Things to Do in Nottingham, Nottinghamshire - Nottingham Attractions
Things to Do in Nottingham
Explore popular experiences
See what other travelers like to do, based on ratings and number of bookings.
Book these experiences for a closer look at the region.
- fromper group (up to 6)$31
Historical Toursfromper adult (price varies by group size)$6
Nature and Wildlife Toursfromper adult$31
Historical Toursfromper adult$25- fromper group (up to 6)$30
- fromper group (up to 10)$19
- fromper group (up to 5)$36
Nature and Wildlife Toursfromper adult$38
Historical Toursfromper adult (price varies by group size)$31
Fun & Gamesfromper adult$63
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Vibrant square featuring live music, diverse craft stalls, and enticing street food, complemented by a seasonal ice rink and winter woodland with ice sculptures.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveler reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Other Top Attractions around Nottingham
What travelers are saying
- TheGreyhoundTraderStoke-on-Trent, UK55 contributionsIntriguing and vast array of exhibits make this a fascinating place to visit. The staff were very welcoming and friendly.
But the highlight was undoubtedly the two live performances. A public hanging and live trial. Both are wonderfully played out by costumed characters. Not only delivered with humour but highly informative and both based on true events.
I could not recommend this place highly enough. Excellent value at just £17 when bought as a joint attraction ticket for £17 that also includes access to the city of caves too.Written April 21, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - sharonNorfolk, UK6 contributionsIt was hard to fine the attraction due to lack of signs. Once inside the tour was approx an hour and no booking was required for two people.
Wear good shoes and explore up to 800 underground caves. These were man made through the centuries.
We enjoyed the tour.
Would recommend.Written March 17, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Kris T1 contributionLoved my day here. We visited the industrial museum which was great value for money. The people there are really knowledgeable. We had a great discussion about life in Victorian times in the kitchen and a great tour in the steam house by Roger. We learned a lot.Written April 21, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Carol LEdinburgh, UK1 contributionVery interesting museum with a great variety of old machinery! We had the privilege of listening to the tour guide Rodger who shared all these amazing facts on the inventors of the machines and the mechanics behind them. He has impressive knowledge on all machinery and there was a very sweet lady who showed us all the different tools inside a Victorian manor house. Would definitely recommend visiting and it’s quite cheap entry.Written April 14, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Sian TLeicestershire, UK21 contributionsMore than a museum, this is a wonderful place with passionate volunteers who bring alive the history of frame knitting. We spent two hours there and didn’t see it all so will be back for another visit and brunch in the cafe. Thanks to Gill Mary and Colin for their extensive knowledge and demonstrations. Excellent!Written April 20, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Dee C4 contributionsIf you love weird museums and haunted things, come here! I didn't know what I was expecting and it was fab! Museum tour guides pop into the rooms and educate you on the items and it was an interesting experience!Written April 16, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- funnello13Grimsby, UK121 contributionsFirst visit to this lovely well restored Victorian theatre, and what a pleasant surprise. Very sympathetically restored, comfortable and welcoming.
A very good experience, and one which will be repeated.Written February 23, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Chrissie R3 contributionsThe person who worked today serving in the terrace cafe next door to the entrance. Needs to go Immediately on a food and hygiene course. Also to have training on how to dress when dealing with food and drinks. Also large posters need to put up to remind parents that other customers walk around with hot drinks and food and it's not a playground for children.Written March 30, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Sam3314Derby, UK2,122 contributionsWe went to the James Blunt concert which was excellent. We sat at the opposite end to the stage but had a good view. The seating is quite steeply raked. If you are tall don't sit in the back row (Row V) as leg room is less than the other rows. Emptied quite quickly after the concert.Written April 7, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- The Codnor TravellerCodnor, UK63 contributionsJust a stones throw away from the Brian Clough statue is the beating heart of Nottingham, albeit a heart that is increasingly becoming encumbered with Arrhythmia - the Old Market Square.
A lot of older Nottingham folk still refer to this 12,000m² space (tye 2nd largest public space after Trafalgar Square!) as 'slab square', which seems quite apt really, given that it is merely a huge expanse of granite slabs in various hues and shades.
In spite of the fact that it is called the Old Market Square, this site is in fact not the
oldest market site in the city.
That particular accolade goes to the Weekday Cross area in The Lace Market, where the Saxons established the original setlement of Snottingaham that over the centuries became Nottingham.
Once the Normans had invaded and conquered England, Nottingham found itself effectively split in half, with the French Normans living and trading around the newly built Nottingham Castle, whilst the Saxons were living and trading up on the sandstone high ground that is today's Lace Market.
