Things to Do

Rebuilt Ducal Palace with Robin Hood gallery, caves, and stunning city views. Recently renovated.

Underground network of man-made caves beneath Nottingham — Anglo-Saxon tannery, WWII air raid shelters, medieval dungeons.

Elizabethan mansion (Batman's Wayne Manor in Dark Knight Rises), Natural History Museum, 500-acre deer park.

Lord Byron's ancestral home — medieval abbey turned stately house, 300 acres of gardens and lakes.

16th-century perpendicular gothic tower (second tallest in England), Peregrine falcons nesting, beautiful stained glass.

World's first factory (Lombe's Silk Mill) — interactive museum of industry, innovation and making.

Romanesque and Gothic cathedral — exquisite 13th-century Chapter House with famous 'Leaves of Southwell' stone carvings.

12th-century riverside castle where King John died. Civil War museum in the Old Magnus Buildings.

Stunning Regency castle, seat of the Duke of Rutland for 1,000 years. Capability Brown gardens, art collection.

Elizabethan prodigy house — "more glass than wall." Built by Bess of Hardwick, one of England's richest women.

152ft war memorial tower with 47 bells. Museum tells local military history.

Queen Anne-style house with stunning formal gardens. Home of Lord Melbourne, Queen Victoria's first PM.

The "unstately home" — deliberately preserved in decay. Fascinating glimpse into a 19th-century aristocratic hoarder.

17th-century "pleasure palace" — lavishly decorated Little Castle with painted ceilings, riding school, stunning views.

Best-preserved Victorian workhouse in England. Chilling insight into poverty and welfare before the NHS.

First UK National Park. Stunning walks — Mam Tor, Stanage Edge, Dovedale, Kinder Scout. 30–40 mins to southern edges.

226-hectare wetland reserve — 6 bird hides, walking trails, wildflower meadows. Kingfishers, bitterns, otters.

Home of Robin Hood. See the 1,000-year-old Major Oak. Forest trails, visitor centre, annual Robin Hood Festival.

One of Europe's largest man-made lakes. Cycling (23-mile loop), sailing, birdwatching, Normanton Church on the water.

830-acre medieval deer park — birthplace of Lady Jane Grey. Wild red and fallow deer, Old John Tower, rocky outcrops.

8-mile circular reservoir walk. Sailing, windsurfing, cycling, bird hides, playgrounds. Great pub at the visitor centre.

Iconic limestone valley in the Peak District. Famous stepping stones across the River Dove, Thorpe Cloud hill, caves.

210 acres with lake, wildflower meadows, sculpture trail, playground, café. Great for a quick 20-min escape.

Riverside walks at the junction of River Trent, Erewash Canal and Cranfleet Cut. Pubs by the water, narrowboats.

One of England's finest stately homes. 105-acre gardens by Capability Brown, maze, water features, farmyard.

Peaceful reservoir with sailing, walking trails, wild swimming area, and a lovely craft centre nearby.

Woodland walks, picnic spots, sailing. Popular with families for paddling and relaxing by the water.

Nottingham's main shopping mall — John Lewis, Apple, Zara, H&M, 100+ stores, Clock Tower and Emett Clock.

Derby's largest shopping centre with 180+ stores, cinema, restaurants, and food court.

Nottingham's independent quarter — vintage shops, record stores, street art, cool cafés, independent boutiques.

Outdoor shopping and leisure complex with big brands, restaurants, and a cinema just outside Derby centre.

Nottingham's designer and boutique arcade — Paul Smith (born here!), Ted Baker, independent jewellers.

70+ outlet stores — Nike, Adidas, Coach, Ralph Lauren, up to 60% off. 25 mins north of Nottingham.

Victorian covered market — local produce, artisan goods, street food, vintage finds. Recently refurbished.

Independent makers, vintage markets, street food, craft beer, artist studios. Cool, up-and-coming area.

2 Michelin stars. One of the UK's finest restaurants. Seasonal tasting menus in an intimate setting.

Casual dining room by Sat Bains. A la carte with the same kitchen genius at a gentler price.

Bib Gourmand. Incredible Spanish/Asian fusion tapas in a stunning Grade II listed building under the caves.

Michelin star. Mediterranean fine dining by Alex Bond. Plant-focused, creative, beautiful rooftop herb garden.

