How to Spend the Perfect 2 Days in Nottingham Itinerary

Last Updated on 2nd July 2024 by Sophie Nadeau

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Nottingham is a city steeped in history, surrounded by legends and more surprisingly, home to the UK’s largest network of caves. The city where spirited outlaw Robin Hood worked hard to take from the rich and give to the poor, where fine lace has been woven over the centuries, and the birthplace of ibuprofen! Here’s your guide on how to spend the perfect two days in Nottingham itinerary, as well as top tips to know before you go.

Is 2 days enough time in Nottingham?

Yes! Although Nottingham is up there with some of the largest cities in the UK, it’s entirely possible to see the city’s main attractions and some of its hidden gems within two days. This amount of time will allow you to experience Nottingham but still leave you with more to explore the next time you visit.

Suggested day 1 in Nottingham Itinerary

Old Market Square

Begin your time in Nottingham’s beating heart, Old Market Square, which has a history of over 800 years as a marketplace and is one of the oldest public squares in the United Kingdom.

This huge public space hosts several cultural events throughout the year and is a central meeting place for locals and tourists alike. At the head of the square is Nottingham Council House, which is set within a magnificent Neo-Baroque building.

In 2007 the square was ‘revamped’ with the added feature of a reflecting pool and bursts of over 50 fountains shooting water and special lights to illuminate it, making it particularly beautiful when viewed at night.

This is also where you’ll find the tourist information office, where you can get more information about attractions in the town and their opening hours.

Visit Lace Market 

Just a 5-minute walk from Old Market Square you’ll find the historical quarter, Lace Market, which takes its name from the fact it was the former hub of Britain’s lace industry, and put Nottingham on the fashion and textiles map worldwide.

Found within this small pocket of the city is an abundance of beautiful architecture including St Mary’s Church, the oldest parish church of Nottingham, and the National Justice Museum, housed within a former Victorian courtroom, prison, and police station.

Wandering down the streets of Lace Market you’ll also find several beautiful murals and boutique shops that sell unique British craftwork, as well as various other shops.

St Mary’s Church 

As mentioned, this church is found within the neighbourhood of Lace Market and it is the oldest parish church in Nottinghamshire, believed to date back to Saxon times.

St Mary’s Church was first mentioned in the Domesday Book (1086), which was a survey done of much of England and Wales. The building seen today is thought to be at least the third church built on the site and is from the 15th century.

A notable legend surrounding this medieval treasure is that Robin Hood was arrested by the Sheriff of Nottingham here, while others claim he managed to escape incarceration via a hidden tunnel.

At one time the church was used to house the town fire engine and by the 18th century it was used as a workhouse. Today, St Mary’s Church is a Grad I listed building and considered to be of great historical and architectural importance.

Nottingham Contemporary Art Gallery

Found along the same street is an unusual building that acts in stark contrast to the church’s medieval architecture, a fascinating architectural gem that’s sunk into a sandstone cliff and filled with contemporary art, Nottingham Contemporary.

This is one of the largest contemporary art galleries in the UK and hosts regular changing exhibitions of contemporary international art. What’s even better is that it’s free to enter and wander around!

Nottingham Castle 

Next, head to Nottingham Castle, which sits atop a sandstone hill and is designed in the style of a Stuart Restoration-era ducal mansion. Built on the site of a Norman castle that dates back to 1068, it is most famously known as the site for which Robin Hood and the Sherif of Nottingham had their adventures!

Remains of medieval architecture can be seen throughout the castle grounds, but little of the original structure is still there. The castle was closed briefly to the public but in 2018 a £30 million restoration project took place, and as of 2023 it was reopened.

A general admission ticket costs £15 (adult) and I would set aside at least a couple of hours to explore the castle and its grounds.

Robin Hood Statue 

Directly outside of Nottingham Castle, you’ll find a cast bronze statue of the legendary heroic outlaw, Robin Hood. The statue of this famous figure was unveiled in 1952 and has continued to be one of the most popular attractions to visit in all of Nottingham.

Robin Hood has been featured in literature, theatre and cinema, making a first appearance as early as the 14th century. According to legends, he was a highly skilled archer and swordsman who stole from the rich and gave to the poor, spreading the wealth amongst people evenly.

Although there is no historical evidence to suggest that Robin Hood existed outside of English folklore, his character and presence in Nottingham remain iconic and well-loved. A defiant defender who is thought to represent freedom, strength and liberty, Hood’s legacy has grown for centuries and continues to inspire to this day!

Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem 

End your day like a local and enjoy a drink (or two) in a local pub! However, this pub isn’t just any local boozer, instead, Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem is an ancient pub which is as enchanting and fairytale-esque as its name might suggest and is rich with history.

The pub allegedly dates back to 1189, though there’s no concrete evidence pointing to the establishment existing on this date (depending on who you ask) it is the oldest pub in England!

