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Why we love Nottingham

Discover what Nottingham has to offer, including a labyrinth of underground caves – complete with a bar. Find its cultural quarter, the Lace Market, fusing old-world architecture with the cool indie vibes of restaurants and bars. Take a ghoulish tour under one of England’s oldest pubs or set yourself loose in the wilds of parklands and adrenaline-filled fun in the acres of Nottingham’s famous Sherwood Forest. And for sports lovers, enjoy a mix of top quality football and cricket.

Things to do in Nottingham

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Calling all Batman fans! Welcome to ‘Wayne Manor’, where the Batman movie The Dark Knight Rises was filmed.

Explore Wollaton Hall

Photo by: tomoprice/wollatonhall

Wollaton Hall
Wollaton Hall

With its tranquil walking trails and 1,000-year-old ‘Major Oak’ tree, this historic forest is a joy to explore.

Go wild at Sherwood Forest

Photo by: Andrew Hallsworth @ Marlow Photographic

Robin Hood pictured in Sherwood Forest.
Sherwood Forest

One of the world’s best-loved cricket grounds, Trent Bridge offers behind-the-scenes tours and fine dining too.

Catch a match at Trent Bridge

Photo by: VisitNottinghamshire/Trent Bridge Cricket Ground

A child posing with a squirrel masket at Trent Bridge on a cricket family day out
Trent Bridge

Did you know that Nottingham is home to Britain’s biggest network of caves? Step inside the city's hidden history on this underground tour.

Discover the City of Caves

Photo by: Sam Appa

An actor putting on a performance at Nottingham City of Caves.
City of Caves

Immerse yourself in film screenings, dance workshops and candlelit concerts at this vibrant creative hub.

What’s on at Nottingham Contemporary

Photo by: VisitNottingham/Nottingham Contemporary Art Gallery

A group of children attaching drawings to a wall at the Nottingham Contemporary Art Gallery
Nottingham Contemporary

One of Nottingham’s most lauded restaurants, this elegant bistro has been awarded two Michelin stars.

Dine at Restaurant Sat Bains

Photo by: jonathan_2000720

Restaurant Sat Bains
Restaurant Sat Bains

Take a spin on an Olympic-sized ice rink, at the home of the Nottingham Panthers ice hockey team.

Discover the National Ice Centre

Photo by: National Ice Centre, Nottingham

Location: Northumberland

 National Ice Centre, Nottingham
National Ice Centre

Tackle the ‘Sky Trail’ high-ropes course, archery combat and mini golf, or try watersports on the lagoon.

More about Holme Pierrepont Country Park

Photo by: Tom Clare / Alamy Stock Photo

Location: Northumberland

Freestyle Kayaker at the National Watersports Center Nottingham
Holme Pierrepont Country Park

Learn all about your beer’s journey from hops to pub, and have a go at pouring a pint.

See what’s on at Castle Rock Brewery

Photo by: Castle Rock Brewery

Location: Notts

Castle Rock Brewery
Castle Rock Brewery

See Britain’s history from a new perspective – plus murder mystery evenings and ghost-hunting tours.

Discover the National Justice Museum

Photo by: Visit Nottinghamshire

Location: Notts

National Justice Museum
National Justice Museum

A glorious location for walks, picnics, festivals and photography, with tangible history at every turn.

Get to know Newark Castle and Gardens

Photo by: Visit Nottinghamshire

Location: Notts

Newark Castle and Gardens
Newark Castle and Gardens

This self-guided itinerary features Newark Castle, Nottingham Castle, the Archbishop’s Palace and much more.

Follow Nottinghamshire's Civil War Trail

Photo by: Visit Nottinghamshire

Location: Notts

Nottinghamshire's Civil War Trail
Nottinghamshire's Civil War Trail

Discover Nottingham’s LGBTQIA+ history on this self-guided walking tour, which visits locations all over the city.

More about the LGBTQIA+ Walking tour

Photo by: Claire Jones

Location: Notts

LGBT+ Walking tour
LGBTQIA+ Walking tour

The likes of Idris Elba, Low Steppa and Hannah Wants have performed at this Nottingham nightclub.

Party at NG-One

Photo by: Chris Whiteman / Alamy Stock Photo

Location: Notts

NG - ONE Nightclub, Nottingham. Exterior.
NG-One

Every July, Nottingham pulls on its dancing shoes for the finest rock bands, pop stars and DJs.

Buy tickets for Splendour Festival

Photo by: Jake Haseldine

Location: Notts

Splendour Festival
Splendour Festival

Look out for fun-filled entertainment, street food and funfair rides, with great vibes and confetti galore.

