Things to do in Nottingham

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

A historic building with a dome, a reflection pool, and surrounding modern buildings.
A historic building with ornate architecture, including statues and columns, set against a backdrop of a clear blue sky and lush green landscape.
A street with traditional buildings, a sign for 'Royal Children' pub, and a 'St. Louis' bar.
A large, ornate building with multiple towers and a central courtyard.
A residential area with terraced houses, a prominent red building, and a hill with greenery.

Nottingham Attractions

Want to know the best things to do in Nottingham? Rich history, delicious local food and loads of exciting attractions are just the tip of the iceberg. Get set to pack your bags and explore this bustling city.

If you're ready to explore Nottingham, sign up for one of the top tours & day trips on offer, and let a friendly expert show you some of the most popular attractions. Offering free cancellations and no added fees, our {24 fun activities in Nottingham fun activities in Nottingham} are also worth browsing through.

Things to do

Daily Nottingham City Centre Walking Tour

Daily Nottingham City Centre Walking Tour (10:30am)

$19
per adult
Daily Nottingham City Centre Walking Tour (10:30am)
Nottingham Walking Tour with a Local Guide

Nottingham Walking Tour with a Local Guide

$20
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
Nottingham Walking Tour with a Local Guide
Detail of Watson Fothergill's Office, Nottingham as featured on the Guided Walk.

Watson Fothergill Walk: Architecture of Victorian Nottingham Guided Tour

$133
per adult
Watson Fothergill Walk: Architecture of Victorian Nottingham Guided Tour
A fun and different way to see Nottingham

Fun and Flexible Treasure Hunt Around Nottingham with Hidden Gems

$20
per adult
Fun and Flexible Treasure Hunt Around Nottingham with Hidden Gems
Explore Nottingham in 90 minutes with a Local

Explore Nottingham in 90 minutes with a Local - Private Tour

$209
per adult
Explore Nottingham in 90 minutes with a Local - Private Tour
Private Nottingham Walking Tour with Local Guide

Private Nottingham Walking Tour with Local Guide

$179
per traveler
Private Nottingham Walking Tour with Local Guide
See all activities in Nottingham

Nottingham must see attractions

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.
Learn more
The entrance to Trent Building with a stone archway, two banners, and a pathway leading to the building.

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.
Learn more
The Theatre Royal building with classical architecture, including columns and arched windows.

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.
Learn more
A large, ornate building with multiple towers and a central courtyard.

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.
Learn more
A historic stone building with a central archway and two chimneys.

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.
Learn more
A kayaker under a bridge with a tree and grassy hill in the background.

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: $11
Top 5 things to do
Under $25
With kids

What to do in Nottingham

Free Things to Do in Nottingham

Vacationing in Nottingham on a budget? The following can be seen for zip.

Bestwood Winding Engine House - Talk to the staff and discover more about the special collections on display at this museum.

Lakeside Arts Centre - When it's time to get cultured, drop by and enjoy the talent on show.

University of Nottingham Jubilee Campus - If you're a fan of modern design and architecture, add this landmark to your schedule.

Old Market Square - This lively area is a favorite of both locals and visitors.

Queen's Medical Centre - If you're eager to check out some of the more important or interesting places in the community, start here.

St Peter's Church - Get an understanding of the local faith at this spiritual sanctuary.

Highfields - Grab your blanket, throw together a quick snack and find a cozy spot to be with nature.

Things to Do in Nottingham with Kids

There's fun for all the family no matter where you go in Nottingham. Here are a few family friendly experiences you can enjoy together that are sure to make your break a blast:

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Nottingham? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Stay near popular Nottingham attractions

A large metal sculpture in front of a red brick building with arched windows.

Lace Market

8.8/10 (1,482 reviews)
Admire the 19th-century architecture in this stylish zone. The old lace warehouses here have been converted into shops, museums, apartments and restaurants.
See properties

Where to stay in Nottingham

Find the best Nottingham areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Nottingham
Learn more about Nottingham
A cityscape with a mix of modern and historic buildings, a central green park with a monument, and a clear blue sky.

Nottingham City Centre

The fantastic nightlife and popular shops are just a few highlights of Nottingham City Centre. Make a stop by Nottingham Council House or Old Market Square while you're exploring the area.

A large metal sculpture in front of a red brick building with arched windows.

Lace Market

Visitors highly recommend Lace Market for its abundant dining options, and you can make a stop by Nottingham Contemporary while you're in town.

Hockley

Bars, shopping, and theaters highlight some of the notable features of Hockley. Make a stop by The Lost Caves while you're exploring.

A cricket stadium with a large field, tiered seating, and a scoreboard.
Photo by Bruce Waite
Open Photo by Bruce Waite

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.

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.

 

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.

 

 

Popular day trips from Nottingham

A historic church with tall spires and large arched windows.

Grantham

A steam train at a station with a person in uniform standing on the platform.

Loughborough

An ancient stone castle with a grassy courtyard and ruins in the foreground.

Castle Donington

An aerial view of a village with a prominent church, rolling hills, and a river.

South Normanton

A historic tower with a clock, surrounded by lush green trees and a well-maintained lawn.

Melton Mowbray

A canal with a brick tower in the distance, surrounded by trees and a hedge.

Sandiacre

A street at dusk with a prominent clock tower in the background.

Derby

A historic church with a tall spire, brick walls, and pointed arches.
Photo by Heather Domleo (page does not exist) (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0)

Stapleford

Frequently asked questions

Is Nottingham worth visiting?
One of the most common things to do in Nottingham is explore Theatre Royal. Check this top sight off your agenda, then discover more of the area's walking trails and views.
How do I spend a day in Nottingham?
When you've checked off popular attractions like Wolla­ton Hall and Nottingham City of Caves, spend the rest of your day discovering the food and retail options in Nottingham.
What is the top tourist attraction in Nottingham?
Don't leave without visiting Theatre Royal, ranked the top tourist attraction in Nottingham.
Is three days enough to stay in Nottingham?
Three days in Nottingham is plenty of time to visit the city's major highlights. Many travelers book for two days on average. Theatre Royal, Wolla­ton Hall and Nottingham Playhouse are top-rated sights. Like to see more? Stick around a little longer to explore nearby hotspots such as Leicester.
Is Nottingham a walkable city?
With exciting neighborhoods and major sights within walking distance of the city center, Nottingham is a good place to explore on foot. Have fun wandering between Theatre Royal and Wolla­ton Hall. Then take a stroll around Nottingham City Centre, located 0.1 miles from downtown, and Lace Market, which is about 0.2 miles away.
What are some activities to do in Nottingham with kids?
Whether you're traveling with young explorers or playful teenagers, an itinerary filled with fun activities makes all the difference. Take a look at our recommendations for what to do in Nottingham with kids.

What to do in Nottingham for adults?
Whether you're an avid foodie, culture enthusiast or outdoor explorer, there are loads of things to do in Nottingham for adults including Motorpoint Arena Nottingham and 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 speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider recommendations on exciting neighborhoods, parks and other attractions you can visit without taking your wallet out. Nottingham Cathedral is one place that doesn't have an admission fee.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia