Is Nottingham worth visiting? That is the question I’ve been asked the most after I returned home from my month-long trip to the United Kingdom in 2018.
I always found it hard to provide a straight answer, mainly because I concede that Nottingham might not be the type of destination that every traveler appreciates. While it offers some truly unique experiences, it lacks the touristy vibe of cities like London, Edinburgh, or even Brighton!
That said, I have a soft spot for Nottingham because despite only being there for a rather short time, it felt, oddly enough, like home. If you’re planning a trip to the United Kingdom soon and you’re not sure if you should add Nottingham to your itinerary, don’t fret.
Let me share with you my honest opinions on whether or not Nottingham is worth visiting and the reasons behind it.
Table of Contents
Why some travelers avoid Nottingham
It may not be as interesting as other places in the United Kingdom
Compared to the bustling metropolis that is London, the historical charms of Edinburgh, or the picturesque scenery of the Lake District, Nottingham does not appear to be the most interesting place to visit in the United Kingdom.
Indeed, this ambient city, located in the very center of England, isn’t often considered a tourist hotspot. Many travelers opt for more conventional destinations like the ones above whilst leaving Nottingham an undiscovered gem.
In fact, if not because of my friend who was living in Nottingham at the time, I might not have even discovered this underrated city!
It is not the most accessible city in England
Despite being located in the center of England, getting to Nottingham isn’t exactly a breeze. For one, there is no commercial airport in Nottingham. The closest international airport is East Midlands Airport, located an hour and a half away by bus from the city center.
While you can certainly fly into London and take a train to Nottingham (the best way to reach the city, in my opinion), you’ll find that public transport in the city isn’t as developed either. While London is famous for the famous Tube rapid transit system, Nottingham relies mainly on public buses and a limited number of trams in the city center.
That said, getting around Nottingham isn’t the toughest challenge you’ll ever face — if you know what you’re doing! My tip? Make sure to always bring enough spare change with you for the bus fare OR just get yourself an Easyrider Smartcard.
Misconception of safety
Finally, one of the minor reasons some people don’t think Nottingham is worth visiting is the (mis)conception of safety in Nottingham. Back in the late 1900s and early 2000s, Nottingham experienced a spike in gang-related crimes. That, combined with its historical association with crimes gave the city a slightly unflattering reputation.
In recent years though, crime rates in Nottingham have decreased significantly, thanks to a number of community-driven initiatives to keep the city safe. Despite this, unfortunately, Nottingham has not yet been able to shake the negative perception that some travelers have towards it.
It’s important to note that crime exists in almost every city in the UK and that Nottingham is generally a safe city.
Why is Nottingham worth visiting?
1. It is a city steeped in history
After covering the “why nots”, let’s dive into why Nottingham is worth visiting. At the top of my head, the one answer that stands out is the city’s rich and fascinating history.
Take a walk through the city and its ambient streets and you’ll notice a medieval charm permeating through the city’s architecture and many of its iconic landmarks. Take, for example, the famous Nottingham Castle, nestled atop a rocky hill in the heart of the city.
Apart from the historical castle, you’ll discover links to the city’s colorful history the more you explore Nottingham.
There’s the Lace Market, a bustling shopping and dining district that used to be the heart of the city’s lace industry, the ambient Nottingham Old Market Square, which was once the location of the very first bank in England outside of London! While the bank is no longer there, the square remains an important area of the city, often the site of farmers’ markets and seasonal events.
2. You can discover the legend of Robin Hood
Speaking of Nottingham’s rich history, did you know that one of the most fabled characters from children’s tales — the infamous outlaw Robin Hood, is said to have lived in Nottingham? After all, his famous adversary was known as the Sheriff of Nottingham!
Almost everywhere you go in the city center, you’ll find references to this legendary outlaw with a heart of gold. But perhaps nowhere else can you walk in the footsteps of Robin Hood more intimately than at Sherwood Forest, a verdant National Nature Reserve teeming with verdant greenery and wildlife.
You’ll find plenty of lovely hiking trails and ancient oak trees here. And, unsurprisingly, you can also embark on a Robin Hood-themed guided tour!
