Nottingham as a city is fun of culture, history and tons of awesome things to do. But if you are tired of the cosy pubs with caves, romantic coffee shops and the cool music venues then consider taking a day trip from Nottingham. In this post we asked top bloggers for their recommendations on the best day trips from Nottingham and here is what they had to say.

All the locations on this list are less than 2 hours drive away (book your rental car here) and have plenty of things to do making them perfect for weekend or midweek day trips from Nottingham. If you don’t drive that’s cool too, we also have idea’s for train travel too. Book your train tickets here.

Car Day Trips from Nottingham

Stratford-Upon-Avon

Stratford-Upon- Avon is the home of everything Shakespeare and is one of the best day trips from Nottingham.

Theatre fans will want to take a walking tour of the town to learn all about where Shakespeare grew up, went to school and see where he is buried with his wife and daughter. The hop-on-hop-off bus tour is one of the best ways to get around Stratford and not miss any of the best attractions.

Some romantic things to do for Couples in Stratford upon Avon include hiring a rowing boat and having a romantic ride down the River Avon. For something less adventurous visit the Butterfly Farm where you can have a relaxing stroll and enjoy the hundreds of butterflies in the heated enclosure.

Kids will love visiting the MAD Museum and learning about how things work at the interactive exhibits. The Magic Alley shop is also not to be missed for all your witchcraft and wizardry supplies or to see one of the magic shows that are hosted here throughout the year.

West Midlands Safari Park

West Midlands safari park is a great day out for the whole family. Located near Kidderminster it is approximately 77 miles from Nottingham and takes an hour and 40 minutes to drive there. Once at the safari park there are many things to see with the main attractions being the 4-mile self-drive safari to see animals such as lions, tigers, elephants, giraffes and zebra. Don’t forget to buy some animal feed on entrance to the park and stop to feed the giraffes, gazelles and zebra as they wander past your car.

That’s not all though, once you have finished your self-drive safari visit the adventure theme park for some exciting rides. You can also watch the penguin feeding at certain times and listen to the educational talks about the animals kept in the park and conservation efforts. Be sure to enter the twilight zone and experience the bats flying around overhead, then head to the African village and see if you can spot the wallowing hippos in the lake. Take part in some animal encounters with a chance to feed and interact with certain species and finish the day with some souvenirs in the lost city.

Chatsworth House

Recommended by Anisa from Two Traveling Texans

You may recognize the Chatsworth House from television or movies as it is a popular filming location, but it was one of the most famous stately homes in England even before that.  The first house here was built by Bess of Hardwick in 1552.  It’s been the home of the Cavendish family for 16 generations.  Queen Victoria, Charles Dickens, and Mary Queens of Scots have all stayed here.     

Start your visit to Chatsworth by exploring the Park.  Take a stroll along the River Derwent and admire the view of the House from the bridge.  Don’t miss Queen Mary’s Bower, where Mary Queen of Scots used to take her exercise when she was held captive here.

Next, head inside the House to see the lavish furnishings and some of the Cavendish family’s art collection.  Then, it’s on to the formal gardens.  You won’t want to miss the Broad Walk, Cascade, Maze, Canal Pond and Great Fountain.  There are also quite a few interesting sculptures to admire.  If you want to treat yourself, book an afternoon tea at the Flying Childers Restaurant in the Stables.

Chatsworth House is located inside the Peak District National Park and there are limited public transportation options.  From Nottingham it’s best to drive. It will take you about an hour by car making it perfect for a day trip. 

Dovedale

Recommended by Lucile from Lucile HR

The breathtaking view of the green hills and the peaceful countryside vibe make Dovedale a special place if you want a quick getaway from Nottingham. It is an ideal solo destination, especially if hiking is your thing, but it’s also great for families, kids, and dogs.

If you need a change of scenery and want to take mindful and meditative walks, visiting Dovedale is a great idea. You can start a short hike from Ilam Park to reach the famous Dovedale Stepping Stones and cross the River Dove. The route is about 1.6 miles, which is perfect for a leisure stroll. This will be a great opportunity to revel in the beauty of nature around you, as well as clear your mind. 

If you’d rather avoid crowds that will gather at the stepping stones, make sure to visit the area early in the morning. Note that it gets busy during lunchtime. Also, the water level could rise, especially when it rains, so the stepping stones will disappear. Make sure you check the weather before visiting.

There’s more to discover once you cross the river and follow the path forward, where you can pass through the dramatic Viator’s Bridge and then continue further to check out impressive limestone formations like Lover’s Leap and Tissington Spires.

It’ll take only a one-hour drive to get to Dovedale, which is located south of Peak District National Park.

Haddon Hall, Bakewell

Recommended by Sarah from In Search of Sarah 

Visiting Haddon Hall makes for a great day trip from Nottingham. Just an hour north west by car and just outside the town of Bakewell lies an incredible medieval manor house dating back to the 11th century. Take a self-guided tour through 900 years of history and discover the untold stories. The Tudor Hall was untouched for 300 years and contains some of the best preserved English furniture and tapestries, and it’s become one of the most important heritage sites in the UK! Each room is so unique and elegantly designed.

You can take guided tours for a few pounds more and learn about the secrets and discoveries made along with strange and romantic stories. Free tours are available on Mondays, included in the admission price and are approximately 90 minutes. You’ll be led through the manor, chapel and Elizabethan walled gardens. The property is so scenic and is surrounded by a copse of trees, filled with a variety of colourful flowers, topiaries, and water features. It’s truly as though it’s from a fairy tale and you’ll be transported to another world.

There is also a restaurant on site to enjoy a pot of tea and pastries as you sit and ponder what life was like living at Haddon Hall throughout the past hundreds of years.

Northern Cotswolds

Recommended by Joanna from A World in my Pocket

Cotswolds is one of the most gorgeous parts of England, no wonder it bears the label of Area of Oustanding Natural Beauty. From Nottingham, it’s easy to drive to the Cotswolds, in just shy of two hours and there are plenty of things to do in the Cotswolds.

In a day trip from Nottingham, you can easily explore to the north of the Cotswolds, including the beautiful towns of Broadway, Moreton-in-Marsh, and Stow-on-the-Wold, which are all located close to each other. You can book a private full day tour here.

The first stop on this road trip through to Cotswolds will be Broadway, a lovely 16^th century Georgian honey-colored limestone town popular in the art world. Many famous artists such as Claude Monet, Oscar Wild, or William Morris have called Broadway home at some point in their lives. A great place to visit in Broadway is the Museum and Art gallery, which includes varied pieces of art created by different artists over the years.

Next, head over to Moreton in Marsh, the town in which King Charles I sheltered during the English Civil War. The local White Hart Hotel displays a plaque with the king’s unpaid bill, dating from 1644. Another point of interest here is the falconry centre, home to over 60 different species of birds.  

The last stop on this Cotswolds road trip is Stow-on-the-Wold, famous in the past for the annual fairs in which shepherds would gather to sell their sheep, sometimes even 20,000 a day. Whilst today the sheep fairs are long gone, the local producers still gather in the main square every second Thursday of the month for the Farmers Market.

Castleton, Peak District National Park

Recommended by Pauline from Bee Loved City

If you want to escape the city for a day and discover one of the most beautiful national parks in the UK, going on a day trip from Nottingham to Castleton will be perfect for you!

Castleton is located in the heart of the Peak District, in the county of Derbyshire. You can easily get there from Nottingham by car (about 1h20 drive) or by train (1h50 via Sheffield). Once you get there, you will discover a beautiful and authentic northern village. There are a lot of cafes and pubs where you can grab lunch. 

But a visit to the Peak District wouldn’t be complete without going hiking! Castleton is ideally located near some of the most famous peaks! Going on a Mam Tor walk is a must-do! There are several paths but the best one is the circular walk from Castleton to Mam Tor via the ridge and Back Tor. You can also walk to the Peveril Castle. Perched on top of a hill, it boasts some of the most amazing views in the area. 

