covers basic hand-building with clay, decorative processes and glazing techniques.
Where is it?
Courses take place on various Nottingham College campuses, including Beeston, Strelley and the city centre.
How much?
Prices vary depending on the course. The introduction to ceramics starts at £114, which gets you 24+ hours of teaching over nine weeks.
What the experts say…
“Part-time creative courses at Nottingham College offer adults a valuable space to unwind, explore new techniques and boost wellbeing. Our courses help build new skills at a comfortable pace while adding enjoyment, inspiration, and a sense of personal achievement as you create and produce work in a supportive and industry standard workshop and studio space.” Alexandra Rayner
Guidance and Growth
What is it?
A space aimed at supporting men’s mental health through gardening, growing vegetables, woodworking, and peer-to-peer support, while also offering inclusive community sessions that bring people together to learn new skills, build confidence, and transform neglected spaces into vibrant, welcoming green areas that strengthen wellbeing across the whole community. They even go litter-picking together.
Where is it?
The workshop is based at The Lenton Centre, Willoughby Street, Lenton, Nottingham, NG7 1RQ.
How much?
Many of their activities are free – contact them to find out more.
What the experts say…
“Growing vegetables or building something from wood isn’t just productive – it’s grounding. Our sessions give you the chance to clear your mind, learn new skills, and feel the satisfaction of creating something real with your own hands. But the biggest benefit is the community around you: friendly faces, shared conversations, and people who understand what you’re going through. Here, you’re part of a supportive group that celebrates your progress, listens without judgment, and makes sure you never have to face things alone.” Ben Rawson
What is it?
The Major Oak Chorus are male voice acapella harmony singers. Recently starting a new chapter under Angela Sanchez as their new musical director, they welcome men who would like to try singing, with no requirement to read music or audition, and ages ranging between 26 and 95 years old. (For an inclusive women’s choir, check out Lace City Chorus, who practice at Carlton Junior School on Wednesday nights.)
Where is it?
Carlton Junior School, Foxhill Rd, Carlton, NG4 1QS. Rehearsals are every Tuesday evening from 7.15-9.30pm.
How much?
Free taster sessions are available, and the membership is £15 per month from then on.
What the experts say…
“Singing together is a joyful social hobby which we often see reflected back in the faces of an audience. It can often be life changing. Personally I find singing a cathartic experience – reducing stress, helping to clear the mind and an aid to concentration. Being naturally quite introverted, it provides an opportunity to feel I am in a safe environment to be more expressive emotionally. The camaraderie and shared sense of achievement is a great bonus when we get it right.” Ian Summerscales
What is it?
Capoeira na Comunidade Nottingham is a small, friendly group exploring Capoeira Angola – an Afro-Brazilian martial art – blending movement, dance, and music at a comfortable pace. Attendees learn from each other in relaxed rodas featuring rhythmic movements, songs, and basic techniques that build confidence and body awareness. It’s a supportive space to stay active, reduce stress, encourage personal growth, and connect through shared culture and respect.
Where is it?
Over at creative hub Fisher Gate Point, 1 Fisher Gate, Nottingham, NG1 1GD, a minute’s walk away from Nottingham Arena.
How much?
A £5 minimum donation per class. Free taster sessions are available as are monthly members rates.
What the experts say…
“Capoeira Angola builds foundational strength, muscular endurance and flexibility through low stances, evasions and rhythmic movements. It also improves cardiovascular health, balance and coordination while reducing body fat and increasing bone density. Mentally, it promotes stress reduction, emotional regulation, discipline and strategic thinking through communal rodas and music.” Jonn Whaley
Deep Yoga
What is it?
Deep Yoga School & Studio was founded by Dr Gurdeep Singh Athwal in early 2018, after many years of training in India with the aim of spreading the philosophy of yoga and respecting ancient yoga traditions, while embracing evolution.Classes range from inclusive introductory and all-level yoga sessions, to specific skills’ workshops, such as inversions, backbends, and breath work. The studio also runs specialised sessions such as floating sound baths, ‘scared’ sleep sessions, introduction to yoga and more.
Where is it?
Just off Mansfield Road – halfway between Vic Centre and the Forest Rec. Unit 2A, The Old Knows Factory, St. Ann’s Hill Road, Nottingham, NG3 4GN.
How much?
Their intro offer is £25 for fourteen days of unlimited classes. After that it’s £15 per class (£7.50 for over 8 community classes weekly) or or £50 per month for up to ten classes.
What the experts say…
“At Deep Yoga, every class is designed to help build strength, improve flexibility, and calm the mind. From energising flows to grounding restorative sessions, everyone can find practices that suit their body and lifestyle. The Shala is a welcoming space to recharge, connect with others, and leave feeling balanced and empowered - whether they are beginners or advanced practitioners.” Dr Hind Elhinnawy
What is it?
A mix of tennis and squash, padel is the fastest growing sport in the world. Played on a smaller court in doubles, it is a highly social and addictive sport which is seen as relatively easier than other racket sports. The all-weather, four-court facility at Meadow Lane is the most affordable destination to play in the city, and available to book until 10pm at night.
Where is it?
By Meadow Lane Stadium, Iremonger Rd, Nottingham NG2 3HJ
How much?
No memberships, no hassle – just padel when it suits you. Prices start from £20 per hour for four people and rackets are free to use on all the courts!
What the experts say…
“Padel is fun and easy to learn, plus smaller court sizes and slower ball speeds make it less intimidating than traditional racket sports like tennis and squash. Usually played in doubles, padel offers the perfect way to get a full‑body, low‑impact workout while socialising with others.” Joe Palmer, CEO Notts County FC and Nottingham Padel Centre
What is it?
These days libraries offer much more than books – did you know you can book onto a range of adult learning courses at your local Inspire library? Dabble in arts and crafts, brush up on your work and employment skills, or, if you fancy letting your imagination run wild and getting the words flowing in 2026, check out their creative writing and poetry courses, which include short stories, crime fiction, or springtime poetry.
Where is it?
Available at a range of Inspire libraries throughout Nottingham – visit the Inspire website or pick up a copy of the course guide for the full list of courses and locations.
How much?
Prices start at £35 per course, but if you receive certain benefits you will be offered the course for free.
What the experts say…
“Whatever stage of your writing journey you’re on, gain confidence in your writing, find inspiration, and meet like-minded people to discuss your ideas with. You’ll not just develop your skills as a writer, but also improve your self-esteem, find a great outlet for stress, and give your brain a boost!” Sophie Reynolds
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