Nottingham Castle: A Historic Fortress and Cultural Hub in Nottingham
Explore Nottingham Castle’s rich history, underground caves, and vibrant museums atop a scenic hill overlooking Nottingham’s cityscape.
Nottingham Castle, perched on a hilltop in Nottingham, England, is a historic site blending rich medieval history with modern museum and art galleries. Visitors explore the ducal mansion built on the original Norman castle site, discover underground caves, and enjoy panoramic city views. The castle houses diverse exhibitions including the Nottingham Lace Gallery and the Museum of the Mercian Regiment, making it a cultural treasure for all ages.
A brief summary to Nottingham Castle
- Lenton Rd, Nottingham, NG1 6EL, GB
- +441158763100
- Visit website
- Duration: 2 to 4 hours
- Mid ranged
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
- Thursday 10 am-5 pm
- Friday 10 am-5 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday 10 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Book the Mortimer’s Hole Cave Tour in advance as it has limited spaces and involves climbing over 300 steps.
- Wear sturdy footwear for exploring the caves and comfortable shoes for walking around the castle grounds.
- Visit the Nottingham Lace Gallery to appreciate the city’s historic role in lace-making.
- Take time to enjoy the panoramic views of Nottingham from the castle’s gardens and viewpoints.
- Use public transport or nearby city car parks as there is no parking available on-site.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Public Bus
Take local Nottingham City Transport buses to the Castle Boulevard or Central College stops, approximately 10-15 minutes from Nottingham city center. Buses run frequently with adult fares around £2-£3 one way.
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Tram
Use the Nottingham Express Transit tram service to Old Market Square stop, then walk about 15 minutes uphill to the castle. Trams run every 7-15 minutes, with tickets costing around £2.50 for a single journey.
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Taxi or Rideshare
A taxi or rideshare from Nottingham city center takes approximately 5-10 minutes depending on traffic, costing around £6-£10. This is a convenient option if traveling with family or in a group.
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Walking
From Nottingham city center, walking to the castle takes about 20-25 minutes on paved uphill paths. The route is accessible but involves moderate incline, suitable for most visitors with reasonable mobility.
Nottingham Castle location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Nottingham Castle
A Legacy Carved in Stone and Legend
Nottingham Castle stands on a commanding hilltop overlooking the city of Nottingham, its origins dating back to the Norman conquest in 1068. The original medieval fortress was a motte-and-bailey castle, a strategic stronghold that played a pivotal role in English history. Although much of the medieval structure was destroyed during the English Civil War in the 17th century, the site was transformed into a grand ducal mansion, blending history with architectural elegance. The castle’s legendary ties to Robin Hood and the notorious Sheriff of Nottingham add layers of myth and folklore to its historical significance.Immersive Museums and Galleries
Today, Nottingham Castle serves as a vibrant cultural center, hosting a variety of museums and galleries within its walls. The Nottingham Lace Gallery celebrates the city’s pioneering role in lace-making, showcasing exquisite examples and the evolution of this delicate craft. The Early Nottingham Craft Gallery features alabaster statues and panels from the 14th and 15th centuries, highlighting the region’s artistic heritage. Visitors can also explore the Rebellion Gallery, which recounts Nottingham’s spirited history of civil unrest, including the English Civil War and Luddite protests, through interactive displays.Exploring the Underground Caves
Beneath the castle lies a fascinating network of sandstone caves and tunnels, a subterranean maze that has intrigued visitors for centuries. The Mortimer’s Hole Cave Tour reveals stories of secret passages used by King Edward III and other historical figures, adding an adventurous dimension to the visit. This tour involves over 300 steps and requires sturdy footwear, offering a physically engaging experience that connects visitors with Nottingham’s hidden past.Gardens, Views, and Visitor Amenities
Surrounding the castle are serene gardens and panoramic viewpoints that provide stunning vistas of Nottingham’s skyline and beyond. The grounds include a medieval-style playground for children and peaceful spots for relaxation. The visitor center offers amenities such as a café, gift shop, and accessible facilities including lifts and wheelchair hire, ensuring a comfortable visit for all guests.Seasonal Access and Admission Details
Nottingham Castle is open year-round from 10am to 5pm daily, with last entry at 4pm. Admission is approximately £12 for adults, with free entry for children under 15. The cave tours require separate booking due to limited capacity. The castle is centrally located with no on-site parking, but public car parks and accessible parking options are available nearby. The site is well equipped for visitors with disabilities, including multiple accessible toilets and assistance dog welcome.A Cultural Beacon in Nottingham’s Heart
As a landmark, Nottingham Castle offers more than just history; it is a dynamic venue for art exhibitions, educational programs, and cultural events. Its blend of historic architecture, engaging galleries, and unique underground tours make it a must-visit destination for those seeking to understand Nottingham’s rich heritage and vibrant present.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Statue of Captain Albert Ball
0.1 km
A striking bronze tribute in Nottingham Castle Gardens honoring WWI flying ace Captain Albert Ball’s valor and legacy.
