Legends & Adventure

Nottingham: Robin Hood, Caves & Creative Quarter

Descend into a hidden cave network, walk where outlaws once roamed, and discover England's most unexpectedly creative city.

Hi, I'm Will. I've been exploring Nottingham's caves since I was a kid and I still find new passages. This guide was last updated in July 2026.

7 Days / 6 Nights
Nottingham, England
Families & Adventurers
City & Forest
$$ - Moderate
April-October
Nottingham Castle City of Caves Robin Hood Lace Market Sherwood Forest

Goose Fair Note: Nottingham's Goose Fair is one of Europe's oldest and largest travelling fairs, dating back over 700 years. It takes over the Forest Recreation Ground for five days in early October, attracting over 400,000 visitors. The fair features hundreds of rides, from traditional carousels to terrifying modern roller coasters. If your visit coincides with Goose Fair, expect accommodation prices to rise and book well in advance. The fair is free to enter, with ride tokens costing £2-5 each.

Why This Journey is Extraordinary

Underground City

Over 800 sandstone caves lie beneath Nottingham's streets, the largest network in Britain

Robin Hood's Forest

Sherwood Forest and the legendary Major Oak where the outlaw supposedly hid

England's Oldest Inn

Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, carved into the castle rock, claims to date from 1189

Creative Revival

The Lace Market district buzzes with independent galleries, cafes, and boutiques

Daily Journey Inspiration

1

Nottingham Castle & Creative Quarter

Reopened in 2021 with a bold new vision

Morning
Nottingham Castle
Explore the dramatically redeveloped castle, reopened in 2021 after a £30 million transformation. The new galleries tell Nottingham's rebellious history through interactive exhibits, while the original medieval caves beneath the castle remain accessible. The views from the castle terrace across the city are superb.
Booking: Tickets cost £13 for adults and must be booked online in advance. The cave tours fill up quickly, so reserve the 11 AM slot.
Afternoon
Creative Quarter & Hockley
Wander through Nottingham's most vibrant neighborhood, where independent shops, street art, and creative businesses thrive. Hockley's vintage stores, record shops, and artisan coffee roasters give the area a distinctly Brooklyn-like energy.
Shopping: Rough Trade's Nottingham branch is one of the UK's best record stores. Cow vintage offers curated secondhand fashion.
Evening
Dinner at Alchemilla
Dine at one of the UK's most exciting restaurants, housed in a Victorian wig factory with exposed brick and greenery. Chef Alex Bond's tasting menu celebrates vegetables in innovative ways and has earned a Michelin star. The 7-course menu costs £85.
2

City of Caves & Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem

Beneath the pavement, the quarry

Morning
City of Caves
Descend into Nottingham's hidden underworld through the Broadmarsh Centre entrance. Over 800 man-made sandstone caves lie beneath the city, used as tanneries, air raid shelters, and even homes over the centuries. The guided tour reveals this secret subterranean city with its eerie chambers and fascinating history.
Alternative tour: The Annie's Wall and Drury Hill passages offer a more adventurous experience. Wear flat shoes as the floors are uneven.
Afternoon
National Justice Museum
Explore the former county gaol and courthouse where notorious criminals were tried and executed. The museum occupies the historic Lace Market building and includes original cells, courtrooms, and interactive exhibits about crime and punishment through the ages.
Ghost tours: The museum runs evening ghost tours through the condemned cells for £12.50. Not for the faint-hearted.
Evening
Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem
Enjoy a pint at England's oldest inn, carved directly into the sandstone cliff beneath Nottingham Castle. The pub claims to date from 1189 and retains its cave-like rooms, low ceilings, and historic atmosphere. The stories attached to this place are legendary.
Historic pub crawl: Combine with The Bell Inn and The Salutation for a tour of Nottingham's ancient drinking establishments.
3