Vibrant Indian street food — tiffin boxes, curry, gunpowder chicken. Great veggie options, swing seats.

Japanese skewer bar. Michelin Bib Gourmand. Yakitori, small plates, excellent sake and Japanese whisky.

Greek/Mediterranean meze. Huge sharing platters, family-run, incredibly popular. Book ahead.

Casual sister to Iberico. All-day tapas bar, no booking — queue culture. Jamón, croquetas, great wine.

Legendary burger joint — 30+ burgers (all available vegan/veggie), American diner vibe, huge portions.

Award-winning fish & chips. Market-fresh daily catch, homemade mushy peas, 20+ types of fish.

Nottingham institution. Giant handmade doughnuts — Lotus Biscoff, Crème Brûlée, Raspberry Ripple.

Fried chicken & natural wine. Cult favourite — hot honey chicken, dirty rice, excellent cocktails.

Ramen bar. Tonkotsu, shoyu, miso — all made in-house. Cool vibe, great sake, walk-in only.

Smash burgers done right. Simple menu, perfect execution, hidden courtyard location.

Neapolitan pizza by day, tiramisu bar by night. 48-hour fermented dough, authentic Italian.

Authentic Korean BBQ and tabletop grills. Bibimbap, bulgogi, fried chicken, kimchi jjigae.

Modern European sharing plates. Fire-cooked dishes, natural wines, beautiful open kitchen. Brunch on weekends.

Bangkok street food. Tuk-tuk seating, neon signs, huge menu. Pad Thai, curries, noodle soups. Fun atmosphere.

Highly-rated Keralan (South Indian) restaurant. Seafood specialities, dosas, fish curries.

Plant-based fine dining in an intimate setting. Michelin Green Star. Tasting menus, seasonal, zero-waste ethos.

Modern British tasting menus in a tiny 12-seat chef's table. Hyper-seasonal, local ingredients.

Nottingham's favourite independent café. Legendary breakfast sandwiches, proper coffee, outdoor courtyard.

Artisan deli café. Fresh sandwiches, salads, soups, excellent coffee. Hidden gem down an alley.

Modern British fine dining overlooking the River Derwent. AA Rosette. Terrace for summer evenings.

Derby's longest-established independent. Modern European — steak, seafood, pasta. Great pre-theatre.

Cosy Derby favourite. Seasonal British menu in a 16th-century crooked building. Excellent Sunday roasts.

Authentic Spanish tapas bar. Family-run, excellent jamón, paella, patatas bravas. Great atmosphere.

Derby's finest Indian. Elegant dining, exceptional Balti and biryani. Popular with cricket teams.

Neighbourhood fine dining in Beeston. Seasonal tasting menus, relaxed atmosphere, excellent value.

All-day brunch and desserts. Pancake stacks, freakshakes, brownies. Sherwood and city centre locations.

10,000-capacity arena. Major concerts, comedy, sports. Check listings during tournament week.

Award-winning theatre with a diverse programme — drama, musicals, dance, comedy. Sky Mirror outside.

Iconic 2,000-capacity live music venue. Nirvana, Oasis, Radiohead all played here. Club nights till 3am.

Olympic-size twin ice rinks. Public skating, ice hockey (Nottingham Panthers), learn-to-skate sessions.

Independent arthouse cinema. Curated programme, director Q&As, great bar and café. One of the UK's best.

Multiple high-quality escape rooms. Escapologic rated one of UK's best. Horror, heist, sci-fi themes.

City-centre bowling. Arcade games, pool tables, bar, food. Great for group nights out.

Professional producing theatre. New writing, classics, touring productions. Lovely modern venue.

Independent arts centre — arthouse cinema, digital art gallery, artist studios, excellent café-bar.

Flat horse racing, summer evening meets. Great atmosphere, food and drink, betting fun.

Premier comedy club. Big-name comedians testing material, up-and-comers, weekend shows with dinner.

Urban farm in the city centre. Pigs, goats, sheep, chickens. Great for a peaceful afternoon.

Historic test cricket venue. Stadium tours, museum. Check if Notts are playing at home.

World-class contemporary art gallery. Changing exhibitions, free entry, excellent café and shop.

Mainstream multiplex cinemas. Showcase has deluxe recliner screens. Multiple locations around Nottingham.

Outdoor activities — paintball, quad biking, archery, clay shooting, assault course. 20 mins from Nottingham.