Top 5 Museums in Nottingham (2025)

Have you ever wandered the streets of Nottingham in search of the best museums in the city? As someone who has made it her mission to explore everything Britain has to offer, I know the struggle of arriving in a new city and not knowing where to go or what to see. Museums are often the best starting point. From hidden caves to exhibits bringing the legend of Robin Hood to life, in this article I’ll share my top five museums in Nottingham (plus a bonus!) to discover the city’s heritage.

Nottingham Castle

Location: Lenton Road, Nottingham
Opening Hours: Daily, 10am – 5pm
Price: £15

If you only visit one museum in Nottingham, make it this one. Built in 1068 by William the Conqueror, the castle faced several sieges and wars before becoming the mansion of a duke in the 17th century. Today, it is home to the Robin Hood Adventures, several art galleries and medieval artifacts exhibits. This museum is so engaging that I spent nearly 15 minutes trying to hit clay pigeons with a virtual crossbow (turns out I’m a good shot!). If you’re interested in old buildings, I recommend getting the Rover ticket as it gives you access to Nottingham Castle, Wollaton Hall and Newstead Abbey — all for £30.

National Justice Museum

Location: High Pavement, Nottingham
Opening Hours: Daily, 10am – 5pm
Price: £15

The National Justice Museum is another must-visit in Nottingham. The building dates back to the 18th century and was originally the town’s courthouse and prison. Spread over several levels, at the top you’ll find the Court of Justice where trials were held, and as you go down, there are prison cells and an execution area. When you enter, you’re given a prisoner number, and as you make your way through the museum, you learn about the different types of crimes people could be imprisoned for, from petty theft to more serious offences. The museum offers daily reenactments, including historical trials, which truly bring history to life. A joint ticket also gives access to the City of Caves, which are located just a few minutes walk away from the National Justice Museum.

City of Caves

Location: Garner’s Hill, Nottingham
Opening Hours: Daily, 10am – 5pm
Price: £11

With over 900 documented caves, Nottingham boasts the UK’s largest network of man-made tunnels, earning it the nickname ‘City of Caves.’ Carved into the soft Sherwood Sandstone over a thousand years ago, these tunnels have served many purposes, from homes and workshops to air-raid shelters during the Second World War. When it starts raining during your visit (because it will!), I would recommend heading underground and joining a guided tour to explore this fascinating network of caves. In case you’re interested in visiting, you should note that the entrance is under the tram bridge on High Pavement (hard to find if it’s your first visit).

National History Museum

Location: 2 Wollaton Hall, Nottingham
Opening Hours: Daily, 11am – 4pm
Price: £15

The Natural History Museum inside Wollaton Hall is really worth a visit, especially for science enthusiasts and nature lovers. Originally builtin the late 16th century as a grand Elizabethan mansion for Sir Francis Willoughby, Wollaton Hall was converted into a museum in 1926. Today, it is home to an impressive collection of specimens, from a giant T-Rex skeleton to fossils and unusual animals. The museums is interactive, family-friendly and easy to explore. After visiting the museum, be sure to step outside and explore the magnificent gardens and deer park, which are home to over 200 deer.

Industrial Museum

Location: The Courtyard, Wollaton Hall, Nottingham
Opening Hours: Daily, 11am – 4pm
Price: £4

Hidden away in the old stables of Wollaton Hall, the Nottingham Industrial Museum brings the city’s working past to life. As someone who is utterly fascinated by the North of England and its industrial past, I couldn’t help but be interested in this unique museum in Nottingham. Inside, there are steam engines, old bicycles, printing presses and more. The museum also contains lace machines, which I found fascinating since lace-making used to be one of Nottingham’s main industries.

Bonus: Newstead Abbey

Location: Ravenshead, Nottingham Road, Nottingham
Opening Hours: Weekends, 11am – 4pm (Gardens open daily, 10am – 5pm)
Price: £15

If you’ve got a little extra time, I highly recommend visiting Newstead Abbey. Just a short drive from Nottingham, this historic house was once home to the poet Lord Byron (1788–1824), one of England’s most famous Romantic poets. Inside, you can explore countless rooms filled with period furniture, paintings and Byron’s personal belongings. The grounds are lovely too, full of gardens, lakes, trees and plenty of greenery, making it one of the most peaceful escapes in Nottinghamshire. Plus, Newstead Abbey is included in the Rover ticket, which is perfect if you plan on visiting Wollaton Hall or Nottingham Castle as well.

Nottingham’s museums are a brilliant way to explore the city’s past and celebrate its heritage, from the grand halls of the castle to the hidden tunnels beneath the streets. What I love about each of these museums is how they go beyond simple collections of artefacts; every building and exhibition has its own story to tell. While most of these museums aren’t free, Nottingham’s smart Rover ticket and other joint tickets make it affordable for history fans to visit the best museums in Nottingham as many times as they want over a 12-month period. If you’re interesting in seeing more of Nottingham, I would recommend checking out my Guide to the City’s Best Parks, where you can unwind and discover a greener and quieter side of the city.