Top 21 Places to Visit and Fun Things to Do in Nottingham, England

May 17, 2023 Mustafa Natalwala 1867 Views

Nottingham is a city in Nottinghamshire county in the East Midlands of England. The city sits 180 km from London and on the banks of the River Trent. Some of the most fun things to do in Nottingham include exploring the history of the city, the lace-making industry, and the tobacco industry.

The city is also closely linked to the legend of Robin Hood. Many of the best places to visit in Nottingham tell you tales of Robin Hood and the Sheriff of Nottingham. You will see the hiding spot of Robin Hood. You will also see the castle where the Sheriff resided among things to see in Nottingham.

The city is also closely associated with two renowned writers in English literature. You can visit the house museums of D.H. Lawrence, Alan Sillitoe and Lord Byron during Nottingham travel.

The city also has an interesting history besides the legends as well. The most intriguing among Nottingham tourist attractions is the network of underground caves. It is called the city of caves. These were carved during the Middle Ages and served various purposes.

You will come across many spots during Nottingham sightseeing to access these caves. These include museums, public places, and pubs. Another major historical Nottingham attraction is the oldest pub in England. You can come here to get a drink, enjoy history, and access the historical caves.

Aside from this, you can get to explore the history and buildings concerned with the once-flourishing lace-making and tobacco industry of the city when you visit Nottingham.

But, there are also many fun activities in Nottingham. The city is known for the Nottingham Beach event where people come together by the poolside for outdoor activities to do in Nottingham. There are several top things to do near Nottingham for families including nature trails and farms.

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Table of Contents

Top 21 Tourist Places to Visit in Nottingham

1. The Lace Market

This historic area preserves the heart of the lace industry of the British Empire. It is one of the best places to visit in Nottingham City to admire history. You will see buildings from the Victorian era and the 19th century.

You will see industrial buildings, warehouses, sales rooms, warehouses, and retail stores. These red-brick buildings are tightly packed. There are quite a few interesting things to see in Nottingham.

You will hallmarks of the era such as iron railings, vintage gas lamps, red phone booths, and more. You will need about an hour or so to tour this area when you visit Nottingham.

2. City of Caves

These caves were carved into sandstone during the Middle Ages. It is a labyrinth of more than 500 ancient caves. Exploring these is one of the most fun things to do in Nottingham’s city centre.

You can take a guided tour to explore the history of these caves. You will how people used them as shelters, cellars, workshops, dwellings, tanneries, etc. You will need about an hour from Nottingham travel to tour these caves.

3. Old Market Square

This is the historical heart of the city. It is the largest public square of its kind in the UK and the second-largest public place in Britain. This square has witnessed over 700 years of history and you will be surrounded by historical Nottingham tourist attractions. You will need about an hour to explore this square.

4. Nottingham Castle

This castle sits atop a 40 meters high cliff and dates back to 1067. It was rebuilt in 1768. This is one of the top things to do in Nottingham for families. You can explore the castle and the caves beneath it.

Some of the biggest Nottingham attractions you will see while touring the castle includes King David’s dungeon, Duke of New Castle’s Wine Cellar, the Haunted Cave of Sir Roger Mortimer, and so on.

The castle is also associated with incredible people and events including Prince John, King Richard I, Sheriff of Nottingham, and so on. These people have made it one of the most interesting places to see in Nottingham.

This castle is also associated with the legend of Robin Hood and you will see his statue in the castle. You will need about 2 hours from Nottingham sightseeing to tour this magnificent castle.

5. Highfields Park

Spread over 121 hectares, this park dates back to the 18th century. People come here for leisure and outdoor activities to do in Nottingham. It is best known for its boating lake and lakeside arts centre. It takes about an hour to explore this park.

6. Wollatan Hall

This Elizabethan mansion is one of the most opulent places to visit near Nottingham. The mansion is surrounded by 500 acres of gardens. The house was built during the 1500s and renovated in the 1800s. It still retains much of its original splendour in exterior architecture and interior decor.

The mansion houses the Natural History Museum which focuses on various species of birds and animals.

The collection also features minerals, fossils, and insects. Alongside the museum, you can also tour the mansion to see the life of the elite during the Elizabethan period. It is one of the most interesting places to go in Nottingham and you need 2 hours to tour the place.

