Nottingham, a city in East Midlands, is full of character and history. If you’re visiting for a day or two, there is plenty to do, see, and explore. City’s award-winning public transport system ensures that everything is within easy reach and you can move around quickly and carefree.
Nottingham is renowned for its vibrant culture and music scene. Its youthful vibe can be felt throughout the city, while historic significance doesn’t shy away, too. Most people will have heard about the legendary Robin Hood, and Sherwood Forest, which lies on the doorstep of Nottingham.
While the city centre is rather small, it’s always buzzing, and no matter where you look, there’s something interesting around every corner. Nottingham is renowned for being among the top places outside London with most independent businesses.
Whether you are into food, entertainment, nature or a bit of history, Nottingham has plenty to offer and you will not be left disappointed.
1. Nottingham Council House
If you have ever seen any pictures of Nottingham, then you will recognize the neo-baroque style Nottingham Council House, which is probably one of the most well-known landmarks in the city. It overlooks Market Square, which is the central square in the city centre and is popular with locals and tourists especially in the summer season. The tower bell that strikes every quarter of an hour can be heard seven miles far and wide.
2. 200 Degrees Coffee
A good cup of coffee is always a great way to start the day. 200 Degrees Coffee have been changing the Nottingham coffee scene over the past few years. They have two coffee shops in Nottingham and several others across the country, but on top of that they also roast their own coffee and you will see many places across Nottingham proudly displaying that they stock 200 Degrees Coffee. Conveniently located next door to the train station on 99 Carrington Street and in the heart of city centre on 16 Flying Horse Walk.
3. Nottingham Castle
The 17th century mansion looks over the city while a labyrinth of caves and tunnels lie underneath. With an art gallery and museum inside, it’s an excellent opportunity to learn more about the history that the city has gone through. The cave tours illustrate history stretching over hundreds of years.
4. Hockley
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Much like Camden in London, Hockley is the vibrant and slightly eccentric part of the Nottingham city centre. Compact and filled with historic buildings and architecture, it is also the home to many independent businesses, charity and vintage shops, cafés, bars, and other fascinating places.
5. Wollaton Hall and Deer Park
Wollaton Hall is a stunning 16th century mansion that stands on a hill surrounded by five hundred acres of beautiful green gardens and parkland, and a Natural History Museum inside. It can also be seen in Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight Rises as the legendary Wayne Manor. While strolling through the grounds you can also expect to see a bit of wildlife as the park is a home to around 80 Red deer and 120 Fallow deer.
6. Sherwood Forest
The legend of Robin Hood is known worldwide and the infamous Sherwood Forest is less than an hour away from Nottingham. It is the perfect place for a day out in the nature. You can learn more about the Robin Hood legend in the tourist centre and take a walk leading up to the Major Oak, which is thought to be at least 800-1000 years old. A longer walk takes you around a bigger part of the forest, but for more adventurous types there is also a Go Ape high rope course within Sherwood Forest.
7. Attenborough Nature Reserve
Another great place for nature lovers is the Attenborough Nature Reserve. Much closer than Sherwood, it is the perfect place, surrounded by tranquil waters, to escape the city buzz and enjoy rich vegetation. The eco-design nature centre is ideal to visit with the family and there is much that the children can learn about wildlife.
8. Rough Trade
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In the 70s an independent record label gr