Nottingham surprised me more than I expected. Most people know it for Robin Hood and Sherwood Forest, but I quickly discovered a city filled with fascinating museums, beautiful green spaces and plenty of history. Better still, many of the main attractions are easy to reach on foot or by public transport. If you are planning a weekend in Nottingham, this is exactly how I would spend two days exploring one of England’s most underrated cities.
Currency: British Pound (£)
Language: English
Best Time to Visit: Spring and Summer
Suggested Visit: 2 days
Table of Contents
Day 1
Start at Old Market Square
Old Market Square is the vibrant heart of Nottingham and an ideal starting point for your weekend adventure. Surrounded by charming historic buildings and the stunning Council House, it really sets the scene for what’s to come. Situated at the centre of Nottingham, I would recommend taking a leisurely stroll through the square, as this marks the beginning of your itinerary for the weekend.
Visit Nottingham Castle
Perched on Castle Rock above the city, Nottingham Castle is the first stop of this itinerary. Although the original medieval castle no longer survives, the site remains connected to Nottingham’s history and the legends of Robin Hood, with a museum dedicated to exploring these tales. I recommend taking in the panoramic views across the city from the grounds, which are truly breathtaking.
Walk Along Nottingham Canal and the River Trent
One thing I loved about Nottingham was how quickly the city centre gives way to peaceful walking routes. From the castle, make your way along the Nottingham Canal (there’s a map at the top of the page if you’re searching for the best itinerary). The canal paths offer a completely different atmosphere from the busy streets, and I found it a pleasant way to slow down and see another side of the city. In the end, it was delightful to find myself beside the majestic River Trent!
Dinner at England’s Oldest Inn
No weekend in Nottingham would feel complete without a visit to Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, widely claimed to be England’s oldest pub. Built into the sandstone caves beneath Nottingham Castle, it combines centuries of history with a cosy atmosphere. Whether you stop for a meal or simply a drink, it is one of the city’s most memorable places to spend an evening.
Yes. Two days is enough to see many of Nottingham’s main attractions while still leaving time to enjoy its parks, museums and riverside walks at a relaxed pace.
Day 2
Start at the National Justice Museum
Housed inside a former courthouse and prison, the National Justice Museum was one of the most interesting attractions I visited in Nottingham. The museum explores the history of crime and punishment through interactive exhibits, reenactments, historic courtrooms and underground cells.
If you’re interested in learning more about the city and its cultural heritage, check out my article on the 5 best museums in Nottingham.
Explore Nottingham’s Underground Caves
Next, take a step beneath the surface and discover Nottingham’s fascinating City of Caves! This extensive network of caves, carved out of soft sandstone over centuries, has a rich history that reveals the city’s past. Originally created for mining in the medieval period, the caves later served various purposes, including storage, dwellings, and even as air raid shelters during World War II.
If you want to explore the caves along with the National Justice Museum, you may want to think about buying a joint ticket.
For a cute lunch break in Nottingham, I recommend Kitty Cafe. It is the perfect little stop to slow down, enjoy a drink and spend some time with the friendly resident cats.
Spend the Afternoon at Wollaton Hall and Deer Park
After the museum, head west towards Wollaton Hall and Deer Park, one of Nottingham's most iconic green spaces. The Elizabethan mansion at its centre is impressive enough on its own, but the roaming deer are what make the estate feel truly special. If you're a fan of Batman, you might also recognise the hall as Wayne Manor from The Dark Knight Rises!
Finish the Day at Highfields Park
Located beside the University of Nottingham, Highfields Park is a lovely place to end a weekend in the city. The large boating lake, open lawns and tree-lined paths create a calm atmosphere that feels quite different from Wollaton Hall. I found it the perfect place for one final walk before heading home.
One thing I loved about Nottingham is how much variety it packs into a relatively compact city. In just two days, you can explore centuries of history, wander through fascinating museums, walk along the River Trent and even spot deer roaming beneath an Elizabethan mansion. Whether you are planning your first visit or returning for another weekend, there is always something new to discover in Nottingham. For more inspiration, be sure to check out my guides to the best parks in Nottingham and the best museums in Nottingham.
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