THINGS TO DO IN NOTTINGHAM
Local attractions in Nottingham City CentreIf you're looking for things to do in Nottingham, you're already spoiled for choice. Famous for being the home of Robin Hood, this cathedral city is rich in history and culture, with plenty of hidden gems around every winding street corner.
From museums and galleries to guided tours and concert venues, here are a few of our top picks.
NOTTINGHAM CASTLE
Arguably the city’s most historically significant landmark, Nottingham Castle has played many a pivotal role since its construction in 1068 on behalf of William the Conqueror. A captivating conflation of myth and legend, the story of Nottingham Castle is told via exhibitions, guided tours, and activities for all ages. Immerse yourself in the rousing tales of Robin Hood, venture into Mortimer’s Hole, and bring your Medieval fantasies to life in the adventure playground. The Olde Trip sits nestled at the foot of the sandstone cliff upon which Nottingham Castle sits, and there is no doubt that throughout history, the two sites have been intrinsically linked.
OLD MARKET SQUARE
Old Market Square, or Slab Square as some locals call it, is one of the UK’s largest public spaces, second only to Trafalgar Square – and it is, indeed, old. Dating back to the 11th century, this ancient market square has long been the site of Nottingham’s myriad events, parades, concerts, public demonstrations, celebrations and much more. Today, Old Market Square is still a hub of activity, hosting annual events like Winter Wonderland and Nottingham Beach. Plus, it’s a brief ten-minute walk from the Olde Trip, so why not stop by for a quiet pint or bite to eat after you’ve had your fill of the bustling city centre?
CITY OF CAVES
Did you know that Nottingham is home to a labyrinthine network of man-made caves? You can experience this beautifully preserved piece of local history for yourself with a City of Caves guided tour. Over 800 sandstone caves are hidden beneath the busy city streets – some accessible, some not, and some dating back to the 9th century. No wonder Nottingham was once referred to as " Tigguo Cobauc" - an Old Brythonic phrase roughly translating to "place of caves". Over the years, the caves have been used as dwellings, tanneries, brewhouses, air raid shelters and even a gaol. In fact, the Olde Trip is attached to several of these caves, which are still used to store stock and equipment.
MOTORPOINT ARENA
With its 10,000+ capacity, Motorpoint Arena, is the largest entertainment venue in the East Midlands, regularly hosting the likes of Tom Jones, Green Day, and Shirley Bassey. Located in Nottingham city centre, overlooking the Lace Market, Motorpoint Arena is part of the National Ice Centre, with plenty of nearby amenities and activities for all ages. And you can expect much more than live music on the stage – check the upcoming events calendar for an array of live sports, comedy, conventions, and competitions. Don’t forget, the Olde Trip is just a brief walk away, so why not join us for a pre or post-show pint?
GHOST WALKS
Nottingham is a city steeped in history, so naturally, it's home to a fair few haunted locations, but don’t worry - you don’t have to brave them alone! The Original Nottingham Ghost Walk will take you on a tour of the city’s most mysterious alleyways, passages, and buildings, where paranormal activity is rife. The best part? This tour begins at the Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, so you can quell your nerves with a pint before the guides regale you with eerie tales and acquaint you with shadowy figures. Whether you’re a fan of gory stories or you just enjoy a good jumpscare, a ghost walk is the perfect way to discover Nottingham’s hidden history. After all, what would be a trip to the Olde Trip without a few ghosts?
NOTTINGHAM CONTEMPORARY
Home to an ever-changing array of paintings, sculptures, and installations, Nottingham Contemporary is one of the largest contemporary art institutions in the UK. Offering free entry and perfect for all ages, this hub of creativity and modernity lies in the heart of the Lace Market, just a ten-minute walk from the Olde Trip, yet a world away from the pub's historic mystique. Moreover, with plenty of family-oriented activities and events on offer, including live music and gallery talks, there's a lot to discover and perhaps more than meets the eye.