Nottingham combines an extensive network of caves beneath its streets with museums, art and historic buildings. The city centre is compact and designed to be largely car-free. Visitors can focus on underground heritage, culture or outdoor activities—the options range from a cave tour to self-guided walks.
Caves Beneath the City
More than 1,000 caves lie beneath Nottingham’s streets. The City of Caves showcases the largest publicly accessible section of this extensive network. Another way to explore the underground heritage is the Nottingham Castle cave tour: depending on which caves are available that day, it may include a visit to Mortimer’s Hole or King David’s Dungeon.
Above ground, Nottingham Castle also tells the story of the city. The museum looks back on a 1,000-year history; the museum and galleries showcase fine art, lace, Robin Hood and the history of the castle. Different themes sit side by side here, from art and crafts to local storytelling traditions.
Museums, Justice and Art
The National Justice Museum is in the Lace Market, near the railway station and tram and bus stops. It is housed in the Grade II* listed Shire Hall. Historical trials are presented as re-enactments; performance times may change. Free exhibition areas focus on contemporary social justice issues.
The museum also includes the free Project Lab, an interactive space where visitors can respond to exhibitions and events. The Crime Gallery combines permanent exhibitions on crime with free family activities. Exhibitions and programme details may change.
The Nottingham Contemporary building is inspired by the historic Lace Market district and refers to the striking, elegant warehouses that served Nottingham’s famous lace industry. Set into sandstone cliffs, it hosts ambitious exhibitions of international art. Its architecture and exhibition programme offer different points of emphasis: one reflects the city’s history, while the other highlights art from different countries.
Green Spaces and Activities
Wollaton Hall is a Grade I listed Elizabethan mansion set in 500 acres of natural parkland. Visitors are encouraged to walk or cycle to the park where possible, rather than travelling by car. Green’s Mill offers a different historical focus: the restored, working tower windmill dates from the 19th century. Next to the mill, the Science Centre invites visitors to experiment with light, electricity and magnetism.
Nottingham Arboretum opened on 11 May 1852. Two signposted routes are the Arboretum Heritage Trail and the Arboretum Tree Trail; orienteering is also available with a specially created map. Self-guided walks can be completed at your own pace. This makes exploring the arboretum different from a cave tour or museum visit: the focus here is on paths, trees and finding your way around the arboretum.
For another activity, the National Ice Centre offers ice skating for all ages and ability levels. The availability of individual sessions may change. Overall, Nottingham’s options range from art and city history to walks, orienteering and ice skating.
Discover more destinations: Sutton Bonington, Ollerton, Edwalton, Coddington, Huthwaite, Sibthorpe, Calverton, Mansfield Woodhouse.
Back to the wider travel overview: Nottinghamshire.
