Nottingham travel guide

Photo of Nottingham, United Kingdom by kirstiecoolin

Introduction to Nottingham

Nottingham, known for its incredible Arboretum, Robin Hood Statue, and National Ice Centre, is a travel destination everyone should visit once in their lifetime. This city in Nottinghamshire, England, has plenty of experiences to offer curious travelers. Home to a variety of natural beauty and architecture, a unique historical background, and a culture as rich as its population of more than 289.3 thousand people, Nottingham is truly one of the main highlights of England.

Easily accessible from the East Midlands airport, Nottingham is the perfect base for a memorable and unique vacation in England. Travelers looking to experience the best of England often choose to stay in Nottingham.

Get ready to explore and learn more about the city of Nottingham below!

History of Nottingham

Nottingham, nestled in the heart of England, boasts a rich and vibrant history dating back to the 600s AD. Its origins can be traced to an Anglo-Saxon settlement called 'Snotengaham', meaning 'the homestead of Snot's people'.

Over the centuries, the city played a significant role in England's political and economic landscape. In the Middle Ages, Nottingham was known for its thriving wool trade, which laid the foundation for its industrial growth.

The city's prominence continued into the Industrial Revolution, where it gained global recognition for its lace-making industry. This led to an influx of wealth and population growth, shaping the city as we know it today.

Nottingham is also steeped in folklore, most notably as the legendary home of Robin Hood. This outlaw, said to rob from the rich and give to the poor, has become a symbol of the city. Today, Nottingham seamlessly blends its historic past with modern amenities, making it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and travellers alike.

Top services in Nottingham

Here on this page, you'll find all the top travel services in Nottingham, England. Check out the cheapest and most popular flights offered by 247 airlines that fly to England. Browse the 13 top-rated tours available to you in Nottingham. We make it easy for you to find and book the top services in Nottingham.

Enjoy the convenience of planning and booking every detail of your trip to Nottingham, including flights, accommodations, activities, and more, in one place. Book with Guide to Europe to get an expertly-curated and fully-customizable itinerary and experience the best of Nottingham on your vacation in England.

Get answers to questions about the routes and services offered in Nottingham from our free 24/7 customer support. Continue reading to learn how you can enjoy a stress-free and memorable vacation in the city of Nottingham!

Best time to visit Nottingham

The best time to explore Nottingham, England is during the late spring to early autumn, particularly from May to September. During these months, the weather is typically pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from 15°C to 20°C, providing an ideal climate for exploring the city's historic sites, parks, and outdoor attractions. The summer months of July and August can be busier due to school holidays, so if you prefer a quieter atmosphere, consider visiting in May, June, or September. Nottingham also hosts a variety of special events throughout the year, including the Robin Hood Pageant in October and the Nottingham Goose Fair in early October. These events can add an extra layer of cultural immersion to your visit, but be aware that they also attract additional crowds. For a blend of good weather and smaller crowds, the shoulder seasons of April to June and September to October could be your best bet. Regardless of when you choose to visit, Nottingham offers a wealth of experiences that make any time a good time to explore this English gem.

Weather in Nottingham

Nottingham, located in the heart of England, experiences a temperate maritime climate with mild summers and cool winters. Summer temperatures generally range from 15°C to 22°C (59°F to 72°F), ideal for outdoor exploration. However, it is also the wettest season, with July being the rainiest month, so don't forget your umbrella.

The autumn months (September to November) bring cooler temperatures and less rainfall, with an average high of 16°C (61°F) in September dropping to 9°C (48°F) in November. Winter months are cold with temperatures typically between 1°C and 8°C (34°F to 46°F), and occasional snowfall. Frost is common, especially in the early morning.

In spring, temperatures start to rise, with averages between 8°C and 15°C (46°F to 59°F), and longer daylight hours. Despite the varied climate, Nottingham is known for its unpredictable weather, so it's advisable to pack layered clothing and waterproofs, no matter the season.

