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Old market square in Nottingham at dusk. In the centre stands a magnificent building with a striking dome and a tympanum with columns below. The square is surrounded by historic and modern buildings, which are reflected in the water of a large basin in the centre.
Old market square in Nottingham at dusk. In the centre stands a magnificent building with a striking dome and a tympanum with columns below. The square is surrounded by historic and modern buildings, which are reflected in the water of a large basin in the centre.

Nottingham

Published: 28 May 2025, 14:00

In the heart of the East Midlands

Welcome to England! If you want to experience the finest British lifestyle, delve deep into English history and visit magnificent castles, Nottingham is the place for you. It is considered the home of the legendary novel hero Robin Hood and is idyllically nestled in the county of Nottinghamshire, which, with its hills, forests and castles, is part of the East Midlands region in central England. Medieval Nottingham is also a modern, vibrant university city with a lively arts and culture scene. Here, historic architecture meets contemporary flair – from the medieval streets around the impressive Nottingham Castle to modern galleries and art centres such as the Nottingham Contemporary.

Numbers, data, facts

  • Time difference: - one hour
  • Population: 330,000
  • Official language: English
  • Currency: British pound (GBP)

Five historic places in Nottingham

Aerial view of a castle perched on a green hill, surrounded by dense trees and parks. A town runs around the hill.
Nottingham Castle is an absolute highlight. The castle towers majestically over the city and tells stories of knights, kings and the legend of Robin Hood. © Alexey Fedorenko/stock.adobe.com
A bronze sculpture on a stone pedestal depicting Robin Hood in a dynamic pose. He is shooting an arrow with a drawn bow. The statue stands in front of an old dark grey-beige-green stone wall.
Right next to the castle is the famous Robin Hood statue. Directly below it, you can explore the caves – a huge underground labyrinth of caverns. © Alexey Fedorenko/stock.adobe.com
A central square with historic buildings, including a magnificent dome on a neoclassical building. On the left are colourful, multi-storey houses with scattered green trees in front of them.
At the heart of the city lies the Old Market Square, surrounded by shop and the imposing Council House. A lively place that invites you to explore and stroll around. © Leonid Andronov/stock.adobe.com
An old castle from a bird's eye view. The façade is elaborately decorated with many towers and decorative elements. The building is located in the middle of a spacious park with green meadows and a river in the background.
Wollaton Hall is an Elizabethan mansion built in the 16th century. Today it houses the Natural History Museum with an extensive collection of scientific exhibits. © PoppyPix/stock.adobe.com
An urban view with two striking churches: a neo-Gothic church with a pointed tower (left) and a larger church with a rectangular tower (right). Modern buildings and trees can be seen in the background, while the sky is overcast with clouds.
In the city centre, two impressive churches are waiting to be discovered: the neo-Gothic St. Barnabas Cathedral and St. Mary's Church, the oldest church in Nottingham. © dudlajzov/stock.adobe.com

Rich history meets beautiful nature

The county of Nottinghamshire, located in the heart of England, is a destination that uniquely combines ancient traditions, modern culture and impressive natural beauty. Known for its rich history dating back to Roman times, it is not only home to the legendary hero Robin Hood, but also a treasure trove of historical sites such as Newstead Abbey, Southwell Minster and Newark Castle. These destinations are easy and quick to reach from Nottingham and invite you to embark on exciting journeys of discovery. Nottinghamshire is characterised by rolling hills, forests and idyllic rivers. The famous Sherwood Forest attracts nature lovers and hikers alike. The Nottinghamshire Wolds, with their rolling hills, wide fields and charming villages, also offer a wonderful rural setting for walking.

County of Nottinghamshire: Castles, palaces and gardens

An old, imposing oak tree with wide, gnarled branches in the middle of a green meadow. The tree is supported by several props. A green forest is visible in the background.
Let's head to Sherwood Forest, the famous forest of Robin Hood with its gigantic, ancient oak tree, estimated to be 1,000 years old. A truly magical place! © Nick Beer/stock.adobe.com
A beige-coloured historic building in Gothic style with large windows and a British flag on a tower. The complex is surrounded by trees and green countryside. A large lake stretches out in the foreground.
Where Augustinian monks once prayed and the poet Lord Byron later resided, Newstead Abbey is a real gem, idyllically nestled in beautiful parkland. © ipek67/stock.adobe.com
An imposing beige-coloured cathedral with two striking towers and a long nave. The church is surrounded by green spaces and trees. A rural settlement can be seen in the background.
A place steeped in history: the origins of Southwell Minster date back to the 7th century. The cathedral's architecture combines Norman and Gothic elements. © kilhan/stock.adobe.com
Historic stone castle ruins located on the banks of a peaceful river. The castle walls are surrounded by green spaces and well-tended gardens. Houses can be seen in the background and there are several boats in the river.
In Newark, you can explore the well-preserved ruins of the 12th-century castle along the River Trent. The surrounding gardens lend this historic site a special atmosphere. © kilhan/stock.adobe.com
A historic estate with a large mansion in the background. A path leads through a garden lined with two decorative stone sculptures and symmetrically placed bushes. Some of the trees are bare.
Nestled in the picturesque countryside of Nottinghamshire, the former Cistercian monastery of Rufford Abbey offers fascinating insights into the former life of the monks. © Peter/stock.adobe.com

Nottingham from BER

Aircraft about to land on the runway

Ryanair

East Midlands Airport (EMA)

Five tips for ...

  1. Friday evening: A pint at „Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem“, the oldest pub in England
  2. Friday night: Fish & Chips – the British classic to go
  3. Saturday morning: A full English breakfast at Old Market Square
  4. Saturday afternoon: Afternoon Tea with scones at Colwick Hall Hotel
  5. Sunday lunchtime: Sunday Roast – the traditional Sunday meal 

  1. First stop: Nottingham Castle with interactive exhibitions
  2. A selfie at the famous Robin Hood statue at the castle
  3. His hideout: the ancient Major Oak in Sherwood Forest
  4. On the road with experts: take part in a Robin Hood Town Tour
  5. Visit the village of Edwinstowe, where Robin Hood is said to have got married

  1. Explore the caves – 450 underground caves deep beneath the city
  2. Enjoy the panoramic view – from Nottingham Trent Bridge
  3. Immerse yourself in religious history – visit St. Mary's Church
  4. Stroll through the Lace Market – the former heart of the lace industry
  5. Try fancy street food and drinks – visit the Bustler Market

Picture Source title:
© SakhanPhotography/stock.adobe.com

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