If you like visiting caves, head to Peak Cave or Blue John Cavern. Tours are running everyday and it’s always a nice thing to see (especially when it rains).

Skegness

The closest seaside to Nottingham is Skegness and this little town is worth the day trip from Nottingham. It is the largest seaside resort on the Lincolnshire coast and the beach is lovely and clean with a traditional pier reaching out to sea.

Skegness Pier could be a day trip from Nottingham all by itself as it has a vast array of activities including laser quest, a bowling alley, escape room and even a climbing wall. You can also find lots of typical seaside attractions like amusement arcades, a Ferris wheel and plenty fish and chips along the main Parade at Skegness.

If you are visiting on a rainy day trip from Nottingham then the aquarium is a great activity to do for all the family. Come face-to-face with sharks, rays and a vast array of different fish, you can also book an amazing experience to get up close and snorkel or scuba dive in the big tanks.

Animal lovers wont want to miss visiting the Skegness Seal Sanctuary and learn about the treatment and rehabilitation of wild seals that often get stranded along the beaches of Lincolnshire.

Warner Brothers Studio Tour- Harry Potter

Harry Potter fans will love this day trip from Nottingham to visit the studio where filming took place and explore the sets from all the movies.

Make a grand entrance in the Great Hall and see the house tables and costumes around the room including all the house uniforms and teachers robes. Explore the Forbidden Forest but don’t get lost amongst the creepy trees.

Step inside a replica of the Hogwarts Express on Platform 9 ¾ where all the inner train scenes were filmed. Although most of the other train scenes were filmed on location around the UK including most of the platform scenes at Kings Cross Station in London.

Our favourite set was by far Diagon Alley which is a full-sized shopping avenue packed with all the wizarding shops you can see in the movies including Weasleys Wizarding Wheezes, Ollivanders, Flourish and Blotts and of course Gringotts bank.

Gringotts is another set you can step inside with the grand marble pillars and chandeliers. You can also see the goblin tellers and the small piles of coins on the desks.

Outside you can visit number 4 Privet Drive and the see the purple Knight Bus. There are also lots of Hogwarts sets including Dumbledores study, Griffindor dormitory, Potions Dungeon and the greenhouses.

Not only are there tons of sets to step into but you can also see the special effects, models and thousands of props used in the making of the movies. It is a fantastic day trip for any Harry Potter fan.

Warwick Castle

Warwick Castle was originally built as a mott and bailey design in 1068 by William the Conqueror. This was later replaced in the 13^th century by a stone castle which has been added to and rebuilt over the years into the castle that stands on the site today.

It is well worth the day trip from Nottingham to visit Warwick Castle and learn all about the history and the vital role the castle has played in British history.

Explore the towers, turrets and the elaborate rooms inside the castle. Inside you can see beautiful period decorations and furniture as well as suits of armour and weapons from English history. Stand out attractions include the Great Hall and the regal bedrooms which are all themed and at various times throughout the year they get decorated for special occasions like Halloween and Christmas.

There are also lots of activities to do at Warwick Castle for all the family including archery, falconry and jousting shows.

Bolsover Castle

One highly recommended day trip within easy reach from Nottingham is Bolsover Castle. Situated in Derbyshire, this enchanting castle offers a captivating experience for history enthusiasts and architecture admirers alike.

As you explore the castle you can experience the fantastically preserved rare wall paintings, painted ceilings, intricate carved fireplaces, and replica tapestries in the Little Castle. For breathtaking views of the surrounding Derbyshire Countryside and the Vale of Scarsdale venture onto the Wall Walk which circles the fountain garden.

Take advantage of the multimedia tour to delve even deeper into Bolsover Castle’s intriguing past and learn about how the castle was built as a pleasure palace for a horse mad playboy, Sir William Cavendish.