3. Nottingham is the birthplace of many great writers
For bookworms and aspiring writers, the answer to the question “is Nottingham worth visiting” is a resounding “yes”! Why? Because the city is the hometown of one of the most famous British writers in history — D.H. Lawrence, who penned famous novels such as Sons and Lovers, The Rainbow, Women in Love, and Lady Chatterley’s Lover.
While visiting Nottingham, you’ll be able to visit The D.H. Lawrence Birthplace Museum where you can find out more about the intriguing life of this beloved author. Next, embark on a discovery trail on The Blue Line Trail, where you can visit some of the Lawrence family houses and experience for yourself the sceneries and lifestyles that influenced his writing.
Not a fan of D.H. Lawrence? No sweat. You can head to Newstead Abbey, the home of the famous poet Lord Byron and admire some of his early writings and manuscripts instead! Whatever the case, Nottingham has a rich heritage and ties to English literature which will excite most avid readers.
4. There are a ton of different activities to try
Nottingham isn’t just a hidden gem for history buffs and aspiring writers, though. Despite not being as famous as London, Nottingham is a vibrant city that offers plenty of diverse experiences for different types of travelers.
Apart from the must-see historical attractions mentioned already, Nottingham’s city center is where you will find plenty of Insta-worthy cafes, thrilling escape rooms, entertainment and games centers like Laser Quest.
There are also plenty of unique tours like the Nottingham Ghost Walk, a guided walking tour of the city that explores the city’s dark history. And yes, as the name suggests, you’ll pass by certain areas rumored to be prone to paranormal activity!
You could also make the trip to Wollaton Park, where you will find Wollaton Hall, a 16th-century country house that was famously featured as Wayne Manor (a.k.a, the Batman Mansion) in the film The Dark Knight Rises.
5. Nottingham has plenty of green spaces to unwind at
Speaking of Wollaton Park, it’s one of the nicest places in Nottingham to relax and unwind. In fact, if you visit during the weekend, you’ll find the area teeming with locals being out and about, jogging, picnicking, and generally just enjoying the sun. Plus, if you’re lucky, you might even spot some deer grazing on the grass!
That’s another reason Nottingham is worth visiting — in the midst of bustling city streets and countless Robin Hood statues, the city is known for having a plethora of serene green spaces that offer a temporary reprieve from daily life.
Apart from Wollaton Park, you can check out the Nottingham Arboretum, the city’s oldest park (built in 1852), or visit Highfields Park, a popular hangout spot for students of the adjacent University of Nottingham. Other notable nature escapes in Nottingham include the Attenborough Nature Reserve and Forest Recreation Ground.
6. It is home to the oldest pub in England
Continuing with the theme of Nottingham and history, one particular reason why Nottingham is worth visiting is simply that it is home to the oldest pub in England!
Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem is an inn and pub that is said to have been built as far back as 1189! Nestled in a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it neighborhood beneath Nottingham Castle, this unassuming pub is said to have regularly served up drinks to the crusader knights and even the legendary Richard the Lionheart himself!
While the exterior of the pub doesn’t look like much, inside you’ll find cozy lounges, ambient lighting, and some priceless relics that tell countless stories of Nottingham’s past. You can enjoy comforting pub food and knock back a pint or two every day here, or visit the cave cellars beneath the pub for a different experience of English ale.
7. You can shop till you drop in Nottingham
When someone mentions shopping in the UK, most travelers immediately think about the bustling area of Soho in London. While London is indeed THE shopping mecca in England, Nottingham is actually a hidden shopper’s paradise waiting to be discovered.
Why is Nottingham worth visiting if you’re looking for some retail therapy? Well, for one, the city offers a mixture of high-street boutiques, and quaint, independent artisan shops. Most of these can be found in and around the aforementioned Old Market Square, which is also home to one of England’s largest Primark outlets!
For those who want to shop for more prestigious brands, you can head to The Flying Horse Walk or The Exchange shopping arcades, which house vintage and designer boutiques, or Bridlesmith Gate, a cobbled street where you can find many well-known international brands. Or, if you prefer to do all your shopping in one place, head to the Victoria and Broadmarsh shopping centers!