To encourage and facilitate trade between the two communities, William Peverel (who owned Nottingham Castle) hit upon the idea of creating a new market place, on neutral ground, equidistant between the Norman borough and the Saxon borough.
It is thanks to this 900 year old idea that we still know this site as Nottingham's Market Square. Indeed, The Old Market Square played host to Nottingham's world famous Goose Fair for 643 years, from 1284 until 1927.
Much has obviously changed since those days however. The Market Square once played host to the town's stocks - animal baiting took place here with regularity, and livestock was bought and sold. These days the only livestock being sold is the beef patties Five Guys sell to hipsters for extortionate rates, and the only animal baiting you'll find is when the police tell a group of youths to "move on."
Central to the Old Market Square is The Council House. Fear not though - this is no ordinary counil house. You wont find a bust-up old trampoline rusting out the back - you won't find any noise complaints or ASBOs - instead what you will find is a large imposing building in the classical design, lending it an almost timeless quality - though I suppose that theory is yet to be fully put to the test, as this building didn't come into being until the late 1920s, when it was officially opened by the man who would one day go on to be King Edward VIII.
Outside the council house are two beautiful stone lions that, much like Brian Clough and Robin Hood, are absolutely synonymous with the city. Indeed, the left lion (as you face the council house from the Market Square) has been the traditional meeting point for Nottingham folk for decades upon decades. Still to this day people arrange to meet "at the left lion." So famous has this lion become locally that it now has a regional magazine (The Left Lion) named in his honour.
The Lions actually have names - Agamemnon (left) and Menelaus (right). Naturally, as Greek Myth fades further into the past, and people become generally thicker, these names have been unofficially superceded by "Leo and Oscar" - names that the masses have more chance of being able to spell I suppose.
The Old Market Square had a very expensive, tax-pqyer funder update in 2007. This created the square you see today. There is a water feature in the square which replaced a couple of very dated fountains that had long ceased operating, and the old slabs (from where the locals derived the sobriquet of 'Slab Square') were replaced with the aforementioned granite. It does look very smart, if not slightly utilitarian.
Throughout the year The Old Market Square hosts various events - most notably the Nottingham Christmas Market (and elevated ice rink) and the summertime beach. These, whilst usually too busy and generally underwhelming, are undoubtedly good for the city, as the footfall is twentyfold.
Being originally from Nottingham I feel duty bound to wax lyrical about this place, however I can't. There is nothing really wrong with it, but it doesn't set the pulse racing either. I maintain that there is more that could be done with this space, and I hope that over the coming years, we will see more happen.
It's definitely worth a visit if you are in Nottingham.Written March 7, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - HilsSleaford, UK134 contributionsThese guys are blooming amazing. We had a very small hen group(4) and tried everywhere to get in but because there was so few of us nobody wanted to know. Then I emailed these guys and they managed to book us in which was such ann easy and positive process they even managed to provide us with 3 activities BLIND FOLD DRIVING ASSAULT COURSE KNIFE AND ACE THROWING…. All at short notice
We arrived and not sure what to expect but boy what a great team of guys and great activities we had mark and he was hilarious and so much fun as well as being evil at some points. Our group had the best time doing these activities and are so pleased we found this great place we’ll definitely be returning so much fun and the assault course was a killer but so great to have done it. Guys thanks for a fantastic time and making our hen some fabulous memories mark you were awesome thanks. I can’t recommend this place and these guys enoughWritten June 12, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Katrina StringerOxford, UK39 contributionsWe arrived late so was only able to spend around 40 mins at the farm was was still worth the trip . My son really enjoyed the play area.
Lovely variety of animals and well sign posted.
Toilets were clean, didn't get time to see the café or shop unfortunately.
Would recommendWritten March 31, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Nottingham
- The top attractions to visit in Nottingham are:
- Wollaton Hall and Park
- National Justice Museum
- The City of Caves
- The Arboretum
- Theatre Royal & Royal Concert Hall
- The best outdoor activities in Nottingham according to Tripadvisor travelers are: See all outdoor activities in Nottingham on Tripadvisor
- The most popular things to do in Nottingham with kids according to Tripadvisor travelers are:
- Framework Knitters' Museum
- Sherwood Forest Activity Centre
- Skirmish Paintball Games Nottingham
- meetspaceVR (ft Zero Latency) - Nottingham
- Games Workshop Warhammer World
The above attraction descriptions were created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for any of the above attraction descriptions. Please read full traveler reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in one of these AI-generated descriptions is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.