Attractions that are well worth a visit

The Galleries of Justice Museum, Nottingham

Winner of various impressive accolades including Visitor Attraction of the Year, Family Attraction of the Year and the prestigious Gulbenkian Prize, this attraction offers a unique insight into crime, punishment and British justice. The atmospheric building is a former 18th century prison and courthouse and features the largest collection of police memorabilia in the UK – including evidence from the Great Train Robbery trial.

Nottingham Castle

The history of Nottingham Castle is long and turbulent. Built by William the Conqueror’s son after the Norman invasion, the first incarnation of Nottingham Castle was built in 1068. Legendary home to the Sheriff of Nottingham, Robin Hood’s mortal enemy, the castle was dismantled in the 17th century at the end of the Civil War. The Renaissance-style palace that was built on the ruins was destroyed by Luddites in 1651 following the rejection of the Reform Bill by the House of Lords. In 1875 the gutted building was restored as a museum of fine art, which it remains today.

The Museum of Nottingham Life at Brewhouse Yard

The Museum offers tourists a tantalising ‘time travel’ experience, with a realistic glimpse of everyday domestic and working life in Nottingham during the past 300 years.  Experience living in a Victorian home and visiting numerous shops including, amongst others, an Edwardian grocers and a Victorian chemist.  A variety of events are held throughout the year, ranging from reminiscence sessions, 1940s extravaganzas, ‘have a go’ workshops and seasonal family events.

Green's Windmill

Climb the levels of this working windmill and see award winning organic flour being made. This windmill is set high on a ridge with great views of Nottingham and the valley of the River Trent. Find out about the life and work of George Green, the famous 19^th century mathematician. Test your minds with fun hands-on puzzles and experiments. Free admission, open Thursday - Sunday.

Wollaton Hall

Spectacular Elizabethan Mansion and Deer Park set in the beautiful suburbs of Nottingham

Wollaton Hall is was designed by Robert Smythson and built by Sir Francis Willoughby between 1580 and 1588 for his family. Now a prominent Grade One listed building, the stunning Hall houses the city's Natural History Museum along with reconstructed room settings.

Standing on a natural hill three miles west of Nottingham City Centre, Wollaton Hall is set in five hundred acres of spectacular gardens and parkland. 

Nottingham Contemporary

Built on an historic site in the Lace Market area of the city, Nottingham Contemporary is one of the few major contemporary art spaces in the UK outside of London. It opened in 2009 with a major exhibition by David Hockney and has since had seasonal exhibits in all forms of art. This attraction is well worth a visit for the engaging, challenging and enthralling experiences that you are likely to encounter.

Great for Entertainment

Capital FM Arena

The Capital FM Arena Nottingham provides the East Midlands with a top quality indoor sports, entertainment and conference venue right in the heart of the £43 million National Ice Centre and in the city’s fashionable Lace Market.

The Capital FM Arena Nottingham, which is based inside the National Ice Centre, was opened to the public on 1st April 2000 by ice skating legend Jayne Torvill and was given the royal seal of approval by HM the Queen on July 31 2002.

Hosting the cream of live music, international ice shows and sporting events.  You’ll be sure to find something there that’s of interest to you.

Theatres

Nottinghamshire has an excellent choice of theatre venues to visit.

Within the city on any night of the week, you'll find live music being played. Nottingham is packed with great venues, whether it's for some classical music, opera, ballet or a pantomine.

Within Nottingham you'll be sure to find a great venue for enjoying all types of gigs from classic artists to the next big thing.

Just a little way out of town

Newstead Abbey

A beautiful historic house set in a glorious landscape of gardens and parkland within the heart of Nottinghamshire. Founded as a monastic house in the late 12th century, Newstead was home to the poet Lord Byron between 1808 - 1814. Inside the Abbey there is much to explore including Victorian room settings, and the poets private apartments.

The gardens and parkland at Newstead Abbey cover more than 300 acres with paths that meander past lakes, ponds and waterfalls. The formal gardens are the perfect place to relax and offer something in all seasons from the bright colours of the rhododendrons in late spring to the Japanese maples in autumn.

The Abbey hosts a variety of special events and temporary exhibitions throughout the year.

The Abbey is easily accessible by public transport by taking the Pronto bus from the Victoria Bus Station in the city centre.

Opening 10 February 2012

City of Caves

Situated within the Westfield Broadmarsh Shopping Centre. Enter and explore a whole new world in the caves underneath Nottingham city and descend into the dark depths of the original Anglo-Saxon tunnels, meeting real cave-dwellers from its dramatic hidden past.  See how these caves have been used and adapted over the centuries by local people to escape and take refuge from the world above.

Currently closed for refurbishment and extension, the Caves will reopen again from 11 February 2012 with a special preview available on 10 February 2012, Nottingham Light Night.