Things to do in Nottingham: must-see attractions

Visiting Nottingham

Nottingham sits in the East Midlands of England, part of the United Kingdom. The city is defined by a deep medieval heritage and a golden age built on the success of its lace-making industry. This is also the birthplace of the Robin Hood legend, the outlaw who, with his band of merry men, famously stole from the rich to give to the poor. The Major Oak, an ancient oak tree in the heart of Sherwood Forest, is said to have been his hideout. It is about 800 years old and still standing today.

Nottingham Castle

During the Middle Ages, Nottingham was a strategic prize, fought over by Anglo-Saxon kingdoms and Danish Vikings before William the Conqueror arrived and built the first wooden fortress here. It did not last, and a stone replacement was ordered during the reign of Henry I. The castle eventually hosted some of England's most significant monarchs, including Richard I, known as Richard the Lionheart, who frequently appears in the folklore surrounding Robin Hood.

The original structure was razed in 1649 and replaced by a ducal mansion built by the Duke of Newcastle. This piece of Mannerist architecture now functions as a museum, housing collections that span from prehistoric times through the 16th century. A statue of Robin Hood drawing his bow stands outside the castle grounds. Nearby, you can explore the City of Nottingham Museum, housed in 17th-century cottages that depict what life was like in the city during that period.

The most interesting part of Nottingham is found underground. A vast network of roughly 400 man-made caves stretches beneath the sandstone cliffs. In fact, the oldest pub in England, Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, is built directly into the caves beneath the castle. If you are interested in the city's grim past, the National Justice Museum offers a look at the historic courthouse and the city's former prison cells.

Things to do in Nottingham

Start your visit at the Old Market Square, a massive pedestrian plaza covering roughly 22,000 square meters. It is one of the largest squares in the United Kingdom, comparable in scale to Trafalgar Square in London. The Council House, with its iconic neo-Baroque dome, overlooks the entire space.

Continue your walk through the Lace Market district. It is home to some of the finest examples of the city's industrial-era architecture, including the Contemporary Art Gallery, which occupies a converted warehouse.

If you prefer the outdoors, visit the Arboretum, a public park featuring about 1,000 mature, historic trees. A bit further out, Wollaton Hall and Park is worth the trip. The grand house is famous for its role on the big screen as Bruce Wayne's manor in Batman. The building is impressive, and the surrounding park is vast.

When to go

Aim for the warmer months to get the most out of your visit. Every year from August 1st to 7th, the city hosts the Robin Hood Festival, which celebrates medieval arts and history.

How to get there

You can fly into the East Midlands Airport. Otherwise, the city has frequent bus and train connections from London.