Attractions in Nottingham

Start your tour in the city centre with the Old Market Square. A natural meeting place, it’s a 22,000-square metre pedestrianised area at the heart of the city that often hosts events, fairs and concerts. The square has strong links to the ancient history of the city and is also, reputedly, where Robin Hood took part in a bow and arrow competition. Now, it’s home to the city’s council and a great place to start your adventures.

From there, walk down the gentle hill to the City of Caves, a network of 500 underground sandstone caves dating back to the Anglo-Saxon era. Once home to a tannery, WWII air-raid shelter and even Victorian slums, the caves are a rich insight into the region’s underground history. Next, head further south towards the train station and Nottingham Castle Wharf Canalside, a picturesque area full of cafés, bars and historic buildings bisected by the canal. For more information on Nottingham Castle, head to our dedicated page.

Just half a mile from our Nottingham Arena hotel is a fully restored and rather impressive 19th century windmill. Green’s Mill was owned by physicist George Green in the 18th century, and – on a blustery day – even produces award-winning organic flour.

Rounding out our historical selection are two country halls. Holme Pierrepont Hall dates back to the 12th century and has a rich military history. It’s now largely used as a wedding venue, but the 30-acre grounds and house are open several times a year. Check their website for the limited opening times or to book your slot for a trip around their impressive gardens. More accessible is Wollaton Hall and Park, an impressive Elizabethan manor that’s now a multi-purpose venue, just 15–20 minutes’ drive from our Nottingham West hotel. Home to the Nottingham Natural History Museum, the Industrial Museum and annual music festival Splendour, it’s a great way to spend a summer’s day exploring the large gardens and various attractions.

As befits a city rich in the myth of Robin Hood and Sherwood Forest, Nottingham has an impressive range of park life. While Sherwood Forest is a 25-minute drive away, Nottingham has several city centre parks including The Arboretum. A gently sloping green space that dates back to 1852, it contains over 800 trees as well as a small coffee shop, aviary, boating lake and plenty of benches. Just next to the university, Highfields Park expands over 21 hectares and has a bowling lawn, putting green, a newly installed kids’ play area and some stunning scenery including exotic plants and several water features. Home to the annual Goose Fair every October, Forest Recreation Ground is a mile from the city centre and is a wide, open expanse of land that’s home to a popular park and ride scheme, a wooded hill perfect for dog walking and several sports pitches.

A well-equipped site, there are also toilets, a café, an outdoor gym and a children’s play area. A few miles north of the city centre, near our Nottingham North hotel in Daybrook, is Woodthorpe Grange Park, a large green space that includes a tropical house, pitch and putt and the Bean Culture Café which serves up a mean coffee.

Whether it’s a world-class cricket ground hosting nearly 20,000 spectators at regular international matches or watching Nottingham Forest trying to reclaim their past glories, the city is awash with professional sports grounds and stadiums.

Head to our dedicated Nottingham arenas guide to find out more.