However, most parts of the building you see today date back to between 1650 and 1660, and the pub is Grade II listed, making it a heritage building and of important historical and cultural significance.

The pub is hewn out of the rock on which the castle stands, its wonky interior holds a certain charm to it and takes its name from the fact that crusaders and pilgrims alike would likely have stopped in at the inn on their way to Jerusalem.

As soon as you enter the pub you’ll be greeted by dark wooden tables, a convivial ambience, and interiors which have been decorated akin to a museum with all sorts of unique artefacts on display. What better place to end a day of exploring, with a Nottingham ale in hand!

Suggested day 2 in Nottingham Itinerary

Breakfast at Cosy Club Cafe 

Start your day with a delicious brunch from the Cosy Club, which is just a few minutes walk from Old Market Square. Set within a former Reform Club, the building is elegantly decorated and feels pretty luxurious when indulging on a full English breakfast here!

Breakfast is served until noon and they offer vegetarian and vegan-friendly options too, see their menu here!

Arboretum 

An absolute must when visiting is a trip to Nottingham Arboretum, which can be reached via a 20-minute walk or 10-minute tram from the city centre, allowing you to escape into nature from the hustle and bustle of city life within minutes.

This beautiful and historic park is Nottingham’s oldest public park, opening in 1852, it’s home to an impressive collection of over 800 trees (and it’s completely free to visit!)

There are two main trails, the Tree Trail and the Heritage Trail, both filled with treasures worth exploring: Along the Tree Trail, you can follow a guided map which details the tree species, ranging from Japanese Red Cedar trees to a Caucasian Wingnut tree from Iran.

And, on the Heritage Trail, you’ll come across a Chinese Bell Tower standing atop a pink sandstone platform, the Old Rose Garden and the Victorian Flower Garden.

This magical spot is also said to be the setting in which J.M. Barri drew inspiration for the world of Neverland from the story of Peter Pan! I’d set aside at least 1 hour to explore the Arboretum fully.

Highfields Park 

Another green oasis worth exploring is Highfields Park, which is situated around a 20-minute tram ride away from the Arboretum. This Grade II listed public park is home to The University of Nottingham, surrounded by many of the beautiful historic building of the university campus, yet the park is completely free and open to the public.

Particular highlights of Highfields Park include a leap between stepping stones that sit on the tranquil lake and a stroll (or boat ride) along the water’s edge of the Boating Lake. This enchanting green space feels as though stepping back in time to a Bridgerton-styled novel of some kind, the park was designed to compliment the surrounding architecture.

City of Caves 

Next head to the most surprising aspect of the city, a network of caves! Thanks to the soft sandstone upon which Nottingham is built, the city has the largest network of underground caves in the UK, some 800 of which survive to this day.

Hidden beneath the streets you can walk through history and explore the underground network of caves which have had many uses over the centuries, including being used as a tannery, public house cellars, and as an air raid shelter.

The entrance to the City of Caves is near Nottingham Contemporary, and you can only visit for a fee and in the allocated time slots. As it’s underground, I recommend bringing a jacket as the caves remain at a constant temperature of around 14 degrees. Click here to book your ticket on their official site.

Sky Mirror 

Be sure to get here before or during dusk! This unique 6-meter-wide concave dish is a public sculpture by artist Anish Kapoor that was commissioned in 2015 to reflect the ever-changing environment. It is the perfect place to snap a photo in front!

Pitcher and Piano

Enjoy a drink with a magnificent view of a stunning and intricate stained glass window! The particularity of this bar restaurant is that it’s nestled within an old 19th-century church. Pitcher & Piano is a chain where you can get a bite to eat or enjoy some of their unique house cocktails.

Where to stay in Nottingham

Nottingham is well-connected by public transport, a tram system runs through much of the city making it easy to go from place to place. It’s also a very affordable place to spend a night or two and a great city to base yourself while exploring the wider region of Northern England. Here are a few suggestions of where to stay (based on web reviews):

Super-saver: Igloo Hybrid – A mixed-gender rooms hostel which is a minute walk from Old Market Square and around 6 minutes walk from Nottingham Castle. This capsule-style sleeping hostel offers basic rooms (private ones are available too) at budget-friendly prices without compromising on the location. Check prices and availability here.

Mid-range: Hart’s Hotel – This 4-star upscale boutique hotel is a 6-minute walk from Nottingham Castle and beautifully decorated in contemporary decor (boasting Egyptian cotton sheets) it’s a reasonable enough price per night and has a small garden for guests to relax in. Check prices and availability here.

Luxury: Colwick Hall Hotel – Stay on the outskirts of Nottingham in a Georgian country house mansion, just a 15-minute drive from the city centre. Offering a feel of luxury, some rooms have 4-poster beds and a fire place and all the rooms have period furnishings and fittings. Check prices and availability here.

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