Things to do in Nottingham

From historic buildings once home to kings and queens to restored Victorian windmills, quiet city centre parks and some truly world-class sporting stadiums, there’s a huge amount to see in Nottingham.

Beyond the city’s impressive art galleries and fascinating museums, the annual Goose Fair, the Riverside Festival and one-day music festival Splendour are each reason enough to visit the city.

Shoot, putt and stroll your way around with our activities guide. With dozens of guided walking tours, paintball games, video arcades and adrenaline-pumping go-kart tracks, you’ll always be on the move in Nottingham.

Home to the oldest football team in the world, the National Ice Centre and one of the most prestigious cricket grounds in the world, Nottingham certainly delivers when it comes to stadiums and arenas.

With half a dozen quality theatres – and several world-class playhouses – Nottingham’s theatrical output would put much larger cities to shame. Check out our selection for the best theatres in town.

Spend the day at the National Ice Centre, catch a trio of comics at night or head to the theatre followed by a late-night club with live music – all our hotels are just a short distance from the action.

Home to some outstanding restaurants spanning Polish cuisine, fiery curries and globe-trotting sharing plates – not to mention a café scene the envy of cities twice its size – you’d best come hungry when you visit Nottingham!

Driven by a student population of 70,000, Nottingham has a vibrant nightlife. From historic pubs – including the oldest pub in Britain – to on-trend cocktail bars and clubs that shut the next morning, you won’t be short of options.

Be it modern shopping centres, historic arcades filled with art or out of town retail parks, you’ll find it all in Nottingham. Our favourites include Flying Horse Walk and Victoria Centre, both bursting full of cool shops and cafés.

A leading music venue for 40 years, Rock City is a true Nottingham institution. Every band worth their salt (and tequila) has played here over the years including Bowie, Nirvana and Oasis.

A commanding presence overlooking the city, Nottingham Castle dates back to the Middle Ages and is now home to a fascinating museum and art gallery due to re-open in 2020.

With an international airport just 30 minutes away, an extensive tram network and strong rail and road links, getting in and around Nottingham couldn’t be easier.