Nottingham is a city steeped in history from politics to lace making, it has a little something for everyone. If you are visiting and looking for things to do in Nottingham there is no shortage of attractions. Nottingham is the 9th largest city in the UK and living nearby we grew up with Nottingham as our ‘big city’ so we have an insider’s perspective on the top Nottingham attractions.
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Historical Nottingham Attractions
Nottingham Castle
First on our list and probably the most famous attraction is Nottingham Castle. Although most of the original castle has been destroyed and rebuilt over the years, it has just reopened after undergoing a £29million makeover to restore and improve the grounds and facilities.
Visitors to Nottingham Castle can now enjoy the beautiful grounds and surrounding views over the city. Inside the rooms have all been updated with wonderful new exhibitions including the Gallery Room which houses hundreds of paintings and is reportedly the most haunted place in the castle.
The current castle is not what you would expect a castle to look like as it is actually a Duchal mansion that was restored in 1875 and since 1878 has been a museum for Nottingham and it’s people.
The oldest part of the castle is part of the castle wall, which visitors can see has been rebuilt multiple times over the years too.
Nottingham castle is reportedly the site of the last showdown between Robin Hood and the Sheriff of Nottingham in the legend of Robin hood. And although there is no proof of existence of Robin Hood, the castle itself comes with some Game of Thrones-esque history and scandals and it was the starting point of the English Civil War in 1642.
Nottingham Castle has a long and fascinating history and is a must see attraction in Nottingham for any visit.
The Museum of Nottingham Life at Brewhouse Yard
The Museum of Nottingham Life is housed in five 17th century cottages at the base of Nottingham Castle. The museum introduces visitors to the social history and life in Nottingham over the last 300 years.
It showcases reconstructed rooms of how life would have been in the city including an air raid shelter, a child’s bedroom and a traditional Victorian school room. It also has gallery displays of items including stories of local people and local made items.
With its close proximity to Nottingham Castle and Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem it is worth stopping at the museum. It is free to enter so if you want to learn about the history of the city, then don’t miss this Nottingham attraction.
National Justice Museum
The National Justice Museum is in the lace market and is the location of the former Shire Hall and county jail. It is a prominent feature on Nottingham ghost tours and for good reason as it was named one of the most haunted buildings in the UK.
On a tour of the National Justice Museum you will encounter role playing actors and you can take part in a trial, witness the old jail cells, and even descend into the haunted caves. One of our favourites and a must-see Nottingham attraction for all ages.
City of Caves
Nottingham city is built on a sandstone ridge and over the centuries a network of over 800 caves have been carved out by hand under the city by residents of Nottingham.
The caves are a scheduled monument designated by Historic England and have historically had a range of uses from public house cellars to a medieval tannery to air raid shelters and even Victorian slums for the poor.
These fascinating manmade caves were carved by hand and have been used by the people of Nottingham for over 1000 years. Some are still used today, most notably by Ye Olde trip to Jerusalem, The Bell Inn and Ye Olde Salutation Inn.
These three public houses all claim to be the oldest in Nottingham and even England but a part of each of them has a history with the caves. The ‘trip’ is partially carved into the sandstone under the Castle and houses a former cockfighting ring and what was once the castle gaol.
While the ‘sal’ and the Bell both have cellars underneath that connect to the cave network. If you are interested in the history behind the City of Caves, it’s worth taking the tour and then stopping off at one of the pubs for a nice cold pint.
Wollaton Hall and gardens
Another one of our favourite attractions in Nottingham is Wollaton Hall. This grade 1 listed Elizabethan Mansion was built between 1580-1588 and is set in over 500 acres of parkland. We love to pack up a picnic and enjoy the grounds as one of our go to date ideas in Nottingham.
Within the grounds there are free roaming red deer and fallow deer. In the heart of the gardens is a beautiful tranquil lake with ducks and swans. The grounds provide fantastic photo opportunities for nature and wildlife enthusiasts. And in the summer hosts many family friendly events and activities from park runs to concerts.
The hall itself is home to the Nottingham Natural History Museum, which is free to enter all year round. Between the many extraordinary fossils, stuffed animals and display cases is a fascinating history of the hall itself.
For £10 per person you can take the daily tour of the hall and see some of the private rooms including the reconstructed grand upper rooms and descend into the Tudor kitchens, wine cellars and caves beneath the hall.