Local tip for visiting Nottingham

While Nottingham is renowned for its rich history and cultural heritage sites, an insider tip that locals often share is to explore the city's lesser-known caves. Beneath the city streets lies an intricate network of over 800 man-made sandstone caves, many of which date back to the medieval era. These caves are not commonly included in most tourist itineraries, but visiting them provides an unforgettable experience of Nottingham's past. Take a guided tour of the City of Caves, an underground network that was once used for dwellings, storage, and even as air-raid shelters during World War II. This unique excursion into the subterranean world adds depth to your understanding of Nottingham's history and gives you a different perspective of the city. Remember to wear comfortable shoes and carry a light jacket as it can get a bit chilly down there. This insider tip will surely make your visit to Nottingham more memorable and enriching.

Learn more about England

There are many reasons to visit the city of Nottingham, but a trip to England needs no explanation.

Exploring England, which spans 242,495 square kilometers, is an adventure of a lifetime. England offers an abundance of truly magical places to discover, including cultural, historic, and scenic sites of significant value to both locals and travelers.

As the home country of many world-famous attractions like the spectacular Arboretum, Robin Hood Statue, and the National Ice Centre, you’re all set for a unique and memorable travel experience in England.

Click or tap the link below to discover more about England.

What to see in Nottingham

Photo of Nottingham, United Kingdom by kirstiecoolin

Nottingham has something for everyone. Regardless of age and interest, travelers have the best time exploring every corner of the city.

Read on to discover the best places to visit and find out what to expect from the city of Nottingham.

Top attractions in Nottingham

Home to plenty of top attractions, Nottingham is more than just a wonderful city in England. Nottingham is a travel hotspot and a great place to experience a mix of the traditional and modern culture of England.

One fascinating sight in Nottingham is the unforgettable Arboretum. Considered one of the most well-known attractions in the city, a visit to this spectacular travel destination is something you shouldn’t miss on your trip to Nottingham. This remarkable attraction is located at Waverley St, Nottingham NG7 4HF, UK and is open for visitors Monday - Sunday, between 10:00-16:30.

For more information about what you can expect during a vacation in England, check out our list of top attractions in Nottingham below. Discover the best places to visit in Nottingham, including the fascinating Arboretum, Robin Hood Statue, National Ice Centre, City of Caves, and National Justice Museum.

Map of attractions

Use this map to find the location of all top attractions in Nottingham.

Things to do in Nottingham

Photo of Nottingham, United Kingdom by David Reed

Enrich your travel experience in Nottingham by joining tours and activities. Nottingham offers an exciting selection of top-rated tours and it's easy for every traveler to find something to their liking. Take the opportunity to catch the top attractions on a tour, stay active with an adventurous excursion, or learn something new about the local history or culture of the city.

Discover the most popular experiences in Nottingham below.

Most popular experiences in Nottingham

Traveling is all about gaining new experiences. You can have that and more in the city of Nottingham.

Nottingham offers numerous tours and activities for travelers to choose from. Walking Tours, Historical Tours, and Unique Experiences are only a few of the many experiences you can book for your holiday in England.

Explore the most popular experiences you can join in Nottingham by clicking on one of the top-rated tour categories below.

Top tours & tickets starting in Nottingham

Travelers in Nottingham can choose from 5 categories of top-rated tours and tickets.

By joining this highly recommended tour, travelers get to learn more about what makes Nottingham one of the best travel destinations in England.

Nottingham also offers plenty of budget-friendly tours and activities that promise travelers a unique experience in the city. The affordable Nottingham Self Guide for mavericks and free thinkers is the cheapest tour in the city, and is a popular Historical Tour. This experience costs around 12 EUR and allows travelers a great time in Nottingham. This Historical Tour is available in 1 language: English. Around 2 travelers have given this activity an average rating of 2 stars out of 5.

Secure an unforgettable experience for your upcoming trip to Nottingham and book a top-rated tour in the city. Discover the best tours, activities, and tickets in Nottingham below.

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All Experiences in Nottingham

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Search for things to do in Nottingham

Discover the best things to do in Nottingham. Choose from 13 fantastic tours and activities available in the city.

