Nottingham tourist attractions — 8 of the best places to visit
Caves, windmills, museums, and more...
Nottinghamshire is filled with unique attractions that capture its character and historical value. From ancient caves to interactive museums, there is something for everyone to enjoy — whether you’re a local or a tourist visiting our great county.
We have narrowed it down to eight spots that we believe best showcase what Nottinghamshire has to offer. These destinations have been chosen based on their importance to the area’s past and present, as well how engaging their activities are.
For those looking for things to do in Nottingham, these sites are perfect for those interested in history, legends, and beauty. If you’d like to read more guides and features about the area, subscribe to The Notts Edit to receive our articles in your inbox for free.
8 of the best tourist attractions to see around Nottingham
By Amy Taylor
1. Wollaton Hall and Deer Park
Where: Wollaton Hall, Nottingham, NG8 2AE
Opening times: Hall and museums 11am-4pm
How much: Hall £15pp adult, free entry for child, deer park free for all
Wollaton Hall and its surrounding 500 acres of grounds are bursting with history. Film lovers will have fun seeing the famous Wayne Manor from The Dark Knight trilogy, while history enthusiasts can explore fossils, plants, animals, and more at the Natural History Museum.
There is also the opportunity to take a hidden history tour, in which you will learn stories about the hall and discover the Tudor kitchens, along with the Prospect Room and Admiral’s Bath. The estate is also home to over 200 deer, so keep an eye out while exploring the beautiful gardens and parkland.
Do if: You’d like to go on a day trip with tons to see (we recommend using @steppingthrougfilm’s pictures as a Dark Knight filming location guide!).
2. Sherwood Forest
Where: Forest Corner, Edwinstowe, NG21 9RN
Opening times: Visitor Centre 10am-5pm
How much: £6 parking, free entry
Home to the legendary Robin Hood, Sherwood Forest is spread across 375 hectares, with hundreds of species of animals, fungi, trees and plants to see. The beautiful ancient woodland has a diverse range of trails suitable for walking and cycling, which you can do while admiring all the fabulous flora and fauna.
It has many ancient oak trees, including the famous Major Oak which has been standing for around 800-1,100 years. Legend says that Robin Hood and his crew used to take shelter under it. If you want to try out being a Merry Man yourself, there are activities to do such as archery and axe throwing. It’s also worth checking out the website before you visit, as it often hosts wildlife walks and educational talks that can be booked onto.
Do if: You enjoy going on long walks whilst being surrounded by nature.
3. Nottingham Castle
Where: Lenton Road, Nottingham, NG1 6EL
Opening times: 10am-5pm
How much: £15pp adult, free entry child
Perched on Castle Rock, Nottingham Castle is arguably the city’s most iconic landmark. You can explore the museum, which houses impressive, carefully curated art, archaeology and history. There is also an interactive Rebellion Gallery with the Robin Hood Adventures games, which will help you and the family learn about this Nottingham legend in a fun way.
Once you’ve done all that, you can take a walk through the beautiful grounds, which offer a scenic circular walk. Or, go under rather than over and take a guided tour of the castle caves for an additional £8pp. This allows you to explore either Mortimer’s Hole or King David’s Dungeon.
Do if: You want to find out a whole lot about Nottingham in one fell swoop.
4. Newstead Abbey
Where: Nottingham Road, Ravenshead, NG15 8NA
Opening times: Gardens 10am-5pm daily, house 11am-4pm weekends and holidays
How much: Abbey £15pp adult and free entry child, parking £6 weekday and £7 weekend, £2 on foot
This grand estate was the home of the romantic poet Lord Byron — and with its beautiful abbey and gardens, it’s easy to see how he was inspired. The house has Lord Byron’s private apartments, the Victorian Kitchen and room displays, as well as cloisters from the monastic period to see.
However, you don’t have to visit the Abbey to have a wonderful time here. The gardens and parks are one of our favourite beauty spots around Nottingham, thanks to the themed locations (sub-tropical, rose, and Japanese) and the colourful flowers that bloom throughout the year. You might even see a peacock or two strolling around the grounds.
Do if: You’d love to stroll around a Bridgerton-esque location.
5. City of Caves
Where: Garner’s Hill, Nottingham, NG1 1HF
Opening times: 10am-5pm
How much: £8.75 adult, £7.65pp child
Hidden beneath the streets of Nottingham lies its historic caves, which date back to the medieval period. The City of Caves lets you experience firsthand how people used to live and work in this extraordinary environment, offering an insightful adventure through Nottingham’s past.
As you step through each room, you’ll learn plenty of interesting facts. For example, you’ll discover how some of the caves were used as wartime air raid shelters during World War II, due to the ideal soft sandstone material making them safe spaces. Entrance is in allocated time slots, so it’s worth booking in advance to secure yours.
Do if: You have ever wondered what the city’s caves were used for.
nationaljusticemuseum.org.uk/caves
6. Green’s Windmill
Where: Windmill Lane, Sneinton, NG2 4QB
Opening times: Wednesday to Sunday, 10am-4pm
How much: Free entry
Originally built in the early 19th century, Green’s Windmill was beautifully restored in the 1980s and today functions as a fully operational windmill. Visitors can explore all four floors of the mill, see the remarkable process of turning grain into organic flour, and even purchase freshly milled flour from the on-site shop.
The museum is in the same space and will teach you about the legacy of the original owner George Green, while the science centre will allow you to experiment with light, electricity and magnetism. If you’re more into plants than power, you can visit the award-winning community garden, which grows vegetables and flowers and has a Victorian glasshouse and wildlife pond.
Do if: You’re intrigued about how a windmill works — you don’t need to travel to the Netherlands when we have this one in Nottingham.
7. National Justice Museum
Where: High Pavement, Nottingham, NG1 1HN
Opening times: 10am-5pm
How much: £12.05pp adult, £8.75pp child
Nestled in Nottingham’s historic Lace Market, the National Justice Museum takes you on a journey through crime, punishment and social justice throughout the years. Highlights include the Victorian courtroom, the Georgian gaol, and ancient cells. There is also the opportunity to take part in a re-enactment of a historical trial and to witness a (not real!) execution.
The museum also has some exhibition spaces that are free of charge to visit. You’ll be able to find family-friendly activities to do, as well as see artefacts from Great Train Robbery, the original Bow Street Dock, and much more. While you’re at the museum, you could also visit Deli-Cious Chocolate — one of our top Notts chocolate shops — for a sweet treat.
Do if: You’re curious about the darker side of Nottingham’s history.
nationaljusticemuseum.org.uk/museum
8. Creswell Crags
Where: Crags Road, Creswell, S80 3LH
Opening times: 10am-5pm, 4.30pm off-season
How much: Gorge free entry, caves £15pp adult and £10pp child, museum exhibitions adult £3pp and free entry child
Head inside this prehistoric gorge and find out about this fascinating location that housed woolly mammoths during the Ice Age. Once you’ve walked in their footsteps inside, outside you can roam the woodland, meadows and trails along the lake and look out for the wide variety of rare species and plants.
There is also the option to venture into the ancient caves which once sheltered early humans and see some of the oldest known cave art in the United Kingdom. As well as this, you can go inside the museum, which has artefacts and interactive learning opportunities.
Do if: You’re interested in archaeology, ancient history and picturesque landscapes.
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