7. Green’s Windmill and Science Centre

This restored windmill dates back to 1807. It was built by Mr. Green who was a baker in Sneinton. This is the largest and most powerful among the 20 historical windmills of the town.

It is one of the most important historical places to go in Nottingham. The science centre is dedicated to Mr. Green’s son George Green who published a famous scientific essay.

The science centre focuses on explaining scientific principles through exhibits and interactive games. It has fun indoor activities to do in Nottingham for children. You will need an hour to tour these two places.

8. Nottingham Beach

This is perhaps the most happening spot in the city. It is not actually a beach, but rather an event. You have a large pool surrounded by sand and fun activities in Nottingham.

There are also quite a few beaches near Nottingham facing an actual ocean. The most popular among them are Skegness Beach, Hunstanton Beach, Filey Beach, and Whitby Beach.

You can enjoy a variety of beach and water games. The place has waterpark-like slides, pool games, chairs in the sand, and more.

It also hosts a market selling street food, beverages, and handicraft items. You can easily spend a couple of hours enjoying at this beach when you visit Nottingham.

9. National Justice Museum

This place has over 600 years of history associated with law enforcement. It is believed to date back to the Normans using the place in 1375. It is one of the best things to do in Nottingham City for those interested in history and some spookiness.

This place is believed to be haunted and many people visit the museum for this reason alone. But, the museum itself is incredible. It has some amazing interactive exhibits that shed light on the history of law enforcement with interesting artefacts.

You will see actors dressed in era-appropriate uniforms narrating their role in the justice system of the time. It is a fun indoor activity to do in Nottingham for families. You will need about an hour and a half to tour this museum.

10. Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem

First established in 1189, this is the oldest pub in England. It was first built into the sandstone crag of the castle. The pub has seen more history than many of the city’s museums and has evolved an interesting character.

It is one of the most interesting places to see in Nottingham. You can enjoy history and a nice drink. Not many places to do that. You should take 30 to 45 minutes to enjoy this pub.

11. Nottingham Contemporary Art Gallery

This is one of the largest contemporary arts centre in Britain. It is one of the best places to visit in Nottingham for those who admire art. The gallery hosts events exhibiting works of rising and established contemporary artists of Britain.

The gallery has hosted exhibitions of Linder Sterling, David Hockney, Frances Stark, Lara Favaretto, and more. It also pays homage to the lace-making industry of the city. You will need about an hour from Nottingham travel to tour this museum.

12. D.H. Lawrence Birthplace Museum

This museum was the birthplace of the renowned English writer D.H. Lawrence. He is best known for the novels Sons and Lovers, The Rainbow, and Women in Love. Lawrence is considered one of the most influential English writers. This makes the museum one of the most important Nottingham tourist attractions.

This museum looks at personal and family life. The house still retains some of the belongings of the Lawrence family. You will get to see some of the artefacts concerning his work as well.

These are some of the most interesting things to see in Nottingham for admirers of literature. You will need about an hour to tour this museum when you visit Nottingham.

13. St. Mary’s Church

This church dates back to the 14th century. It has been in the lace market since the Saxon times. The church is the largest medieval monument in the city. It is one of the most important historical Nottingham attractions.

The majority of the church is built in Gothic style. The oldest part of the church dates back to 1370. The church is full of historical artefacts, artworks, and architectural features. You will need 30 to 45 minutes from Nottingham sightseeing to tour this place.

14. Nottingham Industrial Museum

As the name suggests, this museum focuses on the industrial history of the city. You will get to see equipments, photographs, machinery, vehicles, and more. The museum sheds light on textile trade, lace making, knitting, steam engines, ploughing, and more. It is an interesting place to go in Nottingham if you are interested in history. You will need about an hour to tour this museum.

15. Stonebridge City Farm

If you are looking for fun things to do around Nottingham with your family, this farm is a great spot. Here you can experience the English pastoral life. You can interact with a variety of farm animals including pigs, cows, dogs, sheep, goats, ducks, rabbits, and ponies.

The farm also has some fun outdoor activities to do in Nottingham on the farm. You can also get freshly produced food items and prepared meals at this place. You can spend an hour or so at this farm.

