Top Things to Do in Nottingham

Nottingham, United Kingdom

About the City

Nottingham, nestled in the heart of England, is a playground of history, quirkiness, and a touch of revelry. With its legendary tales of Robin Hood, the city lures adventure-seekers into the depths of Sherwood Forest, enticing them with whispers of chivalry and bowmanship. Nottingham Castle perches dramatically, offering a gateway to the past, albeit with the mild disappointment that it’s more ducal palace than medieval fortress. The city buzzes with the vibrant student life emanating from its two universities, ensuring the streets are never dull and the nightlights flicker with youthful exuberance. A stroll down the Lace Market showcases Nottingham's industrial embroidery legacy in its sophisticated architecture. However, a heads up for the shoppers - be wary of tricky mazes hiding within the intuitionally challenging layout of Victoria Centre. Gastronomy adventurers can explore global cuisines, yet the mighty mushy pea bravely holds its own as a local delicacy, threatening to mystify or delight the palate. Sport enthusiasts cheer and jeer in the City Ground and Trent Bridge, though sometimes grumbling about their teams’ fates as eternal underdogs. Rain may often play spoilsport, casting a dreary dampness, but this merely encourages cozy pub retreats. Here, amidst the pints and tales, warmth is found in both hearth and conversation. Nottingham, with its charismatic blend of charm and imperfection, dares visitors to embrace it all – the good, the bad, and the delightfully peculiar.

Things to Do in Nottingham

Dig into a Potted Stilton

Food & Drink

Are you even a cheese fanatic if you haven't tried the king of English cheeses? Let your palate ride the creamy waves of Stilton cheese, best enjoyed with crackers or a chunk of bread! The stronger, t...

Hop on a Canoe Adventure

Outdoors

Paddle your worries away on Nottingham's waterways! Whether you're a seasoned pro or just dipping your toes into the world of canoeing, seeing the city from the water is a cool new perspective. Plus, ...

Antique Alley Exploration

The Unexpected

Got a keen eye for old-school cool? Time to stroll down the lanes of nostalgia and pick up some antiques! Dust off the vinyl, try on some retro specs, and find a knick-knack to jazz up your pad.

A Scoop of Sneinton Market

The Unexpected

Get yourself down to Sneinton Market on a weekend and let your taste buds go wild with local delicacies! From artisan cheeses to homemade chutneys, you’ll be saying 'oh my gourd' to all the flavors!

Thrifty Threads Thrills

The Unexpected

Channel your inner bargain hunter and hop from thrift shop to charity store, unearthing vintage treasures and pre-loved gems. Not only will your wallet thank you, but Mother Earth will give you a high...

Riddle Me This in the Caves

The Unexpected

Dive deep underground and test your smarts with the ancient riddles etched in the sandstone. Grab a torch and get your Indiana Jones on – it’s time to solve some subterranean enigmas!

Conquer the Cliffs at The Climbing Centre

Outdoors

Got a grip like a vice and arms of steel? Test your climbing prowess at one of Nottingham's indoor climbing centres. Don't worry if you're more jelly than Schwarzenegger; there’s something for every l...

Unleash Your Inner Tarzan with Tree Climbing

Outdoors

Fancy a bit of old-school fun? Find your inner child (or Tarzan) and climb some of Nottingham's sturdiest trees. Just don't forget the number one rule: what goes up must come down!

Score a Strike in Lawn Bowling

Outdoors

Time to roll out your best moves on the green! Lawn bowling is like a game of chess mixed with the excitement of cricket. Make sure you're wearing your whites, and may the best bowl win!

Tee Off at the Mini Golf Course

Outdoors

Grab a club and get ready to putt-putt your way through some wacky holes. It's a mini adventure with maximum fun! Perfect for a light-hearted day out with friends or family. Who knew chasing a ball wi...

Indulge in a Nottingham Goose Fair Staple

Food & Drink

Ever guzzled down sizzling grub at a fair? The Goose Fair goodies are stuff of legend— think juicy burgers, sizzling sausages, and all the candy floss you can handle. Hop on the rides if you dare, but...

Catch a Show at the Theatre Royal & Royal Concert Hall

Sights

Grab your fancy pants and catch a mesmerizing show at Nottingham's poshest venue. From toe-tappin' musicals to side-splitting comedy, this spot has it all!

Cheers to Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem

Sights

Quench your thirst in style at the oldest inn in England! Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem is carved out of the rocks that Nottingham Castle stands on, and it oozes old-world charm. Good ale, better company,...

Take a Stroll along the River Trent

Sights

Need a breather from the city buzz? Hit the scenic riverside paths by the River Trent. It's the perfect chill-out zone to watch swans glide by. You've got grass, water, and enough footpath to wear out...

Discover the Secrets of the Lace Market

Sights

Glam it up in the Lace Market, the city's trendy and historic quarter. Once the heart of the world's lace industry, now it's all about cool cafes, quirky shops, and eye-candy architecture. It's a fash...

Step into the World of Robin Hood

Sights

Ever fancied yourself as a hero of legend? Saunter through Sherwood Forest, the stomping grounds of the prince of thieves himself! Imagine the rustle of medieval outlaws among the leaves. It's history...

Crunch on a Cob Sandwich

Food & Drink

Chow down on Nottingham's cob sandwich, a crusty local roll that's hearty enough to make the Sheriff of Nottingham surrender his diet. Stuff it with whatever your heart desires - from roast beef to cl...

Taste the Crafty Crow's Ale

Food & Drink

Stumble into the world of local brews and wrap your taste buds around some of the finest ales Nottingham has to offer! Nothing beats a hand-pulled pint of the local good stuff. Just remember to sip re...

Snack on Traditional Pork Scratchings

Food & Drink

Crispy, crunchy, and oh-so moreish—Nottingham's pork scratchings put the 'crack' in cracking! Pair them with a pint at ye olde pub and you're in for a proper British snacking session. Just remember, t...

Unleash Creativity at a Pottery Painting Café

The Unexpected

Fancy getting your hands dirty and your creative juices flowing? Pottery painting is like the chill cousin of extreme sports. Come in, grab a cuppa, and immortalize your wobbly creations in ceramic. P...