8. The culinary scene in Nottingham is pretty impressive
Along with popular areas that let you shop till you drop, Nottingham also boasts a thriving food scene, punctuated by plenty of artisan cafes, local restaurants, and international cuisine.
To no one’s surprise at this point, the best place to start your food hunt in Nottingham is at Old Market Square, where you will find plenty of independent local eateries lining the streets, along with established chain restaurants and coffee shops.
Some of the places I personally recommend are Annie’s Burger Shack, which sells authentic Rhode Island-style burgers, George’s Great British Kitchen, which serves incredible fish and chips and even better cocktails, and my personal favorite, Oscar and Rosie’s for simply irresistible artisan pizzas.
9. Nottingham is home to some of the most passionate football fans
I’m sure many will agree with me when I say that no trip to England is complete without catching a live football (soccer) game! After all, it is one of the things that England is known and famous for!
And as luck would have it, Nottingham is home to one of the most historic football clubs in the game — Nottingham Forest, who currently play in the Premier League.
Even if you’re not a fan of the club OR the sport, catching a live Nottingham Forest game at the City Ground is a surreal experience. The passion, the immersion, the roar of the crowd, it’s a truly unforgettable experience!
But apart from football, Nottingham is also where you can catch some cricket (Trent Bridge) and ice hockey (National Ice Centre) or head to Holme Pierrepont Water Sports Centre to try some white-water rafting and powerboating!
10. The city has plenty to offer music lovers too!
Another reason why Nottingham is worth visiting? Because it hosts some of the best music concerts in the UK!
Rock City, the main music hub in Nottingham, has played host over the years to plenty of international and local rock music talents such as Duran Duran, INXS, Ozzy Osbourne, and more. Meanwhile, the Motorpoint Arena has been known to host memorable performances from the likes of One Direction, and even offers seasonal musical theatre performances!
What’s more, there are plenty of jazz clubs in the city center where you can relax and unwind after a long day out! Regardless of your taste in musical genres, you’re sure to have a ball of a time in Nottingham!
11. There are a ton of different festivals to enjoy
While the party scene in Nottingham is nothing like London and other party cities in the UK, the East Midlands city is known to host some pretty awesome festivals throughout the year, the most famous of which is the Robin Hood Festival, a week-long celebration at Sherwood Forest punctuated by movie screenings, medieval sports, and jousting!
Other than that, you can look forward to the Nottingham Festival of Literature, the Nottingham Food and Drink Festival (which, I can confirm, is truly amazing), Guy Fawkes Night, where you can enjoy bonfires and fireworks displays, and more.
What’s more, if you’re visiting during October, you can also visit the annual Nottingham Goose Fair, a vibrant funfair featuring carnival rides and fun games.
12. Nottingham is far less crowded than other major cities
One of the best reasons why Nottingham is worth visiting is simply that you have more of the city to yourself. As someone who’s visited both these popular cities, I must say that even though London has more exciting experiences, Nottingham exudes a more relaxing and homey vibe.
While there are crowds on weekends, you don’t get that suffocating feel of jostling for personal space when walking the street, or having to wait in line for long hours just to board public transport. The pace of life is much more leisurely, allowing you to fully enjoy every moment.
13. It is also slightly more affordable
Finally, perhaps the most practical reason why Nottingham is worth visiting is that it costs a lot less to visit than other major locations.
Nottingham is a student city, home to plenty of higher institutions of learning, including the famous University of Nottingham. As such, you will always be able to find budget-friendly travel options, be it food, drinks, or accommodation. In fact, the last time I was there, a pint of beer in Nottingham cost about 30% to 40% less than in London!
So, if you’re on a tight budget but would like to still experience life in England, then Nottingham presents itself as the perfect destination.
Final thoughts
In short, Nottingham is a lovely city that secretly offers plenty of experiences to visitors, even if it doesn’t appear as glamorous as London at first glance. I certainly enjoyed my time there, perhaps even ever slightly more so than I did in London!
As they say, “to each his own”, but if you have the time, I more than recommend giving Nottingham a chance to captivate your heart.
Planning to travel even further? Find out if Sofia is worth visiting or if Japan is really worth that trip!