Sherwood Forest & Major Oak

Walk in Robin Hood's footsteps

Morning
Sherwood Forest National Nature Reserve
Explore the legendary forest where Robin Hood and his Merry Men supposedly roamed. The ancient woodland is home to over 1,000 veteran oak trees, including the world-famous Major Oak, estimated to be 800-1,000 years old. The forest's heathland and birch groves create a wonderfully varied landscape.
Getting there: The Sherwood Arrow bus from Nottingham takes 50 minutes. The visitor center opens at 10:30 AM.
Afternoon
Robin Hood Experience & Edwinstowe
Visit the interactive Robin Hood Experience in Nottingham city center for an immersive journey into the outlaw's world. Alternatively, explore the village of Edwinstowe, where Robin Hood supposedly married Maid Marian at St. Mary's Church.
Family fun: The Robin Hood Experience uses live actors and special effects. Tickets cost £9.95 for adults and £7.95 for children.
Evening
Pieminister & Nottingham Ale Trail
Enjoy a gourmet pie at Pieminister, the Bristol-born chain that has conquered Nottingham with its hearty, creative pies. Then embark on the Nottingham Ale Trail, sampling local brews from Castle Rock, Blue Monkey, and Navigation Brewery.
Trail map: Pick up an Ale Trail map from the tourist office. Many pubs offer stamps and discounts for trail participants.
4

Wollaton Hall & Deer Park

Wayne Manor and wild deer

Morning
Wollaton Hall
Visit the spectacular Elizabethan mansion that served as Wayne Manor in The Dark Knight Rises. The hall houses the Nottingham Natural History Museum with an impressive collection of taxidermy, minerals, and fossils. The architecture is magnificent, with elaborate stone carving and a central hall rising three stories.
Free entry: Wollaton Hall and its grounds are completely free. The hall opens at 11 AM. Film fans will recognize multiple filming locations from the Batman movie.
Afternoon
Deer Park & Formal Gardens
Wander through the 500-acre deer park, home to herds of red and fallow deer that roam freely across the landscape. The formal gardens behind the hall feature camellias, roses, and a walled garden. The lake offers pleasant walks with views back to the hall.
Photography: The best shots of Wollaton Hall are from the far side of the lake. Deer are most active in early morning and late afternoon.
Evening
Lace Market Dining
Return to the Lace Market for dinner at one of its excellent restaurants. Iberico World Tapas serves exceptional Spanish small plates in a stylish converted warehouse. The jamón ibérico and patatas bravas are standout dishes.
5

Lace Market & Nottingham Contemporary

Industrial heritage meets modern art

Morning
Nottingham Contemporary
Explore one of Britain's largest contemporary art galleries, housed in a striking building clad in green lace-patterned concrete that references the area's textile heritage. The gallery hosts major international exhibitions and is completely free to enter.
Cafe bonus: The gallery cafe serves excellent coffee and has one of the best outdoor terraces in Nottingham.
Afternoon
Lace Market Heritage Walk
Walk through the beautifully preserved Victorian warehouses that once made Nottingham the world's lace-making capital. The ornate cast-iron facades and tall narrow buildings create a distinctive streetscape. Plaques along the way explain the industry's history and social impact.
Architecture highlight: The Adams Building on Stoney Street is the largest and finest lace warehouse in the city, now part of Nottingham College.
Evening
Old Market Square
Relax in the largest public square in England outside London, surrounded by elegant civic buildings. The square hosts events, markets, and outdoor cinema screenings in summer. The Council House's dome is illuminated at night and visible across the city.
6

Newstead Abbey & D.H. Lawrence Country

Poets, painters, and Romantic ruins

Morning
Newstead Abbey
Visit the ancestral home of Lord Byron, the Romantic poet, set in beautiful parkland with lakes, gardens, and medieval monastic ruins. The house contains Byron's personal possessions and mementos, while the gardens include a Japanese water garden and a Victorian fernery.
Getting there: The Pronto bus from Nottingham takes 40 minutes. Grounds-only tickets cost £9, while house and grounds access is £13.
Afternoon
D.H. Lawrence Birthplace Museum
Visit the miner's cottage in Eastwood where D.H. Lawrence was born in 1885. The museum recreates Victorian working-class life and explores Lawrence's controversial literary legacy. The surrounding countryside inspired much of his writing, particularly Sons and Lovers.
Literary trail: The Blue Line walking trail connects Lawrence-related sites in Eastwood. Pick up a map from the museum.
Evening
Canal-side Pub Dinner
Enjoy dinner at The Canalhouse, a unique pub built into a former canal warehouse with actual canal boats moored inside the building. The menu features classic British pub food and local ales.
7