Inside the castle, discover lavishly decorated rooms that the English Heritage have recreated to transport you back in time. Take some time to have a stroll through the wonderfully recreated castle garden with over 5000 plants, flowers and fruit trees.

Also check the events page to see what is on and don’t miss the fantastic Cavalier horseman shows put on by the riding school at select times throughout the year.

Newstead Abbey

If you’re looking for a day trip from Nottingham that combines history with natural beauty and tranquillity then Newstead Abbey is an excellent choice. Whether you’re interested in Lord Byron or simply want to immerse yourself in stunning gardens and parkland scenery – this destination has something for everyone.

Located just a short distance from the city, Newstead Abbey offers a fascinating glimpse into history. Originally built as a monastic Abbey in the late 12th century, it later became the home of the renowned poet Lord Byron.

Visitors can explore Lord Byron’s private apartments, which provide insight into his life and works. Additionally, the Victorian room displays offer a unique perspective on daily life during that era and the kitchen is my personal favourite room.

But it’s not just the abbey itself that draws visitors. The surrounding 300 acres of parkland are peaceful and stunning with many lakes, ponds, and cascades throughout the gardens, creating a picturesque landscape that is home to peacocks and swans.

The Walled Gardens at Newstead Abbey are not to be missed, with lush ferns and rockeries creating a peaceful atmosphere perfect for relaxation and exploration. Don’t miss the sixteen distinct oases and themed gardens within the grounds to discover and enjoy. The sunken Japanese Oasis with its streams, stepping stones, bamboo groves, and wild crayfish ponds is one of the most relaxing to explore.

Sherwood Forest

Probably one of the most famous Nottingham attractions is Sherwood Forest but despite it’s reputation for being in Nottingham, the forest is in the county of Nottinghamshire and not as near to the city as tales would have you believe. It is around an hour from Nottingham city centre but it is still a worthwhile day trip from Nottingham.

Sherwood Forest is most famous for its association with the legendary outlaw Robin Hood, this ancient woodland offers visitors the chance to explore nature trails and discover the iconic Major Oak Tree. Believed to be over 800 years old, this giant oak tree is said to have been a hiding place for Robin Hood and his Merry Men.

Throughout the year Sherwood Forest hosts many Robin Hood themed events including an annual Robin Hood Festival in August. For Robin Hood fans the festival is a must visit and has lots of storytelling, shows and performances. You can experience medieval themed shows such as jousting, jesters and all kinds of music fun and games over the weekend long event.

Walking through Sherwood Forest feels like stepping into a fairytale, with its lush greenery and peaceful atmosphere. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking some tranquillity in nature, a visit to Sherwood Forest is definitely worth considering during your time in Nottingham.

Day Trips From Nottingham by Train

Heights of Abraham, Matlock Bath

Recommended by Gemma from Families Can Travel

With a promenade, amusement arcade and endless fish and chip shops, Matlock Bath may feel like a seaside resort yet it’s miles away from the sea! Located on the edge of the Peak District in Derbyshire, Matlock Bath is less than an hour’s drive from Nottingham making it a perfect day trip.
It’s also home to the Heights of Abraham, a tourist attraction that sits high up on the hillside with an exciting overground and underground experience.

A visit to the Heights of Abraham starts with a cable car ride to the top. The journey lasts a few minutes and provides incredible views over the Derwent Valley and Matlock Bath.

At the top are the entrances to both the Great Masson and Great Rutland caverns. Cavern guides take you deep inside, explaining the history of lead mining and how the caverns were formed. When you reach the natural chamber in the Great Masson cavern, the guide demonstrates the lighting from an individual candle to a spectacular multicoloured illumination.
Find out more inside the additional exhibitions and enjoy a drink or something to eat with stunning views from the restaurant.

Leamington Spa

Recommended by Richard from RJ on Tour

Royal Leamington Spa is a stunning regency town in the heart of Warwickshire. Leamington Spa is a very nice town that is immaculately maintained with fantastic architecture and ornamental gardens.