King Charles I Standard Hill Monument
0.2 km
Historic site where King Charles I raised his standard in 1642, igniting the English Civil War and shaping Nottingham’s rich heritage.
St Nic's Church
0.3 km
Medieval survivor rebuilt from Civil War ashes, standing as Nottingham's testament to faith and resilience.
St Peter's Church, Nottingham
0.5 km
A medieval sanctuary and historic gem in Nottingham’s city centre, blending centuries of architecture and community spirit.
Cathedral Hall
0.6 km
Pugin's masterpiece: England's grandest post-Reformation Catholic cathedral, where Gothic Revival vision endures.
Right Lion
0.6 km
Discover Nottingham’s iconic Right Lion, a historic stone sculpture and beloved meeting point near the Council House in Old Market Square.
The Left Lion
0.6 km
Meet Nottingham’s iconic Left Lion, a historic stone sentinel and beloved city landmark at the heart of Old Market Square.
St Barnabas Cathedral Nottingham
0.6 km
A Gothic Revival masterpiece in the heart of Nottingham, home to centuries of Catholic worship and Pugin’s architectural vision.
The Tokenhouse
0.6 km
Explore The Tokenhouse in Nottingham for unique gifts and heartfelt treasures that capture the essence of the city.
Scale Space Nottingham
0.6 km
Experience collaboration and innovation at Scale Space Nottingham, the premier co-working space in the heart of the city, perfect for entrepreneurs and remote workers.
Speakers' Corner
0.6 km
Nottingham’s vibrant Speakers' Corner offers a historic platform for free speech, lively debates, and community connection in the heart of the city.
Weekday Cross Monument
0.6 km
Historic heart of Nottingham’s medieval market life, commemorating centuries of trade and community gatherings in the Lace Market district.
Citylife UK
0.7 km
Explore Nottingham with Citylife UK, your trusted travel agency for personalized experiences and local insights.
King's Walk sign
0.7 km
A pedestrianised passage where Georgian elegance meets contemporary commerce in Nottingham's historic heart.
The Belgrave Rooms
0.8 km
Discover The Belgrave Rooms, Nottingham's premier venue for conferences and weddings, blending elegance and modern amenities for unforgettable events.
Unmissable attractions to see
Cliff of Nottingham Castle
0.1 km
A dramatic sandstone cliff crowned by castle ruins, offering panoramic city views and a journey into Nottingham’s medieval and rebellious past.
Mortimer’s hole
0.1 km
Explore Mortimer’s Hole, a secret medieval tunnel beneath Nottingham Castle steeped in history and mystery.
Museum of Nottingham Life
0.1 km
Explore 300 years of Nottingham’s social history beneath historic 17th-century cottages and intriguing sandstone caves.
Nottingham Castle Visitors Centre
0.1 km
Gateway to Nottingham Castle’s rich history, interactive galleries, cave tours, and family-friendly adventures in the heart of the city.
Robin Hood Statue
0.1 km
Iconic bronze statue of Robin Hood beside Nottingham Castle, celebrating the legendary outlaw and Nottingham’s rich folklore heritage.
The Original Nottingham Ghost Walk
0.1 km
Step into Nottingham’s haunted past with The Original Nottingham Ghost Walk, starting at the legendary Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem pub.
Ye Olde Trip To Jerusalem
0.2 km
Tucked beneath Nottingham Castle, this legendary pub claims to be England’s oldest inn, with cave-like rooms, centuries of history, and a famously cursed galleon.
White Rose Nottingham Outlet
0.5 km
Leeds’ vibrant shopping and entertainment hub with over 120 stores, an IMAX cinema, and family-friendly outdoor play area.
Bell Inn
0.5 km
Step into Nottingham’s oldest pub where 15th-century beams, historic caves, and traditional ales create an unforgettable medieval atmosphere in the city’s heart.
Nottingham Playhouse
0.5 km
Bold, thrilling theatre in a modernist landmark—where regional excellence meets West End ambition.
Public Art - Sky Mirror
0.5 km
Experience Nottingham’s iconic Sky Mirror, a captivating stainless steel sculpture reflecting the sky and cityscape in ever-changing optical illusions.
Old Mkt Sq
0.5 km
Nottingham’s historic Old Market Square: a vibrant civic heart blending medieval roots with modern urban life and lively events.
Old Market Square
0.5 km
Discover the bustling heart of Nottingham at Old Market Square, a historical landmark rich in culture, events, and captivating architecture.
Flying Horse Walk
0.5 km
Discover Nottingham’s elegant boutique arcade blending historic charm with artisanal shops and cozy cafes in a tranquil city-centre setting.
Cryptology Escape Rooms Nottingham
0.5 km
Immersive escape rooms with innovative puzzles and theatrical game masters in Nottingham's city centre.
