East Midlands· 1 min read
Things to Do in Nottingham — 12 Days Out in Robin Hood Country
Caves under the city, a real castle, Sherwood Forest and free museums — a proper day out in Nottingham, beyond the legend.
Nottingham is an underrated city day out: a genuinely good castle, a warren of caves beneath the streets, and Sherwood Forest on the doorstep. Here's how to make a day of it.
In the city
- Nottingham Castle — reopened and revamped, with a museum and grand views; the ticket also gets you the Robin Hood story done properly.
- The City of Caves — a tour through the man-made sandstone caves beneath the Broadmarsh; atmospheric and a great rainy-day option.
- Wollaton Hall & Deer Park — a spectacular Elizabethan house (free entry) set in a free deer park; film buffs will recognise it as Wayne Manor.
Out of town
- Sherwood Forest — the real thing, free to roam, centred on the 1,000-year-old Major Oak. A brilliant, cheap family day among ancient trees.
Rainy-day backups
The National Justice Museum (in the old courthouse and jail) is hands-on and gripping, and the caves keep you dry whatever the weather.
Practical notes
The city centre is compact and walkable, with trams if you're tired. Wollaton and Sherwood need a car or bus but reward the trip with free, wide-open space. Combine a castle-and-caves morning with a Wollaton afternoon for a full, low-cost day.
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