Step inside Wonderland Festival

Photo by: Woodland Disco Festival

Location: Notts

Woodland Disco Festival
Wonderland Festival

See what’s on at the largest entertainment venue in the East Midlands.

What’s on at Motorpoint Arena Nottingham

Photo by: Jack Kimber Photography

Location: Notts

Motorpoint Arena Nottingham
Motorpoint Arena Nottingham

This heritage treasure features a magnificent ruined abbey, surrounded by acres of pristine parkland and meadows.

Discover Rufford Abbey Country Park

Photo by: John Price Photography

Location: Notts

Rufford Abbey Country Park
Rufford Abbey Country Park

A fantastic place to spot otters, kingfishers, peregrine falcons and other rare species in the wild.

Explore Attenborough Nature Reserve and Centre

Photo by: Mark Gosling / Alamy Stock Photo

Location: Notts

Kingfisher hunting from reed heads at Attenborough Nature Reserve, Nottingham, UK.
Attenborough Nature Reserve and Centre

Looking for somewhere wild and beautiful to explore on a walk? Head to the oldest park in Nottingham.

Visit Nottingham Arboretum

Photo by: Visit Nottinghamshire

Location: Notts

Nottingham Arboretum
Nottingham Arboretum

Treat yourself to a pampering break at this rural hotel, set in a 17th-century coaching inn.

Visit the Spa at Ye Olde Bell Hotel

Photo by: Ye Olde Bell Spa

Location: Notts

Spa at Ye Olde Bell Hotel
Spa at Ye Olde Bell Hotel

This beautiful rural spa features a swimming pool, outdoor hot tubs, thermal suite and slumber lounge.

More about Eden Hall Spa

Photo by: Visit Nottinghamshire

Location: Notts

Eden Hall
Eden Hall

Before your voyage, enjoy a drink at the River Lodge, with its front-row views of the water.

Get to know Princess River Cruises

Photo by: Princess River Cruises

Location: Notts

Princess River Cruises
Princess River Cruises

Think designer labels and top-quality boutiques, with brands including Sweaty Betty and Dr Martens.

More about The Exchange

Photo by: The Exchange, Nottingham

Location: Notts

The Exchange, Nottingham
The Exchange

Think designer fashions, bustling bistros and vintage emporiums, with a real emphasis on locally sourced pieces.

Discover The Lace Market

Photo by: Visit Nottinghamshire

Location: Notts

The Lace Market
The Lace Market

As well as excellent jokes, you’ll enjoy a sideways look at the city’s history and heritage.

Take a Nutty Nottingham Comedy Tour

Photo by: Nutty Nottingham Comedy Tour

Location: Notts

Nutty Nottingham Comedy Tour
Nutty Nottingham Comedy Tour

A traffic-free trail in Nottingham, with good-quality pathways – and plenty of pubs and cafes along the way.

More about The Big Track

Photo by: Peter Sampson / Alamy Stock Photo

Location: Notts

Boats docked at Nottingham Marina
The Big Track

Calling all Batman fans! Welcome to ‘Wayne Manor’, where the Batman movie The Dark Knight Rises was filmed.

Explore Wollaton Hall

Photo by: tomoprice/wollatonhall

Wollaton Hall
Wollaton Hall

With its tranquil walking trails and 1,000-year-old ‘Major Oak’ tree, this historic forest is a joy to explore.

Go wild at Sherwood Forest

Photo by: Andrew Hallsworth @ Marlow Photographic

Robin Hood pictured in Sherwood Forest.
Sherwood Forest

One of the world’s best-loved cricket grounds, Trent Bridge offers behind-the-scenes tours and fine dining too.

Catch a match at Trent Bridge

Photo by: VisitNottinghamshire/Trent Bridge Cricket Ground

A child posing with a squirrel masket at Trent Bridge on a cricket family day out
Trent Bridge

Did you know that Nottingham is home to Britain’s biggest network of caves? Step inside the city's hidden history on this underground tour.

Discover the City of Caves

Photo by: Sam Appa

An actor putting on a performance at Nottingham City of Caves.
City of Caves

Immerse yourself in film screenings, dance workshops and candlelit concerts at this vibrant creative hub.

What’s on at Nottingham Contemporary

Photo by: VisitNottingham/Nottingham Contemporary Art Gallery

A group of children attaching drawings to a wall at the Nottingham Contemporary Art Gallery
Nottingham Contemporary

One of Nottingham’s most lauded restaurants, this elegant bistro has been awarded two Michelin stars.