Select your dates and number of travelers in the search bar below to receive the best recommendations for your vacation in Nottingham. Click the green button to view your options.

What to eat in Nottingham

Nottingham, England, is a city teeming with culinary delights, with an array of dining districts that cater to every palate. From the vibrant street food scene in Sneinton Market to the high-end restaurants in Lace Market, you'll find some of the best places to eat in Nottingham. Nottingham's traditional dishes should not be missed. Savour the homemade 'Colwick Cheese', a local speciality, or indulge in 'cobs', a regional term for delicious sandwiches. For meat lovers, the 'Melton Mowbray Pork Pie', a handcrafted pie filled with succulent pork, is a must-try. The city also boasts a thriving craft beer scene. To enhance your dining experience, consider booking a food tour, which offers an excellent opportunity to taste a variety of local dishes and learn about Nottingham's rich culinary history. Remember, the city's eateries can get busy, particularly on weekends, so it's advisable to reserve a table in advance. Nottingham's food scene is as diverse as it is delicious, promising a gastronomic adventure that is sure to satisfy.

Best shopping in Nottingham

Nottingham, England is a shopper's paradise, with a blend of high-end boutiques, bustling markets, and independent craft stores. The best place to go shopping in Nottingham is undoubtedly the Victoria Centre, offering a range of international brands and local stores. The quaint, cobbled streets of Hockley, known for its distinct fashion and local craftsmanship, should not be missed. This area is brimming with vintage clothing stores, independent designers, and unique jewellery shops. Bridlesmith Gate, another iconic shopping district, is home to Paul Smith, a well-known Nottingham-born fashion designer. Here, you can find a selection of stylish clothes and accessories.

For an authentic local experience, head to Nottingham Market Square for a variety of stalls selling fresh produce, flowers, and handmade crafts – the perfect place to find one-of-a-kind souvenirs. Practical information: Most stores open at 9 am and close around 5 pm, but hours may vary so it's wise to check ahead. Also, remember that England's currency is the pound (£). Nottingham's shopping districts are easily accessible by public transportation, making it a breeze to shop till you drop in this charming English city.

Best Free Things to Do in Nottingham

Nottingham, renowned for its legendary outlaw Robin Hood, boasts a wealth of free activities that provide a glimpse into its rich history and vibrant culture. One of the best free things to do in Nottingham is to visit the iconic Old Market Square. Dominated by the Council House, this expansive public space hosts various events throughout the year. Another must-see is the Nottingham Contemporary, a globally recognized art centre that hosts free exhibitions, showcasing the works of groundbreaking artists. Don't forget to explore the picturesque Wollaton Hall and Deer Park, where the majestic 16th-century mansion, beautiful gardens, and herds of deer will transport you back in time. A walk along the historic Lace Market district offers an insight into Nottingham's industrial past. Lastly, visit the Green’s Windmill and Science Centre, where you can learn about the science of wind power and the life of mathematical genius George Green. With such a diverse range of free attractions, Nottingham ensures a rich, fulfilling travel experience without spending a penny.

Vacation packages in Nottingham

Photo of Nottingham United Kingdom, by David Reed-robin hood

The best and easiest way to visit Nottingham is by booking a vacation package. A vacation package includes everything you need for a worry-free and perfectly planned holiday in England.

Booking a vacation package to Nottingham means spending less time planning and more time enjoying your vacation. A vacation package includes everything from flight tickets, accomodation, and a rental car, to 24/7 personal travel support and a carefully planned travel itinerary. You can also take your vacation in Nottingham to the next level by adding tours, tickets, and activities to each day of your trip.

Apart from providing you with everything you need to travel comfortably, your vacation package to Nottingham is also fully customizable. In other words, you can add or remove services at your own convenience, to create the perfect vacation for you and your travel companions.

On our website, you will find 2 unique vacation packages to Nottingham, including flight tickets, hotel reservations, and recommendations for the best sightseeing spots, restaurants, bars, and activities.

