Must-see attractions in Nottingham in 2024

Nottingham Castle

This rebuilt medieval castle is an absolute must-visit, offering immersive experiences that take you back to the era of Robin Hood. Don't miss the new "Tales of Robin Hood" augmented reality experience that allows you to virtually join Robin Hood on his adventures - how cool! Be sure to also explore the castle dungeons and try your hand at archery.

City of Caves

Discover a vast manmade cave system that lies beneath Nottingham's streets, dating back to medieval times. Their entertaining guided tours take you through these atmospheric caves once used for everything from tanneries to air raid shelters during WWII. You'll be surprised by just how massive this hidden underground network is.

Green's Windmill

The only inner city working windmills in the UK, you can see right inside to check out the whole flour-making process powered by the wind. After your tour, visit the miller's cottage and indulge in freshly baked bread at the cafe. On select days, you can even purchase bags of freshly milled flour to take home.

Wollaton Hall

This place screams old-world grandeur from the moment you set eyes on it. The Elizabethan mansion is spectacular, surrounded by a deer park and even used as Wayne Manor in The Dark Knight movies. Wandering the lavish rooms and grounds gives you a real taste of 16th-century living for the upper classes. Oh, and there's a pretty awesome Natural History Museum in the old stables too.

Top Experiences in Nottingham in 2024

Explore neighbourhood street art with a local guide

For real insight into Nottingham's edgy street art scene, you must take this Beeston walking tour guided by a local artist. They'll lead you around creative hubs like Sneinton Market and Hockley, breaking down the stories behind all these vivid, larger-than-life murals - many by globally renowned artists.

Go underground at Brewhouse Yard

Part of Nottingham's ancient cave network has been ingeniously transformed into an underground district of bars, restaurants, and spaces for live music and events. Experiencing this hip, unique nightlife setting feels like discovering a secret underground city!

Forest sports and countryside adventures

Just a quick drive from downtown Nottingham there are vast green spaces that are a playground for outdoor adventures. You can go mountain biking, rock climbing, ziplining through the trees - all the adrenaline-junkie activities.

Sample real English ales on the Nottingham Ale Trail

For an authentic taste of Nottingham's beer culture, follow the self-guided brewery trail visiting historic pubs, modern taprooms, and more. Grab a trail map and stamp card, then sample delicious craft ales at each stop, earning prizes for collecting stamps.

7 of the Best Free Things to Do in Nottingham

Nottingham Arboretum

This beautiful 19th-century arboretum offers a welcome green oasis right in the city centre. Wander among the exotic trees, lakes, and gardens - the perfect picnic setting for relaxation. Free guided walks are occasionally offered, revealing the park's fascinating history.

Wander Sneinton Market

For a true taste of Nottingham's indie spirit, head to Sneinton Market. This inner-city area is just buzzing with cool little shops, street food stalls, and bars with live music creating an awesome creative vibe. It's an ideal place for a wander, grabbing bargains, and just absorbing that local energy.

Nottingham Contemporary Art Gallery

As one of the largest venues for modern art in the UK, this gallery hosts thought-provoking, boundary-pushing contemporary exhibitions and installations that are all free to visit. Be sure to also check out their talks, tours and workshops for a deeper artistic experience.

Nottingham Industrial Museum

Get hands-on with interactive exhibits at this engaging free museum celebrating the city's industrial heritage in the canal district. The volunteers bring the historic machinery to life with their insightful commentary.

Explore The Park & Tunnel Estates

These two adjoining residential areas offer a picturesque glimpse into English architectural history, with winding streets lined by rows of beautifully preserved Victorian and Edwardian homes. Architecture enthusiasts can use a free walking tour app to learn more about the area.

Go wild at Attenborough Nature Reserve

Located just outside the city, this protected nature reserve allows visitors to immerse themselves in the great outdoors with miles of nature trails, bird-watching hides, and diverse habitats teeming with wildlife - all free to explore. Guided tours and activities are offered during the summer months.

See a free comedy night

Looking for evening laughs on a budget? Nottingham has a thriving comedy scene with up-and-comers testing out their acts for free at pubs and clubs across town. Check listings though, as the line-ups are constantly changing.
 

Top Events in Nottingham in 2024

Splendour Music Festival

This massive annual music festival held in July in Wollaton Park features big-name indie, rock, and pop acts performing against the stunning backdrop of historic Wollaton Hall. You can camp overnight or take a shuttle bus from the city to avoid traffic.