Nottingham Industrial Museum
Situated in the outbuildings in the grounds of Wollaton Hall. Nottingham Industrial Museum has 5 galleries related to the industries that Nottingham is famous for around the world. These are textiles, transport, communication, mining and power.
The museum features a leavers lace machine in working condition, a working Basford Beam engine and an original Thomas Humber Bicycle. The museum is only open on weekends and is run entirely by volunteers.
William Booth Birthplace Museum & statue
William Booth the founder of the Salvation Army was born in Nottingham in 1829. His Christian principles and values are now practised around the world. If you want to discover the origins of his life, family and work you can visit the William Booth birthplace museum to see his home as it would have been in 1829. Outside the museum is a statue in memory of the Methodist preacher.
Lace market
The Lace Market is known the be the oldest area of Nottingham with history dating back over 1000 years. Once the heart of the world’s lace industry during the days of the British Empire, you can learn all about the history of Nottingham lace at Nottingham Castle.
The grand red brick warehouses and factories are impressive examples of 19th century industrial architecture. Contrary to its name the Lace Market was never a market in the traditional sense of the word with stalls, but was the location of salesrooms and warehouses that housed the famous Nottingham Lace.
Walking these protected heritage streets with the red brick buildings, gas streetlamps, iron railings and red telephone boxes, you can gain a real sense of going back in time to Victorian England.
It’s not all Victorian England however some building date back much further. Like the National Justice Museum which was built in Georgian times and St Mary’s Church which was completed in 1474. This area is now known as the creative quarter, and is home to quirky and creative businesses, hipster bars, boutique hotels and fancy restaurants.
Old Market Square
Old Market Square or ‘slab square’ as locals call it is the largest public space in the UK after Trafalgar square in London. It is in the Heart of Nottingham city centre and has been the focal point for locals for generations.
Originally the site of trade between the Normans and Anglo Saxons it was the central point between the two early settlements. Recently the square was redeveloped and the original ‘wall’ between the two was reinstated as a stainless steel drainage trench.
An impressive attribute is the water feature and fountains on the West side of the square. It was created in 2007 after the redevelopment of the area and replaced the old duel pools and fountain display which had remained from the 1960s.
The Old Market square also used to host the annual Goose Fair, but in 1928 it was relocated to its current location on the Forest Recreational Ground.
During the summer months the market square is home to the Nottingham Beach attraction and reinvents itself as ‘the city by the sea’. Where areas of sand and water appear along with pop up beach bars and restaurants that fill the square.
In December, the square hosts a traditional style German Christmas Market. And in recent years has hosted the Nottingham Winter Wonderland featuring an ice bar and outdoor ice-skating rink alongside the Christmas market stalls.
Nottingham Council House
At the head of the square is the council house which is the operational front for politics in Nottingham. Atop the building is a large spectacular dome which houses the Council House Clock. It also contains the hour chime bell known as ‘Little John’ which was cast in 1927. The bell is the 5th heaviest in the UK and the E-flat tone has the deepest tone in the country. Which on a clear day can apparently be heard up to seven miles away.
The Left Lion
The front of the council house is flanked by two impressive stone lions. Carved by local sculptor Joseph Else between 1927 and 1929, Else was put in charge of all carvings for Nottingham Council House.
The lions which were originally named Agamemnon and Menelaus, after the two Greek kings, have since been renamed Leo (Left) and Oscar (Right).
It was in the late 1920s that the lions gained their reputation as a meeting point for locals. A tradition which continues to this day. Back in the early days residents from the south side of the city would meet by the right lion and people from the north met by the left lion.
In local folklore the left lion has more recognition, and nowadays most people meet at the left lion. Whether it’s to go on a date in Nottingham, meet a friend or just sit and watch the world go by.
Entertainment Attractions in Nottingham
Theatre Royal, Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham Playhouse
Watch a show at one of Nottingham’s top venues. From west end classics to pop concerts there is something for everyone. The Theatre Royal built in 1865 has survived 2 world wars and seen the reign of 7 monarchs and still to this day hosts productions from all over the world.
The Royal Concert Hall is built on the site of the old Empire theatre and today forms part of a complex including the Theatre Royal. In contrast to the Theatre Royal, which still maintains its original architecture, the Royal Concert Hall was only built in 1982 and as such is a huge modern building. It is a widely used concert venue and can hold over 2000 visitors and has hosted some big names over the years including its opening performance by Elton John.
Nottingham Playhouse was opened at its current location in 1963 and is a grade II listed building. The theatre can seat up to 770 guests and features a restaurant and bar area. Outside is a paved seating area showcasing the sculpture Sky Mirror by Anish Kapoor which was installed in 2001.
