Things to do in Nottingham

Activities, attractions and tours

Nottingham showing markets, a river or creek and an administrative building
Nottingham showing markets, a river or creek and an administrative building
Nottingham showing a castle and heritage architecture
Nottingham which includes heritage elements, street scenes and a hotel
Nottingham which includes heritage architecture, a castle and a fountain
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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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University of Nottingham which includes signage and heritage elements

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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Theatre Royal showing theatre scenes and heritage architecture

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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Nottingham which includes heritage architecture, a castle and a fountain

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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Nottingham Castle which includes château or palace and heritage elements

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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National Water Sports Centre

What to do in Nottingham

Popular places to visit

University of Nottingham featuring street scenes and heritage elements

University of Nottingham

4/5(109 reviews)

Overlooking a lake, the spire of the Trent Building is one of Nottingham’s most distinctive sites, representing over 135 years of higher education in the city.

University of Nottingham
Theatre Royal featuring street scenes, a city and theatre scenes

Theatre Royal

4.5/5(47 reviews)

Watch an entertaining show and learn about the city’s dramatic arts scene at this prominent theater. Meet friends for a pre-show chat in the bar or restaurant.

Theatre Royal
Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, Nottingham

Trent Bridge

5/5(1 review)

You can find out about the history of Nottingham with a visit to Trent Bridge. Experience the area's entertainment choices and acclaimed theatre scene.

Trent Bridge
The home of Nottingham Forest and has been since 1898

City Ground

Catch an event at City Ground during your trip to Nottingham. Discover the area's entertainment choices and shops.

City Ground
Nottingham which includes heritage architecture, a castle and a fountain

Wolla­ton Hall

See the real-life Wayne Manor from the Batman franchise and explore its fascinating museum and vast scenic grounds where deer roam.

Wolla­ton Hall
Nottingham Castle which includes château or palace and heritage elements

Nottingham Castle

4/5(62 reviews)

Hear tales of sieges, civil war, high treason and Robin Hood in this historic castle that conceals a labyrinth of underground tunnels.

Nottingham Castle
National Water Sports Centre

National Water Sports Centre

4/5(48 reviews)

Kayaking, canoeing, whitewater rafting, ropes courses and mini-golf combine in one complex outside Nottingham, which also offers inexpensive accommodations.

National Water Sports Centre
Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem featuring heritage elements, signage and a hotel

Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem

4.5/5(56 reviews)

Enjoy a beer or two at one of the oldest pubs in England and listen to tales of the chilling ghosts that haunt the caves beneath it.

Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem
Old Market Square which includes heritage architecture and an administrative building

Old Market Square

4/5(76 reviews)

Find out about the public beatings and squalid conditions that were once a feature of this historic square as you relax and people-watch from a café.

Old Market Square

Areas of Nottingham

Nottingham City Centre which includes a statue or sculpture

Nottingham City Centre

4/5(556 area reviews)

A castle on a grassy mound stands as a reminder of Nottingham’s rich medieval history, while the diverse playhouses and shopping malls look modern.

Nottingham City Centre
Long exposure of Trent Bridge in Nottingham, UK

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.

West Bridgford
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Lenton

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

Lenton
Lace Market showing street scenes, road cycling and a city

Lace Market

Admire the 19th-century architecture in this stylish zone. The old lace warehouses here have been converted into shops, museums, apartments and restaurants.

Lace Market
Nottingham castle, a Norman castle in a city of Nottingham in central England’s Midlands region

The Park

4.5/5(13 area reviews)

Though The Park may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Nottingham Playhouse and Nottingham Cathedral.

The Park
Highbury Vale: railway and tramway

Basford

Though Basford may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Rock City Nottingham and Victoria Centre Shopping Mall.

Basford

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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