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City and council area in Nottinghamshire, England
Photo: Photograph by Mike Peel (www.mikepeel.net)., CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Nottingham, often called the "Queen of the Midlands," is a city in England famous for its connection to the legendary Robin Hood. With its beautiful countryside, historic buildings, lush parks, and a vibrant food and pub culture, there's plenty to explore and enjoy.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
Visitors with Hollywood expectations of Robin Hood films should be aware that this is not a medieval castle, but a small stately home with only the gatehouse remaining from the original castle. The castle includes grounds with a children’s play area and extensive views over the region, and a museum with various exhibitions inside the house itself (including the country's first municipal art gallery). After a refurbishment the castle reopened in 2021 with a number of interactive exhibits and games. A tour of the caves under the castle can also be booked for an additional fee.
Statue of Nottingham's most famous hero, just outside of the castle walls.
Off Maid Marian Way, it is one of various pubs claiming to be the oldest pub in Britain, the "Trip" traces its existence back over 800 years. Built into the sandstone caves under the castle, it is charming and well worth a visit if you happen to be in the city. It is located at the Brewhouse Yard, home to the Museum of Nottingham Life which shows the social change in Nottingham that has occurred over the last 300 years.
A visitor attraction accessed from Garner’s Hill, in a temporary entrance created from what used to be a fire exit of the now demolished Broadmarsh Shopping Centre. It consists of a network of caves, carved out of sandstone that have been variously used over the years as a tannery, public house cellars, and as air raid shelters. Nottingham has more man-made caves than anywhere else in Britain.
Well-worth visiting for a fascinating look at the sometimes rough justice meted out in years gone by. The museum is done as a guided tour lasting 1-1.5 hours, so a specific time slot needs to be booked.
Presents major exhibitions of contemporary art, with associated education programmes for all ages.
A beautiful Elizabethan mansion in a large suburban (200 ha) deer park, Wollaton Park. The hall houses the city's Natural History Museum whilst the Industrial Museum is housed in an outbuilding. The Hall was used in the 2012 film Batman: The Dark Knight Rises as Wayne Manor.
A neo-Baroque building where the Nottingham City Council meets. It is in the Old Market Square and tours are free (must be pre-booked)
A museum dedicated to industrial heritage, run by volunteers, and housed in the 17th-century stables block of Wollaton Hall. Its collection covers machinery from industries ranging from textile, transport, telecommunications, mining, and engineering technology. They also have a collection of cycles, motorcycles, and motor cars. Among the top pieces are significant lace-making machinery, and operational beam engines from the Basford pumping station.
George Green (1793-1841) was a mathematician whose work unifying magnetism and electricity laid the foundations for James Clark Maxwell. Remarkably he was self-taught, labouring all hours here in his father's mill. So as well as the working machinery there's an exhibit on his contributions to science.
A paranormal museum which blends witchcraft, haunted objects and pop-culture horror.
The beautiful home of local poet Lord Byron is 12 miles (19 km) north of the city. It is well worth a visit, and the website supplies extensive information on how to travel to the site. Lord Byron was buried in Hucknall Church, and his tomb can be seen inside the church at the end of Hucknall's high street, a few minutes walk from the Hucknall tram stop.
The ancient royal hunting forest to the North of Nottingham, stretching throughout Nottinghamshire and up to South Yorkshire. The remnants of Sherwood form a number of country parks and estates. Clumber Park, about 30 miles (50 km) north on the A614 near Worksop, is a vast area of parkland and woods owned by the National Trust, good for walking and cycling (bicycle hire available). Sherwood Pines Country Park houses a CenterParcs village, a Go Ape aerial assault course, and woodland walking. And Sherwood Forest Country Park has the historic "Sherwood" which visitors may be looking for - the Major Oak which was said to be the hideout of Robin Hood and his band of outlaws. The tired visitor centre is due for replacement, and many visitors are surprised to find the Oak is actually in the Birklands, an area of birch trees. The Thoresby Hall estate is run by Warner holidays as a "just for adults" centre, and Welbeck Abbey is now a military college.
Offers journeys on historic steam and diesel locomotives, has a collection of historic buses on display along with 3 model railway exhibits.