Nottingham Beach

The festive summer between the July and September months see Nottingham's Old Market Square transformed into a beach paradise, with rides, activities, and beach bars/restaurants bringing a slice of the seaside to the city centre. Don't miss the lively sandcastle competitions!

Riverlights Festival

During this enchanting festival held in June this 2024, the city of Nottingham will be filled with imaginative artwork, music, dance and theatre to really bring the community together. Food vendors and entertainment will also add to the festivities.

Goose Fair

Every autumn, Nottingham's iconic annual funfair takes over the city with over 250 fairground rides, games and attractions surrounded by an electrifying atmosphere. Don't miss the iconic mushy pea stalls! Arrive early to beat the crowds.

Christmas Markets

Soak up the festive spirit as traditional Christmas markets fill Nottingham's Old Market Square and surrounding streets, with vendors selling gifts, treats and warm drinks. Live music and entertainment create a cozy, magical ambience.

Travelling Around Nottingham

Walking

With most major attractions clustered within about a mile radius, Nottingham's compact city centre is highly walkable as long as you have comfortable shoes. Free walking tour maps are available to help navigate between sights.

Taking the Tram

An efficient tram network connects the city centre with suburbs and park-and-ride sites near the motorway every 7-10 minutes. The trams offer free WiFi and USB charging ports for extra convenience.

Cycling

Cyclists are well-catered for with bike-friendly paths and rental schemes ideal for exploring the city and surrounding countryside, including lovely canal path routes. Many hotels can advise on nearest rental locations.

Hop onto the Bus

Nottingham has an extensive eco-friendly bus network serving all areas, offering a tap-on/tap-off payment system and mobile apps with real-time service information for easy navigation.

Driving

While driving into Nottingham is relatively straightforward outside peak hours thanks to good road connections via the M1 motorway, parking can be limited in the city centre. If you want to avoid the hassle of finding a parking space on your trip to Nottingham, you can pre-book affordable hourly parking using Stashbee.
 

Places to stay in Nottingham

St James Hotel

For a luxurious boutique stay, this elegant hotel is housed in a beautifully renovated Victorian school building near the Lace Market area. Enjoy exquisite rooms, an excellent in-house restaurant, and the stunning lobby bar - be sure to indulge in a cocktail here during your visit.

Hart's Hotel

This quirky design hotel blends Nottingham's heritage with modern flair, offering an eclectic, almost whimsical atmosphere through its decor and lively bar. Many rooms boast impressive city skyline views, and great value is offered.

Nottingham Roomz Aparthotel

Ideal for longer stays or families, these serviced apartments provide self-catering facilities and privacy with fully-equipped kitchens and living spaces, plus on-site amenities like a gym.

Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem

For a truly atmospheric stay, book into one of England's oldest inns located next to the castle grounds. Part of the accommodations are set in medieval caves, offering a cozy yet unique experience rich in history. Ask about reserving the "haunted room" if you're feeling brave!

Glamping at Sherwood Forest

Immerse yourself in the legendary world of Robin Hood by spending a night glamping amidst the ancient Sherwood Forest. Choose from luxury yurts, pods or treehouses surrounded by nature, with most sites offering fire pits and BBQ facilities.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nottingham

Q: How many days should I spend in Nottingham?

A: 3-4 days gives you plenty of time to soak up all the top sights and experiences at a relaxed pace. That said, Nottingham is a compact and easily navigable city, so motivated folks could honestly cover the highlights in 2 efficient days with smart planning. Extend to a week though, and you'll have ample time to also explore the beautiful surrounding countryside like the Peak District.

Q: Is Nottingham expensive to visit?

A: Nottingham is pretty affordable as far as UK city breaks go! There are plenty of free things to do, reasonably-priced accommodation options, and a solid selection of budget-friendly yet quality cafes and pubs for eating and drinking. You can easily have an awesome visit here without breaking the bank.

Q: How do I get to Nottingham from London?

A: The easiest option is taking a train - services from London St Pancras to Nottingham run frequently and take around 1 hour 45 minutes. Driving from London takes 2-3 hours depending on traffic as you'll take the M1 motorway.

Q: What's the best area to stay for nightlife?

A: You'll find the highest concentration of buzzing pubs, bars and clubs in the Lace Market and Hockley neighbourhoods, making those areas awesome bases if you want to be in the heart of Nottingham's vibrant going-out scene.

Q: Are there luggage storage facilities?

A: Yep, most of the major rail stations like Nottingham Station have left luggage facilities where you can temporarily stash your bags while exploring if needed. Many of the big shopping malls do too.