Things to do in Nottingham

Activities, attractions and tours

A historic building with a dome, a reflection pool, and surrounding modern buildings.
A historic building with ornate architecture, including statues and columns, set against a backdrop of a clear blue sky and lush green landscape.
A street with traditional buildings, a sign for 'Royal Children' pub, and a 'St. Louis' bar.
A large, ornate building with multiple towers and a central courtyard.
A residential area with terraced houses, a prominent red building, and a hill with greenery.

Things to do

Belvoir Castle: Castle, Gardens and Ground Entry

Belvoir Castle: Castle, Gardens and Ground Entry

€11
per adult
Belvoir Castle: Castle, Gardens and Ground Entry
Explore Nottingham, The Legends Culture, And History

Explore Nottingham, The Legends Culture, And History

€12
per adult
Explore Nottingham, The Legends Culture, And History
Daily Nottingham City Centre Walking Tour

Daily Nottingham City Centre Walking Tour (10:30am)

€16
per adult
Daily Nottingham City Centre Walking Tour (10:30am)
Nottingham Walking Tour with a Local Guide

Nottingham Walking Tour with a Local Guide

€18
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
Nottingham Walking Tour with a Local Guide
Nottingham Robin Hood Town Tour

Nottingham Robin Hood Town Tour

€26
per adult
Nottingham Robin Hood Town Tour
A fun and different way to see Nottingham

Fun and Flexible Treasure Hunt Around Nottingham with Hidden Gems

€18
per adult
Fun and Flexible Treasure Hunt Around Nottingham with Hidden Gems
Nottingham Private Walking Tour with a Professional Guide

Nottingham Private Walking Tour with a Professional Guide

€282
per traveller
Nottingham Private Walking Tour with a Professional Guide
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Top places to visit

1. University of Nottingham

With its roots in the first University Extension Lectures ever offered by the University of Cambridge in 1873, the University of Nottingham has a long and proud history of bringing learning to the Midlands. Now accommodated in a beautiful early 20th-century site on the shores of a lake west of the city, it is one of the U.K.’s biggest universities. Wander across the verdant lawns that spread out from the porticoes of each building as you admire the architecture and planning that has made Nottingham one of England’s most celebrated university campuses.
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The entrance to Trent Building with a stone archway, two banners, and a pathway leading to the building.

2. Theatre Royal

The Theatre Royal is one of Nottingham’s principal playhouses, offering a diverse range of shows for all ages. The 19th-century theater is a major landmark in the city and is recognizable by its classic white façade. Attend a ballet, musical, pantomime or play at this historic venue.
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The Theatre Royal building with classical architecture, including columns and arched windows.

3. Wolla­ton Hall

Wollaton Hall is a majestic hilltop mansion surrounded by an expansive deer park. The 16th-century Elizabethan country house now contains the Nottingham Natural History Museum and the Nottingham Industrial Museum. Browse the captivating exhibits and spot herds of deer in the picturesque parkland surrounding the building.
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A large, ornate building with multiple towers and a central courtyard.

4. Nottingham Castle

Nottingham Castle is a 17th-century palace built on the site where a medieval royal fortress once stood. Browse the art gallery and museum that now occupy the historic structure to get a sense of the former stronghold’s role in the city’s history.
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A historic stone building with a central archway and two chimneys.

5. National Water Sports Centre

England’s national canoeing team practices at the National Water Sports Centre. For other visitors, the center also offers numerous activities, from kayaking on the lagoon to ropes courses and laser tag. Paddle out onto the adjacent lakes or scramble up climbing walls, stop for a quick meal at the café and shoot and run through the laser tag course. At the end of the day, appreciate the clean and inexpensive accommodations available on site, the perfect springboard for another day of activities or a home base from which to explore Nottingham.
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A kayaker under a bridge with a tree and grassy hill in the background.

What to do in Nottingham

Stay near popular Nottingham attractions

A large metal sculpture in front of a red brick building with arched windows.

Lace Market

8.8/10 (1,493 reviews)
Admire the 19th-century architecture in this stylish zone. The old lace warehouses here have been converted into shops, museums, apartments and restaurants.
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Where to stay in Nottingham

Find the best Nottingham areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Nottingham
Learn more about Nottingham
A cityscape with a mix of modern and historic buildings, a central green park with a monument, and a clear blue sky.

Nottingham City Centre

The fantastic nightlife and popular shops are just a few highlights of Nottingham City Centre. Make a stop by Old Market Square or Theatre Royal while you're exploring the area.

A large metal sculpture in front of a red brick building with arched windows.

Lace Market

Visitors highly recommend Lace Market for its abundant dining options, and you can make a stop by Nottingham Contemporary while you're in town.

Nottingham Town Hall England

Hockley

Bars, shopping and theatres highlight some of the notable features of Hockley. Make a stop by The Lost Caves while you're exploring.

A cricket stadium with a large field, tiered seating, and a scoreboard.
Photo by Bruce Waite
Open Photo by Bruce Waite

West Bridgford

You'll enjoy the restaurants and riverfront in West Bridgford. You might want to make time for a stop at Trent Bridge Cricket Ground or Trent Bridge.

Lenton

When in Lenton, you can plan a visit to Wollaton Park Golf Club and Dusk till Dawn Poker and Casino, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

A historic church with tall spires and large arched windows.

Grantham

A steam train at a station with a person in uniform standing on the platform.

Loughborough

An ancient stone castle with a grassy courtyard and ruins in the foreground.

Castle Donington

An aerial view of a village with a prominent church, rolling hills, and a river.

South Normanton

A historic tower with a clock, surrounded by lush green trees and a well-maintained lawn.

Melton Mowbray

A canal with a brick tower in the distance, surrounded by trees and a hedge.

Sandiacre

A street at dusk with a prominent clock tower in the background.

Derby

A historic church with a tall spire, brick walls, and pointed arches.
Photo by Heather Domleo (page does not exist) (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0)

Stapleford

Frequently asked questions

Is Nottingham worth visiting?
One of the most popular things to do in Nottingham is visit Theatre Royal. Tick this top attraction off your list, then experience more of the area's walking trails and views.
How do I spend a day in Nottingham?
When you've checked off leading attractions like Wolla­ton Hall and Nottingham City of Caves, spend some time exploring Nottingham's shopping and food scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Nottingham?
Theatre Royal is one of the top tourist attractions in Nottingham and deserves a spot on every to-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Nottingham?
Three days will be plenty of time to check out many city highlights, including Theatre Royal, Wolla­ton Hall and Nottingham Playhouse. The average stay in Nottingham is two days. If you feel the urge to extend your break, Leicester isn't far away.
Is Nottingham a walkable city?
Some major attractions in Nottingham, such as Theatre Royal and Wolla­ton Hall, are within walking distance. You can also visit several of the city's neighbourhoods on foot. Just 0.16 kilometres from central Nottingham is Nottingham City Centre and Lace Market is 0.32 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Nottingham with kids?
Whether you're holidaying with tiny adventurers or thrill-loving teens, a schedule filled with fun activities sets the tone for a great escape. Browse our recommendations for what to do in Nottingham with kids.
What to do in Nottingham for adults?
There are loads of things to do in Nottingham, with entertainment for adults of all ages. Finish your day off at Motorpoint Arena Nottingham or Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem.
Are there free things to do in Nottingham?
One of the top ways to learn about free things to do in Nottingham is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider tips on interesting neighbourhoods, parks and other attractions you can visit without getting your cash out. Nottingham Cathedral is one sight that doesn't have an entrance fee.

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