16. Newstead Abbey

This mansion is the ancestral home of Lord Byron, the legendary English poet. It is one of the best places to visit near Nottingham. The Abbey dates back to the 12th century. Byron lived at this place on and off.

The Abbey itself is renowned for its historical Gothic architecture and Tudor-style interior decor. You can learn about the various people who once lived here. You will need about an hour to explore this place.

17. Attenborough Nature Reserve

This beautiful nature reserve is a great place for birdwatching. It has boardwalks that let your tour the reserve and see a variety of birds in their natural habitat. The reserve has a variety of landscapes including marshes, lakes, grasslands, woodlands, and mud flats.

Alongside birdwatching, the nature reserve is also quite popular for its nature trails. People love to come here for hiking. It is one of the best things to do near Attenborough for nature lovers. You will need at least 2 hours to explore a trail in this nature reserve.

18. Sherwood Forest

This is yet another wooded area for fun activities in Nottingham. This forest is best known for being the hideout of Robin Hood. The forest has many attractions related to him, including the famous Major Oak.

The forest also has great walking, hiking, and bicycle trails. It also plays host to the popular Robin Hood Festival, which is one of the best times to visit Nottingham. You can spend an hour or so exploring the paths in this forest.

19. The Exchange (Exchange Arcade)

This opulent Greek architecture-inspired building was constructed in 1920. It is one of the most stunning things to see in Nottingham. The tall pillars and pantheon-like structure give this building a distinct look.

Inside the building is a mall with a variety of high-end outlets. It is one of the best places to visit in Nottingham for fashion shopping. You can easily spend an hour or so at this place, either shopping or admiring the architecture.

20. Meadow Lane Stadium

This stadium is the home ground of English Premier League team Nottingham Forest. If you truly want to experience the local sports culture, catch a home game at this stadium. You can also pick out the team’s jersey from the city to really mingle with the crowd. It is one of the most fun things to do in Nottingham. You will need at least 3 to 4 hours to enjoy an entire match when you visit Nottingham.

21. Hockley

This neighbourhood is considered the creative quarter of the city. It is one of the most popular Nottingham tourist attractions for shopping, dining, and art. The area has several art galleries, trendy cafes and restaurants, theatres, and a happening nightlife scene. You can spend an hour or so from Nottingham sightseeing exploring the place.

If you are looking for more places to go in Nottingham, check out the sections below. We have put together an exhaustive list of places to visit and things to do in and around Nottingham.

Things to do in Nottingham

Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Nottingham

Nottingham Castle
Wollaton Hall
National Justice Museum
Newstead Abbey
Nottingham Contemporary Art Gallery
City of Caves
Green’s Windmill and Science Centre
Nottingham Industrial Museum
Lakeside Arts
Nottingham Heritage Railway
New Art Exchange
Papplewick Pumping Station
Framework Knitters Museums
Bestwood Country Park
The Haunted Museum & Oddities Collection
Bennerley Viaduct
Nottingham Canal
The Robin Hood Experience
St. Mary’s Cathedral
Djanogly Art Gallery
St. Barnabas Cathedral
D.H. Lawrence Birthplace Museum
Erewash Museum and Gardens
Bromley House Library
V21 Artspace
Museum of Nottingham Life
Nottingham Museum of Archeology
Nottingham City Council
The Fletcher Gate Art Gallery
Canalside Heritage Centre
Bestwood Winding Engine House
St. Peter’s Church
Ruddington Village Museum
Bishop of Nottingham Church
Museum of Mercian Regiment
William Booth Birthplace Museum

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Nottingham

Attenborough Nature Reserve
Wollaton Hall Gardens and Deer Park
Rushcliffe Country Park
Colwick Country Park
Forest Recreation Ground
Manor Farm Park and Woodlands
Cotgrave Country Park
Grantham Canal
Netherfield Lagoons
Straws Bridge
Skylarks Nature Reserve
Hemlock Stone
Broxtowe Country Park
Mill Lakes