Nottingham Contemporary
Nottingham Contemporary is one of the largest contemporary art spaces in the UK and it is free to enter. It has four galleries, an auditorium, an education space and a study centre making it a great place for families and popular with schools.
Located in the Lace Market it is on the oldest site in Nottingham, a former saxon fort and medieval town hall. It is a much bigger building than it first appears as it recedes into the sandstone cliffs.
The building pays tribute to the history of Nottingham Lace as the cladding of the building is embossed with a traditional Nottingham lace pattern. It is worth taking a few hours to explore the museum and enjoy the wide range of art showcased.
Zero latency virtual reality gaming centre
Zero latency is the ultimate immersive gaming experience. It is unlike any VR you will have played before as it’s roam free. Meaning no pesky cables impairing your movement. Zero latency was the first multiplayer free roaming VR experience in the world. It uses a VR headset and backpack along with realistic weapon shaped controllers, so you really feel like you are in another world. They currently offer six different games and allow groups of up to 8 people. Team up to take out zombies or investigate a space station or solve engineering puzzles. Whatever game you decided on, you must book to avoid disappointment as it gets really busy.
Bromley House Library
If you are a bookworm like me then this is a Nottingham attraction you won’t want to miss. Bromley House Library was established in 1816 and is now a grade II listed building housing book from as far back as the 1400’s.
Spread over three floors with an Instagram worthy winding staircase and reading nooks, book lovers will adore this hidden gem. I recently took a tour of the library and learned the fascinating history of the building and how private membership libraries came about. You can take a free tour of the library without becoming a member, or visit on one of the heritage open days.
The Bromley House Library is a subscription-based library with a walled garden, one of only two buildings in Nottingham City Centre still with the original walled garden and houses almost 50,000 books. Subscription currently costs £144 for an individual membership and £192 for a joint membership (2 adults).
In 2015 Nottingham was named a “City of Literature” by UNESCO, one of only a handful in the world. Grab an insight into some of Nottingham’s literary heritage at Bromley House Library and while away an afternoon with Lord Byron, D. H. Lawrence and Alan Sillitoe all of which have ties to the city.
Brian Clough Statue
Just off the Old Market Square on King Street is the Brian Clough Statue. It was erected as a tribute to Nottingham Forest Football Club’s most successful manager.
Brian Clough managed Nottingham Forest for 18 years between 1975 and 1993. He presided over the club’s most successful spell and has been acknowledged as the reason for their success.
Since it’s unveiling in 2008, football fans from around the country have paid their respects and taken selfies with Nottingham’s football hero.
The Malt Cross
The Malt Cross is a Grade II listed Victorian music hall built in 1877. It is on St James’s Street just off the Old Market Square and has recently been restored.
It is the only Victorian music hall in the country that operates as it was intended, providing food, drink, and live music. The building was also expanded to make full use of the 6 levels and the caves beneath have been opened for tours.
The Malt Cross also houses a new art gallery, sound recording room and craft workshop for schools and clubs. So, sip on a pint of real ale and soak up the Victorian surroundings, while listening to live music and imagine how it used to be.
Adult Only Nottingham Attractions
Haunted Museum
One of the UK’s top paranormal tourist attractions. The Haunted Museum just outside Nottingham City is home to creepy and disturbing artifacts from around the world.
The museum is owned and run by self-proclaimed paranormal investigators Steve and Marie Wesson. What started as a personal collection of morbid curiosities linked to the dead has grown into a vast collection. Many of the items in the museum have been donated by families who were too creeped out to keep them.
Visitors have reported paranormal experiences in the museum, including cold blasts of air, bangs, screams and sensations of being touched.
The building which houses the museum is an old cinema in Mapperley that was built in 1927. It is a popular location for ghost hunts and paranormal events.
If weird and wonderful is your jam, or if you just have a morbid curiosity for haunted paraphernalia, then this is Nottingham attraction for you.
Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, Ye Olde Salutation Inn and The Bell Inn
Visit these three drinking establishments on a quest to find the oldest pub in Nottingham.
Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem lays claim to be the oldest pub in England. However, a rivalry between the three says otherwise.
While Ye Olde Salutation has been designated the oldest building of the three. The Bell Inn has the proof that it was a public house first.
It’s well worth a mini pub crawl around the three to decide for yourself which pub should hold the title. Or just to enjoy a few beers in a cool setting.