Dine at Restaurant Sat Bains

Photo by: jonathan_2000720

Restaurant Sat Bains
Restaurant Sat Bains

Take a spin on an Olympic-sized ice rink, at the home of the Nottingham Panthers ice hockey team.

Discover the National Ice Centre

Photo by: National Ice Centre, Nottingham

Location: Northumberland

 National Ice Centre, Nottingham
National Ice Centre

Tackle the ‘Sky Trail’ high-ropes course, archery combat and mini golf, or try watersports on the lagoon.

More about Holme Pierrepont Country Park

Photo by: Tom Clare / Alamy Stock Photo

Location: Northumberland

Freestyle Kayaker at the National Watersports Center Nottingham
Holme Pierrepont Country Park

Learn all about your beer’s journey from hops to pub, and have a go at pouring a pint.

See what’s on at Castle Rock Brewery

Photo by: Castle Rock Brewery

Location: Notts

Castle Rock Brewery
Castle Rock Brewery

See Britain’s history from a new perspective – plus murder mystery evenings and ghost-hunting tours.

Discover the National Justice Museum

Photo by: Visit Nottinghamshire

Location: Notts

National Justice Museum
National Justice Museum

A glorious location for walks, picnics, festivals and photography, with tangible history at every turn.

Get to know Newark Castle and Gardens

Photo by: Visit Nottinghamshire

Location: Notts

Newark Castle and Gardens
Newark Castle and Gardens

This self-guided itinerary features Newark Castle, Nottingham Castle, the Archbishop’s Palace and much more.

Follow Nottinghamshire's Civil War Trail

Photo by: Visit Nottinghamshire

Location: Notts

Nottinghamshire's Civil War Trail
Nottinghamshire's Civil War Trail

Discover Nottingham’s LGBTQIA+ history on this self-guided walking tour, which visits locations all over the city.

More about the LGBTQIA+ Walking tour

Photo by: Claire Jones

Location: Notts

LGBT+ Walking tour
LGBTQIA+ Walking tour

The likes of Idris Elba, Low Steppa and Hannah Wants have performed at this Nottingham nightclub.

Party at NG-One

Photo by: Chris Whiteman / Alamy Stock Photo

Location: Notts

NG - ONE Nightclub, Nottingham. Exterior.
NG-One

Every July, Nottingham pulls on its dancing shoes for the finest rock bands, pop stars and DJs.

Buy tickets for Splendour Festival

Photo by: Jake Haseldine

Location: Notts

Splendour Festival
Splendour Festival

Look out for fun-filled entertainment, street food and funfair rides, with great vibes and confetti galore.

Step inside Wonderland Festival

Photo by: Woodland Disco Festival

Location: Notts

Woodland Disco Festival
Wonderland Festival

See what’s on at the largest entertainment venue in the East Midlands.

What’s on at Motorpoint Arena Nottingham

Photo by: Jack Kimber Photography

Location: Notts

Motorpoint Arena Nottingham
Motorpoint Arena Nottingham

This heritage treasure features a magnificent ruined abbey, surrounded by acres of pristine parkland and meadows.

Discover Rufford Abbey Country Park

Photo by: John Price Photography

Location: Notts

Rufford Abbey Country Park
Rufford Abbey Country Park

A fantastic place to spot otters, kingfishers, peregrine falcons and other rare species in the wild.

Explore Attenborough Nature Reserve and Centre

Photo by: Mark Gosling / Alamy Stock Photo

Location: Notts

Kingfisher hunting from reed heads at Attenborough Nature Reserve, Nottingham, UK.
Attenborough Nature Reserve and Centre

Looking for somewhere wild and beautiful to explore on a walk? Head to the oldest park in Nottingham.

Visit Nottingham Arboretum

Photo by: Visit Nottinghamshire

Location: Notts

Nottingham Arboretum
Nottingham Arboretum

Treat yourself to a pampering break at this rural hotel, set in a 17th-century coaching inn.

Visit the Spa at Ye Olde Bell Hotel

Photo by: Ye Olde Bell Spa

Location: Notts

Spa at Ye Olde Bell Hotel
Spa at Ye Olde Bell Hotel

This beautiful rural spa features a swimming pool, outdoor hot tubs, thermal suite and slumber lounge.

More about Eden Hall Spa

Photo by: Visit Nottinghamshire

Location: Notts

Eden Hall
Eden Hall

Before your voyage, enjoy a drink at the River Lodge, with its front-row views of the water.

