Home of the legendary Robin Hood and his merry men Nottingham is a wonderfully unique city oozing history and heritage from every nook and cranny. With Robin Hood myth and folklore awaiting your discovery, Sherwood Forest primed for adventurers and the city centre bursting restaurants, bars, museums and markets, a visit to Nottingham is a UK must. Explore below our city guide to Nottingham’s key attractions.
See what Nottingham has to offer and book a city break.
Best Bar: Opened in 1999,Brass Monkey is the oldest cocktail bar in Nottingham, and a favourite for the locals – get there before 5pm for happy hour cocktails!
Best Restaurant: The award-winning MemSaab serves up the finest Indian food in Nottingham, combining stylish dining with creative cooking and offering a true taste of the south Asian sub-continent.
Best Attraction: Nottingham’s City of Caves offers the unique chance to explore the city’s underbelly, with 200 ancient man-made caves creating a network of history and heritage – from the medieval years up to their use as bomb shelters during World War II.
Best Kept Secret: Great family fun at the Nottingham Guts and Gore Tour.
Lakeside Arts Centre
Offering one of the most exciting arts venues in the region, the Lakeside Arts Centre is bustling hub of comedy, dance, drama, music, exhibitions, and workshops. The house and gallery, concert hall and theatre are all worth a visit, take a look at ‘What's On’ to plan your visit.
Situated a little outside the city centre at Nottingham university, the centre is a short train ride from our hotel.
Wollaton Hall and Park
Set in over 500 acres of historic deer park, Wollaton Hall is a spectacular Tudor mansion designed by Robert Smythson. Completed in 1588 and open to the public since 1926, the hall is now the home to the city's Natural History Museum, the city's Industrial Museum, Steam Engine House, Wollaton Visitor Centre and the Yard Gallery. The house interior oozes history and heritage, allowing visitors to feel like they’ve stepped back in time. The extensive parks and gardens offer plenty for explorers and is a great immersion into wildlife and stunning natural beauties away from the city centre.
The Wollaton Hall and Park is free entry, and is a short 30 minute train ride from Leonardo Hotel Nottingham.
Nottingham Contemporary
One of the largest contemporary art centres in the UK, Nottingham Contemporary offers the perfect day out for the culture vultures visiting the city centre. Inspired by neighbouring warehouses, the bold and elegant design of the centre offers a sharp and modern building that is impressive both inside and out. There are four galleries, ‘a performance and film Space’, ‘a Learning room’, ‘The Study’, ‘The Shop and Cafe.Bar.Contemporary’, all lit by skylights, giving the gallery an open and spacious feel as you explore the impressive collections.
The gallery has varying opening times but is roughly open between 10/11am and 5-7pm. Entry is free, and exhibitions do change throughout the year, take a look at 'What’s on' to plan your visit. Nottingham Contemporary is a brief 10 minute walk from our hotel.
The Workhouse
With a unique and interesting history, this 19th century workhouse offers an atmospheric and educational day out. The Workhouse offered refuge to the Victorian poor who were desperate and desolate. Follow in their footsteps and travel back in time as you explore the dormitories, day rooms, work yards, and more, of this large and harsh prison design inspired building. The audio guide offers a great journey through the house, building an atmosphere of what it had been like in the 19th century.
The welcome tour runs 11am -12pm with the workhouse then opening from 12-5pm. Entry costs £7.70 for adults and £3.85 for children. The Workhouse is situated a little north of Nottingham city centre, a 30 minute drive from our hotel.
Attenborough Nature Reserve
For those who love to get stuck in with the great outdoors, the Attenborough Nature Reserve is the perfect attraction. Famous for its bird wildlife, the reserve is free to explore and a great day out for all visitors, young or old, to enjoy the beautiful views and natural wildlife.
The reserve is little outside of Nottingham but it's easily accessible via car or a 20 minute journey via public transport from our hotel in Nottingham.
Nottingham Castle
Erected by William the Conqueror in 1068, Nottingham Castle remained a stronghold until its destruction in the aftermath of the English civil war. Today, you can visit the country house that now stands on the site and is home to the city's museum and art gallery. The castle also has a network of caves well worth checking out during your visit - the famous tunnel known as Mortimer's Hole is said to still have the presence of Sir Roger Mortimer himself.
Entry costs £13.00 for adults and £9.50 for children over 5, the castle is open Monday - Sunday from 10am to 5pm in summer but closed Mondays and Tuesdays in the winter months.
Nottingham castle is a leisurely 20 minute walk from our hotel.
Sherwood Forest
A short drive north of the city centre, Sherwood Forest is one of Nottingham’s key attractions! Bursting with Robin Hood legends, quaint little towns, fantastic historical landmarks, and of course, beautiful woodlands and natural landscapes, Sherwood is a ‘must see’ for all Nottingham visitors.
Beer and Real Ale Trails
Nottingham is well known for its beers and real ales with a range of micro-breweries across the county. The city’s ‘pub scene’ is welcoming and homely and contains two of the oldest pubs in England – Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem and the Bell Inn. For ale lovers, or for those keen to explore character filled pubs, there are a couple of Real Ale Trails you can embark on to try the various brews.
Robin Hoods Wheelgate Park
For those looking for family fun filled days, Robin Hoods Wheelgate Park is a great day for all. Located north of Nottingham city centre, the park offers a range of activities from Robin Hoods water park, alien galaxy zone, animal adventure zone, and much more. Tickets cost around £13.50 for adults and children over 108cm, £7.99 for children under 108cm.
The park is a 40 minute drive from our Nottingham hotel.
Princess River Cruises
Enjoy a cruise down Nottingham’s River Trent. The Princess River Cruises offer a picturesque route with various points of interest, as well as a plethora of wildlife along the way. This attraction provides visitors a unique experience of Nottingham, taking you away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre. The river cruise can include a roast dinner or afternoon tea, with tickets costing roughly between £12 and £17.
The Princess River cruise can be found docked a leisurely 25 minute walk from Leonardo Hotel Nottingham.
Old Market Square
A general hub of activity, Old Market Square is a good place to start when discovering Nottingham’s shopping streets. With a plethora of shops spanning out across various streets off the square, you can enjoy a quaint retail experience immersed in Nottingham’s historical streets. The Christmas winter wonderland can also be found in the market square during the winter months.
Old Market Square is a brief 15 minute walk from Leonardo Hotel Nottingham.
Intu Victoria Centre
Full of your favourite high street shops, intu Victoria Centre offers the ideal city centre spot to enjoy some retail therapy.
intu Victoria Centre is a short 15 minute walk from our Nottingham hotel.