Family Friendly Nottingham Attractions
The Arboretum
The Arboretum is the oldest park in Nottingham and is the closest to the city centre with easy access from the city centre via the tram network.
Opened in 1852 the park is home to over 800 trees, some of which are from the 19th Century when the park first opened. It also has a grand lake and some original period features such as the bell tower, bandstand and circular aviary which all have Grade II listed status with the English Heritage.
The Arboretum is rumoured to have been the inspiration for the area called Neverland in J.M Barrie’s Peter Pan. Barrie did indeed live in Nottingham before he wrote Peter Pan, so it is definitely a possibility.
When you visit the park, you can use your imagination and decide for yourself if the Arboretum is magical enough to be Neverland.
Green’s Windmill and Science Centre
Situated just outside the city centre in Snienton, Green’s Windmill and science centre is a restored and working 19th century windmill. Built in 1807 by a baker named George Green, it was inherited by his son the notable scientist and mathematician George Green Jr in 1829.
Now a grade II listed building it has been damaged and restored several times. It was opened as the current museum and science centre in 1986 by Nottingham City Council as an education resource. Here you can discover the fascinating life of George Green Jr and learn how his scientific and mathematical theories are still used today.
There are fun experiments for all the family based around Green’s own experiments with light, electricity, and magnetism in the science centre. You can also climb the four floors of the windmill for far reaching views of Nottingham. And learn the process of how to turn grain into flour the traditional way using wind power.
Also on the site there is a play park for children and a community garden and shop where you can buy the organic flour that is made by the windmill.
The Robin Hood Experience
No trip to Nottingham would be complete without delving into the legend of Robin Hood. In English folklore Robin Hood was a heroic outlaw and is depicted as skilled archer and swordsman.
Although the legend of Robin Hood has never been proven, it has been debated for centuries and makes for a great tale. The Robin Hood experience is the perfect introduction to the story, located on Friar Lane in the shadow of Nottingham Castle.
This interactive, story-based tour takes place over three floors and is a fun journey for all the family. During the tour you will experience the sights, sounds and the smells of Medieval Nottingham and meet all your favourite characters from the fable.
You will also learn the history of the longbow from a master bowman and see if you can shoot Robin Hood’s bow and arrow. It really is a top Nottingham attraction you cannot miss.
Highfields Park
Highfields Park originated in the late 18th century and is now a grade II listed public space owned by Nottingham City Council.
The park contains a boating lake where you can rent a canoe or rowing boat which is popular in summer months. This was extended from the original fishpond which featured here.
It has a waterfall known as ‘the cascade’ which splashes down into the lake at an area that can be crossed on stepping stones. There are also ornamental bridges which can be crossed to reach the island in the centre of the lake.
Surrounding the lake there is a lakeside terrace, pavilion adventure gold course and children play area. There is also a bowling green and several croquet lawns which are still used by Nottingham Croquet Club. There are many trees and plants around the park making it a great relaxing day out.
Stonebridge City Farm
In the heart of the city you can find a small slice of country life at the Stonebridge City Farm. If you are looking for things to do in Nottingham, then this registered charity is an award-winning community project and is free to enter.
With cows, sheep, pigs, ponies, goats, and an impressive number of birds it is especially good for a family day out in Nottingham. As well as the farm animals there are also gardens where you can learn about horticulture and bee keeping. There is also an onsite café and a farm shop where you can buy the home grown produce and handcrafted gifts donated by visitors.
Statue of Robin Hood
Located in the grounds of Nottingham Castle, and arguably the most famous outlaw in English fiction. The 7-foot bronze effigy of Robin Hood is depicted firing his bow and arrow and surrounded by smaller statues of his Merry Men. The Robin Hood statue is an Instagram worthy addition on any tour of Nottingham.
We love visiting Nottingham whenever we go back to England and there are so many things to do and fun date ideas this is by no means an exhaustive list. So, whether you are just visiting for the day or if you are planning a getaway you are sure to find some exciting Nottingham attractions whatever your interests.
If you are looking for more UK staycation ideas also check out this post on camping in Devon or for something a little different Unusual Romantic Breaks in the UK for Couples.
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Really interesting, I loved reading it and it is very well written, please keep on writing blogs like this in future as well.
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Looks lovely, I definitely have to visit the next time I’m in England. Can’t wait to check out the history and pop into some of the olde pubs, too 🙂
Yes you should there is so much to do 🙂 have a pint for us!