Continue to the next section to learn more about what types of vacations you can book in the city of Nottingham.

Find vacation packages in Nottingham

Discover and compare 2 vacation packages that take you to the wonderful city of Nottingham.

The best flights, hotels, and activities in Nottingham get fully booked quickly. Use the search tool below to find the best vacation packages in England. Your customized holiday package to Nottingham is only a few clicks away!

How to get to Nottingham

To get to the city of Nottingham the fastest way possible, travelers from outside England can travel by plane. International travelers can fly to Nottingham by booking flights with any of the 17 airlines that offer direct flights to East Midlands airport. Some airlines that operate flights to East Midlands airport are Ryanair, Azul, United Airlines, Air China, and Jet2. Go to this page to compare all flights to Nottingham.

To reach the city of Nottingham, travelers can choose from various airport transfer options available at East Midlands airport.

If you're looking for the best flight ticket deals to Nottingham, knowing the cheapest travel time and which airlines offer the most affordable flights is helpful. Luckily, we have this information for you. Discover more about the cheapest and most popular flights to East Midlands airport and Nottingham below.

Find cheap flights to Nottingham

Photo of Nottingham, United Kingdom by ian kelsall

Over the years, more airlines have started offering flexible and direct flights to Nottingham, making it one of the most accessible travel destinations in England. However, it is usually cheaper to fly to Nottingham, England, in May.

The cheapest one-way flight to Nottingham costs around 17 EUR and is offered by the airline Ryanair. The flight leaves on June 13 at 2 and departs from Cork airport in Cork, Ireland.

The cheapest round-trip flights to Nottingham cost approximately 42 EUR in total. The departure flight leaves on May 3 and the return flight is scheduled on May 4. The flight time is around 5 hours per way.

The return flight is operated by London Stansted.

Use the search tool below to find the cheapest flights to England and the city of Nottingham from your city of departure.

Popular flights to Nottingham

Travelers visiting Nottingham in England can fly to East Midlands airport directly from 1216 destinations worldwide.

The airline that operates most flights to England is SalamAir. SalamAir offers 7 scheduled flight routes to England.

Discover the most popular flights to Nottingham below. Click to view flights to Nottingham, England from destinations all across the globe.

Where to stay in Nottingham

Photo of Nottingham United Kingdom, by ian kelsall-wollaton hall

An essential factor to consider when traveling to a new place or country is accommodation. While visiting a city as fantastic as Nottingham is always exciting, any avid traveler knows that accommodations often make or break the vacation experience.

The best place to stay in Nottingham usually depends on travelers' needs and preferences. However, booking accommodation in downtown Nottingham offers a ton of benefits.

Staying at the heart of the city allows you to easily walk to many of the top sights and dining areas in Nottingham and cut down on your travel expenses. Centrally-located accommodations are also an excellent choice for travelers in Nottingham planning to go on a quick tour or drive to the neighboring regions.

For example, honeymooners or travelers on a romantic getaway in England can experience the ultimate relaxation at one of the 5-star or 4-star hotels in Nottingham. Travelers whose purpose is sightseeing can also find plenty of mid-range hotels to budget-friendly accommodations in the city, allowing access to many of the top attractions in Nottingham.

Learn more about the most popular places to stay and the top-rated hotels in Nottingham in the next sections.

Top hotels in Nottingham

Hotels are travelers' go-to accommodations in Nottingham for the unique experience they provide.

Besides offering basic amenities, many hotels in Nottingham provide meals and extras, such as shuttle services, spa facilities, tour desks, and other services. But because not all hotels in Nottingham are created equal, finding the best in the city often requires careful research. For your convenience, we've done all the research to make it easier for you to check out all the top hotels in Nottingham.

Below is our hand-picked list of the best hotels in the Nottingham. Travelers are encouraged to book early as these hotels quickly reach capacity.

Click the arrows or swipe the list to see each hotel's ratings, reviews, locations, rates, and more. You can read detailed descriptions of each hotel by clicking the cards.

