What to do in Nottingham

Activities, attractions and tours

Nottingham
Nottingham
Nottingham
Nottingham
Nottingham

Nottingham Attractions

Let Expedia help you experience the best that Nottingham has to offer! If you’re looking for fun itinerary ideas, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Activities and Tours

Nottingham is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay, and make it a breeze to explore the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Nottingham to make sure that you enjoy your experience to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights.

Nottingham Attractions

Expedia has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions to keep you entertained. In addition to scheduling local tours, booking reservations and scoring advance event tickets, Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, all on one consolidated travel itinerary, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Nottingham.

Looking for things to do can be time consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Nottingham attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season.

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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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2. 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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3. 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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4. 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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5. 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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Recommended things to do in Nottingham

Number of things to do
24
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Robin Hood Nottingham: Maid Marian Self-Guided Puzzle Walk: CA $17
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Nottingham

Discover the most popular places to visit in Nottingham

University of Nottingham

University of Nottingham

5/5(2 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
Trent Bridge

Trent Bridge

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

Trent Bridge
Wolla­ton Hall

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
National Water Sports Centre

National Water Sports Centre

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

National Water Sports Centre
Theatre Royal

Theatre Royal

3.5/5(2 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
City Ground

City Ground

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

City Ground
Nottingham Castle

Nottingham Castle

4/5(6 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
Old Market Square

Old Market Square

4.5/5(6 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
Newstead Abbey

Newstead Abbey

4/5(4 reviews)

Find out about the history of Newstead when you take a trip to Newstead Abbey. Discover the lively bars and entertainment choices in this walkable area.

Newstead Abbey

Explore areas of Nottingham

Nottingham City Centre

Nottingham City Centre

4/5(16 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

While there might not be top attractions in Lenton, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Dusk till Dawn Poker and Casino and Wollaton Park Golf Club.

Lenton
Lace Market

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(1 area review)

While there might not be top attractions in The Park, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Nottingham Playhouse and Nottingham Cathedral.

The Park
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Forest Fields

When in Forest Fields, you can plan a visit to Rock City Nottingham and Nottingham Cathedral, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Forest Fields

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Nottingham

Grantham

Grantham

ruins of donington castle

Castle Donington

Aerial Panorama shot of the village of Bradfield in the Peak District National Park, English Countryside during a beautiful winter sunset

South Normanton

Derby

Derby

Stapleford
Photo by Heather Domleo (page does not exist) (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0)

Stapleford

All Saints Church in Bakewell, a small market town and civil parish in the Derbyshire Dales district of Derbyshire, lying on the River Wye, England

Alfreton

Toton
Photo by Mattbuck (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0)

Toton

Southwell Mister and Romanesque Cathedral in Nottinghamshire, England, UK. Aerial view

Southwell

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 vacationing 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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