The town used to be a spa destination due to the healing properties of the local spring water. The history of this is on display in the museum at the former Royal Pump House. There are many things to do in Leamington Spa but the jewel in the crown has to be Jephson Gardens which runs alongside the River Leam. Jephson Gardens is a very pretty formal victorian garden which contains lakes, monuments and water features. The major church of Leamington is All Saints Parish Church which makes up part of the towns pretty riverscape. This is a rather nice building that was built in the 19th century and designed in the gothic revival style.

The town centre has many great examples of regency architecture throughout and is a great place for shopping. It has many independent retailers including specialist boutiques as well as the Royal Priors Shopping centre. The town has many independent eateries and pubs to enjoy dining out or a light lunch. Many of these are actually dog or family-friendly. One particularly nice place to pop in for a drink is the Royal Pug a friendly neighbourhood pub with an eclectic menu.

London

Recommended by Elina from Empnefsys & Travel

London is a great destination to set off for a day trip from Nottingham. Although the city is huge and you will need days to properly explore it, it is still possible to get a glimpse of the many things to do in just a day.

The easiest way to get to London from Nottingham is to take the train to London St. Pancras. There is a train approximately every 30 minutes and the trip should last about 2 hours. A super off-peak return adult ticket costs £67.50, but it is possible to get advance tickets for a lower price. Book your train tickets here.

To begin your day, I recommend visiting one of the many museums the city has to offer. The British Museum and the Wellcome Collection are both within walking distance from St. Pancras station and are good options to spend a few hours.

For lunch, you can go to one of the many cafes and restaurants around the area. One of my favourite places is Caravan Fitzrovia for delicious baked goods, healthy bowls and sourdough pizza. Instead, if you prefer something with Asian influences you can try Busaba Bloomsbury.

In the afternoon, head to Regent’s Park and walk all the way to Primrose Hill to enjoy amazing views over London. If the weather is not with your side, you can pay a visit to Madame Tussauds. On the door tickets are £36 per person but if you book in advance, they will be cheaper.

Sheffield Winter Gardens

Recommended by Daniel from Urban Abroad

The steel city of Sheffield is a truly magical city which among many other things is renowned for the Crucible theatre and it’s a notable contribution to the steel industry. For those thinking of spending a few hours here the city has some remarkable landmarks which welcome anybody who wants to learn more about the culture and heritage of one of the best cities to visit in Northern England in just a short space of time.

Whether you are just passing through for the morning or for a full day, being located in South Yorkshire you can get a train from Nottingham to Sheffield City Centre in the space of less than one hour.

The Winter Gardens offers a wonderful green space in the city centre which is known as the UK’s largest temperate glasshouse. The Winter Gardens are a great place to visit whether rain or shine and inside you’ll find many varieties of tropical plants. The adjacent Millennium Gallery, a smaller museum that shows local metalworks, holds some of the most significant pieces of Sheffield cutlery and does a fine job of depicting the history of Sheffield’s steel industry.

There is a café on-site which you can access via both galleries, and since the entry is free, you can bring all the family and enjoy a superb day trip from Nottingham without breaking the bank.

Birmingham

Recommended by Amy from The Travel Fairies Blog

Birmingham has a little bit of something for everyone, so it makes the perfect place to visit on a day trip from Nottingham, there are also loads of cool date ideas in Birmingham if you are visiting with your partner. The city is full of history, culture, nature and fun! Birmingham is located in the West Midlands just over an hours drive away from Nottingham. There are also direct trains leaving hourly from Nottingham, the cost varies depending on what time the train is and if you book in advance but you can look at paying between £13 and £35. Check here for train prices and availability.

One of the most famous, and fun things to do in Birmingham is to visit the Cadbury’s factory to see how the world famous chocolate is made, and get a few free samples too! It is located in Bournville on the edge of Birmingham and costs £18 for adults and £13.50 for children.