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Nottingham

Holme Pierrepont Country Park
Trent Bridge Cricket Ground
Arboretum
Wollaton Park
National Ice Centre
Highfields Park
The Lost City Adventure Golf
Gedling Country Park
Nottingham Winter Wonderland
Attenborough Nature Centre
Red Kangaroo Trampoline Park
Long Eaton West Park
Woodthrope Grange Park
Felley Priory
Cave Escape Nottingham
Spring Lakes Watersports and Leisure Centre
Alea Casino
Dusk till Dawn Poker Club
Arnot Hill Park
Floralands Farm Park
Brewhouse Yard
Grosvenor Casino
Clip and Climb Nottingham
Burnstump Country Park
Eden Softplay
Logiclock Escape Room
Bramcote Hills Park
Bulell Hall Park
Nottingham Climbing Centre
Nottingham Bowl
Teamsport Go Karting
St. Ann’s Allotments
Mr. Mulligan’s Pirate Golf
Nottingham Greyhound Stadium
Highfields Park Boating Lake
Holme Pierrepont White Water Course

Shopping in Nottingham

The Exchange
Castle Marina Retail Park
Sneinton Market
Bridlesmith Gate
Intu Victoria Centre
Victoria Centre Market
The Lace Market
Hockley
Old Market Square
Intu Broadmarsh
Flying Horse Walk
Beeston

Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventures in Nottingham

Hiking
Camping
Boating
River Rafting

Sightseeing in Nottingham

Old Market Square
Robin Hood Statue
Stonebridge City Farm
Sky Mirror Public Art
Beston Lock
Lady Bay Bridge
Wilford Suspension Bridge

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Nottingham

Ye Old Trip to Jerusalem
Sat Bains
Kitty Cafe
George’s Great British Kitchen
Ludorati
Jam Cafe
Kushi Ya
Junkyard
Pizzamisu
The Maharaja’s Retreat
Cleaver and Wake
Hart’s Kitchen
Veryday People
Annie’s Burger Shack
Bar Iberico
MemSaab
Alchemilla
The Pudding Pantry
Little Brickhouse
Fat Hippo
The Cod’s Scallops
Perkins Bar & Bistro
No. Twelve
Suede Bar
Mesa
The Alchemist

Where to Stay in Nottingham?

Here we have listed Top Rated Luxurious, Mid-Range and Budget Hotels in Nottingham. You can check the below-listed hotels for your perfect stay in Nottingham.

Luxurious Hotels

Mid-Range Hotels

Budget Hotels

Custom Tours Package in Nottingham

How to Reach Nottingham?

By Air

The closest airport to visit Nottingham is the East Midlands Airport. This airport also serves Leicester and Derby. The airport is about an hour away by bus. The airport receives direct flights from Belfast, Burgas, Paris, Malaga, Alicante, Berlin, Budapest, Dublin, Faro, Krakow, Sofia, Prague, Riga, Barcelona, Marseille, Rome, Valencia, and several other cities of Europe.

By Road

You can get direct trains for Nottingham travel from London, Birmingham, Leicester, Crewe, Leeds, Sheffield, and Derby. You can get buses to reach Nottingham from several cities and towns in the UK.

By Water

There are no direct water routes to visit Nottingham.

Image Reference

The Lace Market – Zoe Clarke / Flickr
City of Caves – Immanuel Giel / Wikimedia Commons
Old Market Square – Marit & Toomas Hinnosaar / Flickr
Nottingham Castle – It’s No Game / Flickr
Highfields Park – Arran Bee / Flickr
Wollaton Hall – ian kelsall / PixaBay
Green’s Windmill and Science Centre – Arran Bee / Flickr
Nottingham Beach – Shrini / Flickr
National Justice Museum – Karen Bryan / Flickr
Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem – rozsagab / Flickr
Nottingham Contemporary Art Gallery – John Lord / Flickr
D.H. Lawrence Birthplace Museum – nick macneill / Wikimedia Commons / Geograph.org.uk
St. Mary’s Church – Billy Wilson / Flickr
Nottingham Industrial Museum – Martin Pettitt / Flickr
Stonebridge City Farm – David Hallam-Jones / Wikimedia Commons / Geograph.org.uk
Newstead Abbey – Tom Parnell / Flickr
Attenborough Nature Reserve – Arran Bee / Flickr
Sherwood Forest – F. E. Greene / PixaBay
The Exchange (Exchange Arcade) – Billy Wilson / Flickr
Meadow Lane Stadium – The Stadium Guide / Flickr
Hockley – It’s No Game / Flickr