Get to know Princess River Cruises

Photo by: Princess River Cruises

Location: Notts

Princess River Cruises
Princess River Cruises

Think designer labels and top-quality boutiques, with brands including Sweaty Betty and Dr Martens.

More about The Exchange

Photo by: The Exchange, Nottingham

Location: Notts

The Exchange, Nottingham
The Exchange

Think designer fashions, bustling bistros and vintage emporiums, with a real emphasis on locally sourced pieces.

Discover The Lace Market

Photo by: Visit Nottinghamshire

Location: Notts

The Lace Market
The Lace Market

As well as excellent jokes, you’ll enjoy a sideways look at the city’s history and heritage.

Take a Nutty Nottingham Comedy Tour

Photo by: Nutty Nottingham Comedy Tour

Location: Notts

Nutty Nottingham Comedy Tour
Nutty Nottingham Comedy Tour

A traffic-free trail in Nottingham, with good-quality pathways – and plenty of pubs and cafes along the way.

More about The Big Track

Photo by: Peter Sampson / Alamy Stock Photo

Location: Notts

Boats docked at Nottingham Marina
The Big Track

Places to stay in Nottingham

Beeston

This large town south west of the city centre is very popular with students. You’ll find budget-friendly places here as well as lots of lively bars and pubs, plus woodland walks and lake views.

Mapperley

In the north of the city, it’s the place for great for shopping, cafes and pubs, though is largely residential, and being hilly offers great views too. Just a 15-minute walk to the centre, yet it’s a conservation area too, so has a parkland feel to it.

The Park

If you want to stay in the affluent side of the city, look no further. This big-budget area is full of Victorian homes, and is just a five minute walk from the castle.

Explore nearby

An industrial hub with a vibrant, creative heart and a whole host of quirky adventures.

Photo by: West Midlands Growth Company

Historical building, with a clock tower, beside a fountain

For hikers, cyclists, horse riders and thrill seekers, the Peak District offers adventures galore.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Jon Attenborough

Location: The Peak District, England

Woman skipping on rocks at edge of hill. Landscape view

Sitting on the edge of the Peak District National Park, Sheffield is made for outdoor lovers and creatives. Find the best things to do in our guide.

Photo by: Salt St for The Outdoor City

People riding bikes on the inner city mountain bike trails at Parkwood Springs, Sheffield

From a medieval monarch found under a car park to the city’s celebration of multicultural modern life, Leicester has it all.

Photo by: Visit Leicester

Location: Leicester, England

An outdoor view of Leicester's historic Guild Hall

A storyteller of history, Lincoln is a city with thousands of tales to tell. Discover the best things to do and attractions in our official guide.

Photo by: Getty Images/Julian Elliott Photography

Lincoln Cathedral with Tudor timber framed buildings in foreground

Explore diverse, underrated cities and an epic national park on this five day itinerary of England's East Midlands.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Jon Attenborough

Woman eating bakewell tart in front of bakery

Getting to Nottingham

Nottingham is served by Birmingham Airport for international arrivals, as well as East Midlands Airport for shorter connections. Birmingham Airport is 48 miles (77km) from the centre of Nottingham, while East Midlands Airport is around 13 miles (21km).

Direct trains from London St Pancras to Nottingham take around an hour and a half. There are trains to Nottingham from all of Britain’s major cities, including Birmingham, Leeds and Sheffield. 

Coaches also connect Nottingham with London and beyond, with operators National Express and Megabus.

Getting around

By bus

You will not be short of buses to get you around the county. Most bus services from the city operate from Nottingham’s Broad Marsh and Victoria bus station and are mostly run by Nottingham City.

By foot

Nottingham’s compact and often car free centre means it’s the perfect place to explore by foot. From riverside rambling to woodlands, city centre and nature reserves, there's something for all.

By train

EMR connects around the north, while Cross-Country Trains also stop at a number of nearby towns and surrounding areas. Northern Rail provides local and direct train services.

By taxi

There are a few registered taxi companies in the city centre, situated outside of Nottingham Station, Victoria Centre, and next to the Old Market Square.

By tram

Nottingham Express Transit (NET) forms good connections for shopping, leisure and tourist attractions. Running every seven minutes, the trams provide a quick and easy way to zoom across the city.

By bike

Exploring by bike is an eco-friendly option. There are bike parking bays dotted all over the city and plenty of cycle routes, from mountain biking in Sherwood Forest to the car-free Big Track route along the River Trent and canal.

Want to know more?

Check out Visit Nottingham for top insider tips and travel inspiration.