Final Day & Hidden Corners

Last discoveries and farewell

Morning
Green's Mill
Visit the restored 19th-century windmill in Sneinton, once owned by the mathematical physicist George Green. The working mill produces organic flour, and the science center explains Green's groundbreaking contributions to electromagnetism. The views from the mill roof are excellent.
Free entry: The mill and science center are free. Flour is available for purchase and makes an excellent souvenir.
Afternoon
Arboretum & Final Shopping
Relax in Nottingham's oldest public park, opened in 1852, with beautiful formal gardens, a bandstand, and over 800 trees. Then browse for final souvenirs in the Victoria Centre or along Bridlesmith Gate, Nottingham's premier shopping street.
Evening
Farewell at The Lincolnshire Poacher
End your Nottingham adventure at this beloved real ale pub, a CAMRA favorite with an ever-changing selection of local and national craft beers. The traditional pub atmosphere and knowledgeable landlords make it the perfect send-off.

Practical Tips

Getting There

Nottingham is 1.5 hours from London by train. East Midlands Airport is 20 minutes away. The M1 provides direct road access.

Transportation

The city center is walkable. The tram network connects to the train station and suburbs. A day tram ticket costs £4.60.

Cave Tours

Multiple cave networks exist beneath the city. City of Caves and the Castle caves require separate tickets. Book castle cave tours in advance.

Budget Tips

Wollaton Hall, Nottingham Contemporary, and the Arboretum are free. Pieminister offers filling meals under £10. Real ale in traditional pubs costs £3.50-4.50.

What to Pack

Comfortable walking shoes with grip for cave tours. Layers for changeable weather. A waterproof jacket for Sherwood Forest walks.

Local Etiquette

Nottingham folk are friendly and unpretentious. The ale trail is taken seriously - pace yourself. Respect the caves by staying with your guide.

Gallery

Nottingham city landscape Sherwood Forest oak trees English countryside deer park Historic cave entrance Nottingham Lace Market architecture Gourmet pie and ale

Traveler Reviews

Daniel R.

Daniel R.

Phoenix, AZ | June 2026

★★★★★

The City of Caves tour genuinely blew my mind - I had no idea an entire city existed beneath Nottingham. Standing in a medieval tannery 40 feet underground was haunting. Sherwood Forest felt surprisingly wild, and the Major Oak is awe-inspiring. Alchemilla deserves its Michelin star.

Amy L.

Amy L.

Seattle, WA | May 2026

★★★★★

Wollaton Hall as Wayne Manor was a pilgrimage for this Batman fan. The deer park was magical - we spent hours watching the herd graze with the hall in the background. Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem has such incredible atmosphere; drinking in a 12th-century cave pub is unforgettable.

Brian K.

Brian K.

Dallas, TX | April 2026

★★★★★

The Nottingham Ale Trail was the most fun I've had on vacation. We collected stamps at eight pubs and the landlords were all characters. Pieminister's pies are huge and delicious. The Lace Market's industrial architecture is stunning - those Victorian warehouses are works of art.

Lisa M.

Lisa M.

Minneapolis, MN | March 2026

★★★★★

Newstead Abbey was the surprise highlight - Byron's home is fascinating and the gardens are gorgeous. The D.H. Lawrence museum gave me a new appreciation for his work. Nottingham Contemporary's exhibitions were world-class and completely free. This city punches so far above its weight.

Greg T.

Greg T.

Denver, CO | February 2026

★★★★★

I brought my two sons specifically for the Robin Hood connection and they were not disappointed. The Major Oak is genuinely impressive in person - you understand why legends grew around it. Nottingham Castle's redevelopment is stunning. The National Justice Museum's ghost tour terrified all of us.

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