Things to Do Around Nottingham with the Family

If a family break is long overdue, Nottingham offers a wealth of historical attractions, activity centres and rural delights to keep you and the kids entertained. From discovering gruesome tales of crime and punishment at its National Justice Museum, to enjoying top-class burgers at Annie’s Burger Shack, it’s a city that everyone can enjoy.   

Make 2018 the year you tread the same path as the heroic outlaw, Robin Hood. Here’s a selection of our top must-see family attractions in Nottingham.  

Nottingham Castle 
Nottingham Castle boasts spectacular views of the city. Sat majestically upon the cliffs at Castle Rock, the castle was originally built in 1067 by William the Conqueror, only to be rebuilt and redesigned by kings including Henry II and Richard the Lionheart in the years that followed. 

You can relive the castle’s most poignant moments with a visit to its museum and art gallery. Through its exhibitions and interactive displays, you and your family can delve deeper into the castle’s turbulent past and discover what’s shaped this building into the magnificent piece of architecture it is today. 

City of Caves 
Explore what hides beneath the bustling streets of Nottingham with a tour of the City of Caves. Lose yourself in its fascinating history and discover what each of its original 500 sandstone caves have meant to different people over the years. From offering refuge to thousands during World II, to playing host to a medieval underground tannery, you’ll be surprised and delighted by the stories this natural maze has to tell.   

Go Ape Sherwood Pines 
For an adventure that takes you away from the city and into the skies, enjoy a fun-filled afternoon at Go Ape Sherwood Pines. As you scurry across its rope ladders, Tarzan-swing yourself from obstacle to obstacle and summit the dizzy heights of its nine-metre-tall platform, you’ll be rewarded with incredible views of the forest.  

In addition to the popular high ropes course, there’s also ‘Tree Top Junior’ for the kids to conquer and climb. Alternatively, you can reconnect with nature by Segway and explore the historic plantation at your own pace. Be sure to pack comfortable clothing for activities. 

Nottingham Playhouse  
Prepare to be on the edge of your seat and look forward to a bold and thrilling theatre experience at Nottingham Playhouse. Throughout the year, the Playhouse puts on a fantastic show most evenings. From hilarious comedies and lively music line-ups, to the iconic Nottingham Playhouse pantomime, there’s a show to suit all tastes. Book tickets for you and all the family and see for yourself why the Playhouse is regarded by locals and visitors alike as one of Nottingham’s finest attractions.  

Logiclock Escape Rooms 
Logiclock Escape Rooms promise an afternoon of adrenaline-fueled fun and excitement through excellent puzzle solving. The aim of the game is to solve the mysteries and challenges set to you by Logiclock, within a tense timeframe of 60-minutes. Only through effective detective work – uncovering clues, mastering riddles and making sense of seemingly random objects – will you and your family be able to find the key you need to escape the room victorious.  

There are three themed escape rooms to choose from at Logiclock and behind each door lies a colourful, creative challenge just waiting to be discovered. If you’re a family with a competitive streak, this activity is definitely for you. 

Planning a family trip to Nottingham? Book a relaxing stay at Leonardo Hotel Nottingham. Situated at the very heart of the city, it’s one of the most conveniently located hotels if you’d like to try all of these amazing attractions. Check out our Nottingham City Guide to get more ideas about family-friendly activities to enjoy when visiting this beautiful city.