These twin beam engines were installed in 1884 to lift water 200 ft from an underground reservoir to feed the city supply. The interior is richly, almost riotously decorated, as if to out-do the fountains of Alhambra. The engines are in steam one weekend a month, see website.
This technology is early 19th century, transitional between cottage industry and the great Victorian mill halls.
Opened in 1865 this is one of the finest Victorian theatres in the UK. The Theatre Royal is Nottingham's main touring house, offering a wide range of productions including musicals, opera, ballet, drama and the annual pantomime. The world's longest-running stage play, Agatha Christie's The Mousetrap had its premiere here. Auditorium seats 1186 on four levels. Licensed bars, cafe and restaurant. The Theatre Royal is integrated into the Royal Centre which also includes the state-of-the-art Royal Concert Hall which has excellent acoustics, seats 2499, and welcomes world-class orchestras, rock bands and solo artists.
Opened in 1963 to the designs of Peter Moro and heritage-listed as Grade II*, the Playhouse is one of the most architecturally-striking modern theatres in the UK. Its resident company has acquired a national and international reputation since 1948. Main auditorium seats 750 on two levels, Studio seats 90. Licensed bars and restaurant. Outside the theatre is the 'Sky Mirror' public sculpture by Turner-Prize winner Anish Kapoor.
Small, independent amateur theatre with an excellent reputation for its range of productions. Main auditorium seats 118, Studio seats 50. Licensed bar.
Community theatre offering about 10 productions per year, including comedy, drama, musicals and opera. Main auditorium seats 320, Studio seats 50. Coffee Bar.
Further out of town, in University Park is the 225-seat Djanogly Theatre. The diverse programme includes drama, dance, comedy, jazz, world music and family events. Cafe.
Four screens, cafes, bars and a mix of independent, foreign-language and mainstream releases.
Has 14 screens, including an IMAX facility.
Four screens, a licensed bar and due to its location is popular with uni students.
A 12-screen, American-style multiplex just off the A52/Clifton Boulevard ring road.
Forest were promoted in 2022 and now play soccer in the Premier League, England's top tier. Their home stadium (capacity 30,000) is City Ground just south of the Trent, a one-mile walk from city centre. Their unique feat was to win two European titles yet only one domestic, and they long played in lower tiers until their 2022 promotion.
County are the world's oldest professional football club, founded in 1862, but nowadays overshadowed by Forest. They were promoted in 2026 and play soccer in League One, the third tier. Their home stadium is Meadow Lane (capacity 19,800), fairly central and north of the river.
The city's ice skating rink where visitors can skate themselves or watch the GMB Nottingham Panthers, the UK's oldest and best supported team. Get your tickets in advance and ask for tickets at the 'bowl end' in order to be in amongst the locals (and at the end where the 'Panthers' shoot twice). If you happen to be visiting Nottingham at the same time that they are taking on arch rivals the Sheffield Steelers then get your tickets in advance as these games nearly always sell out — prepare yourself for 7000 people screaming on their team and a war on the ice — these teams do not like each other (though there is never any fan based violence). Another Ice Hockey match worth going to is the Nottingham Trent University vs University of Nottingham Varsity match held once a year and is the biggest varsity outside North America.
Trent Bridge
The county team were promoted in 2022 and now play cricket in Division One of the County Championship. County matches last up to four days. Trent Bridge frequently hosts internationals (Test Matches) which may last five days. Also here are Trent Rockets men's and women's teams playing in The Hundred short game. The stadium is about a mile south of city centre. Walk south on London Rd (A60) over the Trent.
Hosts the Nottingham Open each year in the week running up to Wimbledon.
Home ground of the Beeston Hockey Club (the Bees), whose Men's and Women's team play in the Premier Division. Often hosts Premier League Play-offs and Finals
The professional's choice for quality clay shooting. Stag and Hen, Corporate and private tuition available
Try your hand at clay shooting.
Botanical garden, hosts open-air music in the park at weekends in summer.
Open daily from late morning until late. This small pub in the Lace Market area serves simple but tasty food, ranging from sandwiches to traditional English pub food to more Italian-influenced fare. Non-smoking, and an excellent selection of beers to match your food.
Modern British
This is a wonderful Brazilian restaurant.
An eating institution to a number of locals. It is in The Navigation, this doubles up as a place for high quality burgers and real ale with canal side seating.
Open late every day. Chain serving affordable Japanese-style ramen, as well as fried noodle and rice dishes. It's usually busy and cafeteria-style benches mean you will rub elbows with your fellow diners.
Owned by Tim Hart of Hambleton Hall fame. At lunch time the Hart's formula includes "lunch for less" with two or three courses from a shorted menu. There are various fixed price menus in the evenings too. Three courses and wine in the evening.
Similar formula to Hart's; some of the owners used to work there! Regularly top of the pops in the "Nottingham Restaurant of the Year" awards.
Claims to be the oldest pub in the UK, allegedly built in 1189, and is below the castle and often on the tourist trail.
formerly The Orange Tree
Originally the site of a friary from the 12th century, it became an inn following the Dissolution of the Monasteries. Now a pub with food, drink, and sports on TV.
The building has existed since 1240, and the pub's caves date from the 9th century. Serves food and drink in a typical pub setting.
For £15 a night, the Igloo is a very nice hostel and a great choice to spend one or more nights in Nottingham. A 5-minute walk from the centre of town, It's very clean and has 24 hot water in all the bathrooms. It has a fully equipped kitchen with stove, oven, fridge, toaster, and the most important equipment in a kitchen: a radio. The Igloo provides free tea, and coffee all day as well as free wifi and internet. It also has a comfortable, friendly common room, with a TV and many DVDs if you are tired and want to rest and watch something. Lots of books and board games can be easily found as well. A board with several tips of good cheap places to eat and drink can be found in the common room. Downstairs, the Games room offers a Ps2, Pool table and Fooz Ball. Unquestionably, a very good and friendly place!
£16 a night Midtown Hostel has lots of good things going for it. It's clean, in a great location (1-minute walk from the main square), hot water in the showers, free internet, decent kitchen (does have oven, does not have stove, has large fridge to store food in), PS2 and a few games, and free coffee and tea. The beds are reasonably comfortable (but some do squeak). Reports of noisy parties at night.
This Days Hotel features non-smoking rooms that include bath and/or shower, work desk, TV with freeview and complimentary broadband. Some rooms have been adapted to allow for easier access. Full or continental breakfasts are available for £10.
formerly Jury's Inn
Car parking is roughly 5 minutes from the hotel grounds, with many shops and restaurants close by. Well-equipped room with TV, hair-dryer, coffee/tea and biscuits and internet access.
This hotel is in the centre of the city centre and is of the high standards of the Holiday Inn chain, with a spacious room, comfortable beds and friendly staff.
In the heart of the city, it retains its period elegance, whilst offering comfortable accommodation.
Comfortable hotel in the city centre.
Near the city centre with easy access to Queens Medical Hospital and the University of Nottingham. There are no surprises in the rooms as they meet their website descriptions and pictures perfectly, with friendly reception staff and all the facilities you need, even for a long-term stay.
In a peaceful marina location.
Hotel and event venue offering 150 bedrooms and 36 meeting/event rooms, all connected to WiFi.
Offers over 130 bedrooms, a health club, the Verve Grill restaurant, the Victory Pub & Kitchen, the Vibe Cafe and a hair salon. The hotel also has 11 meetings & conference rooms. Booking is available online.
Upscale country hotel in Georgian mansion with fine dining.
By train
Turn right out of the station for an easy 10-minute walk to the city centre.
By car
From the south, travel on the M1 and exit at junction 24 or 25. From the North take the M1 junction 25 or 26. There are nine Park and Ride sites with over 6500 spaces around the city.
By bus
Nottingham has two sizeable bus stations near to its two major shopping centres, Broadmarsh and Victoria. Traveline, +44 871 200 22 33 Bus operators offer services to most other UK destinations.
By foot
The city centre is best explored on foot as many of the historic streets are pedestrianised or have good pedestrian access.
By tram
Nottingham Express Transit (NET) is the city's modern tram system.
By bus
Nottingham has extensive bus services provided by two main companies, trentbarton and Nottingham City Transport (NCT), running from the Broadmarsh and Victoria Bus stations as well as key termini in…
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