Search for accommodation in Nottingham

Use the Accommodation Search tool below to find available stays in the city of Nottingham on specific dates. This handy feature also allows you to compare prices and amenities.

Enter the preferred check-in and check-out dates. Then, select the number of guests and rooms. Click the Search button to find all the available hotels and places to stay in the city of Nottingham that match the information provided.

Car rental in Nottingham

Photo of Nottingham United Kingdom, by David Reed-shooting

Experience the freedom and convenience of a self-drive vacation by renting a car for your adventures in Nottingham.

Learn more about the different types of cars you can rent in Nottingham, England, below.

Popular types of car rental in Nottingham

Discover and choose from our broad range of popular car rental options in the city of Nottingham to find the best car for your travel plans. All car rentals come with CDW insurance for added protection throughout your trip.

Renting a car is a popular choice among travelers who want to explore England at their own pace.

This car is particularly popular among couples and solo travelers touring the city of Nottingham.

Check out all options available in Nottingham and book the car rental for your upcoming adventures in England below.

Search for car rental in Nottingham

Get ready to hit the road and explore the beautiful city of Nottingham. Find the best deals on a variety of popular car rentals in Nottingham, England, or any other destination in Europe by using the search tool below.

Enter your pick-up and drop-off location, driver's age, and dates. Click the green button to view your options.

Transportation in Nottingham

Navigating through Nottingham is a breeze thanks to its extensive and efficient transport system.

The city's public transportation is handled by Nottingham City Transport which operates a comprehensive network of buses covering the city and its suburbs. The network is lauded for its punctuality and frequency.

For those preferring a more direct route, taxis are readily available throughout the city. They can be flagged down on the street, booked online, or caught at designated taxi ranks.

Car rental services are also an option for those desiring more flexibility. Numerous agencies offer a variety of vehicles to choose from, and the city's well-marked roads make driving easy.

Finally, Nottingham is one of the few UK cities with a tram system, the Nottingham Express Transit (NET). It offers a unique and convenient way to explore the city's sights. The trams are frequent, dependable and cover major attractions throughout the city, offering a unique perspective of Nottingham.

Popular destinations to visit after Nottingham

Photo of Nottingham United Kingdom, by David Reed-landscape

The city of Nottingham is just one of the many unique and scenic destinations you can visit in England. So if you're itching for another cultural adventure, a relaxing road trip, an action-filled city break, or a memorable weekend getaway, know that England has it all.

England is calling, and the country is asking you to experience its culture and diversity to the fullest! Take the opportunity to visit other captivating places in England that are as magical as the city of Nottingham. The most popular travel destinations in England are listed below. Click on the name of the place you want to explore next to learn more about it.

All the best destinations in England

When unsure of where to go next, use the map below. This map shows the locations of all the best destinations in England. Use the map to plan your trip and find the best routes.

Domestic flights from Nottingham

Photo of Nottingham United Kingdom, by David Reed-river

A taste of England through a visit to Nottingham can often reignite a traveler's passion for adventure. When this happens, the best way to satisfy this wanderlust is to book a domestic flight from Nottingham to another remarkable destination in England.

To begin your search for the best or cheapest flights from the city of Nottingham to other spectacular locations in England, jump to the last section of this travel guide.

Popular domestic flights from Nottingham

Travelers in England can catch flights to domestic airports in Bristol, Birmingham, Liverpool, Leeds, and London. Domestic flights in England are operated by 4 airlines: Ryanair, Jet2, Ryanair UK, and Eastern Airways. There are around 12 scheduled flight routes operating to Nottingham on a weekly basis.

From Nottingham, travelers can book scheduled flights to 9 domestic destinations. The most popular flights from Nottingham depart to many top-rated destinations in England and are offered by Ryanair, Jet2, and Ryanair UK.

Search domestic flights from Nottingham

Traveling to another city or region in England? Use the flight search tool below to quickly find the cheapest one-way or round-trip flights from Nottingham to different local destinations.

Enter all the necessary information and click or tap on the Search button to see a list of the available domestic flights in England on the selected dates.

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