Nottinghamshire is a county steeped in history, legends, and stunning countryside, offering something for everyone. Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, foodie, or thrill-seeker, this East Midlands gem has plenty of exciting attractions to explore. From the legendary tales of Robin Hood to charming market towns and scenic landscapes, here’s a guide to the best things to do in Nottinghamshire.
1. Explore the Legend of Robin Hood in Sherwood Forest 🌲🏹
No trip to Nottinghamshire is complete without visiting Sherwood Forest, home to the legendary outlaw Robin Hood. This ancient woodland is perfect for hiking, picnicking, and exploring the legendary Major Oak, a colossal tree believed to be over 1,000 years old. The annual Robin Hood Festival brings the legend to life with medieval reenactments and archery competitions.
📍 Location: Edwinstowe
🎟️ Entry: Free (Parking charges apply)
2. Step Back in Time at Nottingham Castle 🏰
Recently restored, Nottingham Castle is an essential stop for history lovers. It tells the story of Robin Hood, the English Civil War, and Nottingham’s royal history. The castle offers interactive exhibits, a medieval-themed adventure playground, and the chance to explore the caves beneath Nottingham.
📍 Location: Nottingham city centre
🎟️ Entry: Paid
3. Discover the City of Caves & National Justice Museum ⛏️⚖️
Beneath Nottingham lies a fascinating network of caves, used as everything from medieval tannery workshops to WWII air raid shelters. The City of Caves tour takes you through this hidden underground world, revealing the secrets of Nottingham’s past.
For more history, head to the National Justice Museum, housed in a former courthouse and prison, where you can explore crime and punishment through the ages, take part in mock trials, and even step into a real Victorian jail cell.
📍 Location: Nottingham city centre
🎟️ Entry: Paid
4. Visit Wollaton Hall & Deer Park 🦌🏛️
A stunning Tudor-era mansion, Wollaton Hall is set within a vast 500-acre park where herds of deer roam freely. Inside, the hall houses Nottingham’s Natural History Museum, featuring dinosaur skeletons and taxidermy collections. The grounds are perfect for scenic walks, picnics, and spotting wildlife. Fun fact: Wollaton Hall was used as Wayne Manor in The Dark Knight Rises!
📍 Location: Wollaton, Nottingham
🎟️ Entry: Free (Museum entry may have charges)
5. Wander Through Newstead Abbey 🏡📖
Once a 12th-century Augustinian priory, Newstead Abbey was later transformed into a stately home and became the ancestral residence of poet Lord Byron. You can explore Byron’s personal belongings, walk through stunning Japanese, rose, and waterfall gardens, and enjoy tranquil woodland trails.
📍 Location: Ravenshead, near Nottingham
🎟️ Entry: Paid (Gardens-only tickets available)
6. Experience the Thrill of Nottingham’s Goose Fair 🎡🎠
One of the oldest fairs in the UK, Nottingham’s Goose Fair has been running for over 700 years! Held every October at Forest Recreation Ground, it features thrill rides, carnival games, and a variety of food stalls serving classic fair treats like mushy peas and cocks-on-sticks (candied apples on a stick!).
📍 Location: Forest Recreation Ground, Nottingham
🎟️ Entry: Free (Ride tokens required)
7. Take a Trip to Clumber Park 🚴♂️🌿
Managed by the National Trust, Clumber Park is a vast estate perfect for cycling, walking, and wildlife spotting. The serene lake, Victorian walled gardens, and beautiful parkland make it an ideal place for a relaxing day out. Bike rentals are available, and the estate’s café serves delicious homemade treats.
📍 Location: Worksop
🎟️ Entry: Paid (National Trust members free)
8. Explore Southwell Minster & The Workhouse ⛪🏚️
The stunning medieval Southwell Minster is one of the UK’s most beautiful cathedrals, featuring incredible Gothic architecture and intricate carvings. Nearby, the Southwell Workhouse, run by the National Trust, provides a fascinating insight into Victorian-era poverty and the harsh realities of workhouse life.
📍 Location: Southwell
🎟️ Entry: Southwell Minster (Free), The Workhouse (Paid)
9. Enjoy Craft Beer at Nottingham’s Historic Pubs 🍺
Nottingham is home to some of the oldest pubs in England, including:
- Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem – Built into the caves beneath Nottingham Castle, this pub claims to date back to 1189!
- The Bell Inn – A historic coaching inn with a fantastic selection of real ales and hearty pub food.
- The Malt Cross – A Victorian music hall turned pub, offering a unique drinking experience with guided cave tours.
📍 Location: Nottingham city centre
🎟️ Entry: Free (Just pay for drinks!)
10. Visit Creswell Crags – Ice Age Caves & Rock Art 🦣🖌️
Located on the Derbyshire-Nottinghamshire border, Creswell Crags is an Ice Age archaeological site featuring some of the UK’s oldest cave art. Explore the prehistoric caves, learn about early human life, and take part in fossil-hunting experiences.
📍 Location: Near Worksop
🎟️ Entry: Free (Cave tours require tickets)
Final Thoughts
From historic castles and mysterious caves to legendary forests and ancient pubs, Nottinghamshire is packed with things to see and do. Whether you’re diving into the world of Robin Hood, exploring beautiful stately homes, or sampling local ales, this county offers a perfect mix of history, nature, and culture.
Which of these places will you visit first? 😊🏰🌳