If that’s not for you, you could visit the Birmingham museum and art gallery, home of the Staffordshire hoard, the largest collection of Anglo-Saxon gold ever found. If you’re more into adventure activities, you can check out the Bear Grylls Adventure at the National Exhibition Centre where you can rock climb, skydive and swim with sharks amongst other things. Book your tickets here.

For those more interested in Birmingham’s literary scene, visit the Library of Birmingham, one of the most beautiful libraries in the country, and take the Tolkien Trail which explores the life and inspirations of J.R.R. Tolkien. And if none of the above sparks your interest, Birmingham is great for a shopping day trip with a great high street, the Bullring shopping centre and the world’s largest Primark store!

York

Recommended by Sinead from Best in York Guide

The historic city of York is an easy day trip from Nottingham as the journey takes under two hours by car and approximately 2 ¼ hours by train. Fee paying car parking is available in the city centre or visitors can use one of the Park and Ride bus services located just outside the city. If arriving into York by train, the city’s Victorian railway station is just ten-minute walk from the heart of the city centre.

York is a small, compact city so most of the major attractions can be covered on foot on a day trip. Grab your York city pass here to access all the best places to visit. Start your day at York Minster the largest Gothic cathedral in northern Europe. Climb the Minster’s central tower for a fantastic view of York. Amble ‘The Shambles’ an atmospheric medieval era cobbled street voted the ‘Best Street in Britain’ or visit one of the city’s historic houses such as the Georgian Fairfax House or the medieval Barley Hall.

Admire the Georgian and Victorian era buildings of the pedestrianised city centre and for something quirky, visit the ruins of a Roman bath found underneath the pub of the same name! Escape the bustle of the city centre by walking the city’s medieval era walls which at 2 miles long are the longest city walls in England.

Enjoy a cup of Yorkshire tea and a Fat Rascal at iconic Betty’s Tea Rooms or savour a pint of craft ale at the medieval alehouse, The House of Trembling Madness. 

Liverpool

Liverpool is the home of The Beatles and a great starting point for your day trip from Nottingham is The Beatles Story, learn all about the lives, times, culture of the band and the inspirations for some of their best songs. You can walk through recreations of key locations and moments from the band’s career and listen to the audio guide which is included in the ticket price to get all the info about the exhibits. Book your tickets here.

Liverpool also has lots of great restaurants and pubs including the famous Cavern Club where the Beatles frequently performed and that has Beatles memorabilia on display. A great place to eat at lunch time on a day trip from Nottingham is Lucy in the Sky Liverpool, a lovely café in the city centre where you can eat all day breakfast items, soup, bagels, jacket potatoes and a large selection of delicious sandwiches.

There are many free museums in Liverpool which are perfect for rainy days and top picks are the Museum of Liverpool which is a great place to learn about the history of the city and features permanent and rotating exhibitions. Another museum worth visiting is the Maritime Museum which is home to the Titanic Exhibition and is a must on any visit to the city.

Visit the Docklands for shopping and dining and wander the canals. If you are visiting Liverpool on a day trip with your partner, then a cute date idea in Liverpool is a wander in Sefton Park and admire the palm trees in the Victorian glasshouse.

Lincoln

The historic city of Lincoln is just 50 minutes from Nottingham by train making it perfect for a day trip. Visit the stunning Lincoln Cathedral which was built in 1072 and is one of the best examples of Gothic architecture in Europe.

Lincoln Castle is also worth a visit to learn about the history of the castle including its part in the criminal justice system. Lincoln crown court is still located inside the castle grounds to this day. The grounds are free to visit but to go inside the castle you will need a ticket and be sure to take advantage of the free guided tour of the castle.

Take a walk up Steep Hill which is the UK’s fourth steepest street and a photographers dream. This cobblestone street is lined with colourful boutique shops and cafes and at the end of the street you will find Newport Arch which is a historic Roman gateway constructed in 200AD as part of the original north gate for the ancient Roman City.

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