Essential places to dine
Fothergills
0.2 km
Historic bistro with local flavors and castle views in Nottingham’s architectural gem, welcoming all including dog lovers.
The Castle - Pub and Kitchen
0.2 km
Historic Nottingham gastropub offering hearty British dishes, craft ales, and a warm atmosphere next to Nottingham Castle.
World Service Restaurant
0.2 km
Elegant Modern European dining in Nottingham’s historic Newdigate House, blending ambitious cuisine with warm, attentive service.
The Roundhouse Bar & Kitchen
0.2 km
Historic charm meets casual dining with local craft beers and hearty pub classics in Nottingham’s city centre.
The Cumin Restaurant
0.2 km
Experience authentic North Indian and Punjabi cuisine with bold flavors and warm hospitality in Nottingham’s family-run gem.
Hart's Hotel and Kitchen
0.3 km
Stylish boutique hotel with contemporary comfort and acclaimed dining, set steps from Nottingham Castle in a peaceful city centre courtyard.
MemSaab
0.4 km
Experience award-winning Indian fine dining in Nottingham with MemSaab’s exquisite flavors and elegant ambiance on Maid Marian Way.
Calcutta Club
0.4 km
Experience regal Indian cuisine and refined hospitality inspired by the Maharajas’ polo clubs in the heart of Nottingham.
Chino Latino
0.4 km
Savor vibrant Pan-Asian and Latino fusion dishes in a sleek, metropolitan setting at Nottingham’s award-winning Chino Latino.
Zaap Thai Street Food
0.4 km
Experience the vibrant streets of Bangkok through authentic Thai street food, lively atmosphere, and quirky decor in the heart of Nottingham.
Browns Nottingham
0.4 km
Elegant British brasserie in Nottingham’s historic heart, perfect for classic dining, afternoon tea, and special occasions.
No.Twelve
0.4 km
Experience the best of vegan dining at No.Twelve in Nottingham - where creativity meets sustainability for unforgettable meals.
Las Iguanas - Nottingham
0.5 km
Experience the vibrant flavors and festive spirit of Latin America in Nottingham’s lively Chapel Quarter at Las Iguanas.
Bar + Block Steakhouse Nottingham
0.5 km
Modern steakhouse in Nottingham’s Chapel Quarter serving expertly cooked steaks and classic British grill fare in a stylish, welcoming setting.
Kushi-ya
0.5 km
Discover Nottingham’s hidden gem for authentic Japanese kushiyaki skewers and inventive small plates in a stylish, modern setting.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
ChicChoiceHub
0.2 km
Discover Eastern elegance on Nottingham's historic Standard Hill at ChicChoiceHub, where oriental treasures meet Civil War legacy in a treasure trove of Asian artistry and crafts.
Common Choice
0.2 km
Curated fashion finds on Nottingham's historic Standard Hill—unique clothing blending trends, quality, and local flair for effortless style.
Shop Zero
0.3 km
Nottingham’s zero-waste shop championing sustainable living with refillables, reusable goods, and community-driven eco-consciousness.
OH DUCK IT
0.4 km
Dive into duck-tastic humor and Nottingham dialect delights at this cheeky gift shop, where quirky souvenirs and local crafts quack up the city's shopping scene.
Vivienne Westwood
0.5 km
Discover bold British fashion and iconic accessories at Vivienne Westwood’s Nottingham boutique in historic Flying Horse Walk.
The Bead Shop (Nottingham) Limited
0.6 km
A vibrant independent bead and craft shop in Nottingham’s historic Market Street, offering expert workshops and a vast range of jewellery-making supplies.
Garms Nottingham
0.6 km
Discover unique vintage streetwear and stylish outerwear at Garms Nottingham, a vibrant boutique nestled in the historic heart of Bridlesmith Gate.
Castle Marina Retail Park
0.6 km
Nottingham's go-to retail park for home essentials, pet supplies, and coffee breaks, with free parking and canal-side convenience.
Relic x Hooked Nottingham
0.6 km
Discover eclectic vintage fashion and unique style treasures in Nottingham’s edgy and vibrant Relic x Hooked store.
18montrose
0.6 km
Discover premium streetwear and designer fashion at 18montrose, nestled in Nottingham’s historic Bridlesmith Gate shopping district.
White Rose Nottingham WR6
0.6 km
Discover thoughtfully curated vintage and recycled fashion at White Rose Nottingham WR6, where style meets sustainability in the city’s historic heart.
Stick & Ribbon
0.6 km
Discover curated women’s fashion with a personal, sustainable touch in Nottingham’s historic Bridlesmith Gate.
White Stuff Nottingham
0.6 km
A cheerful, independent-feel clothing store on Nottingham’s main shopping street, offering relaxed British style for women, men and children.
Tutu urban boutique
0.6 km
Discover Nottingham’s stylish independent ladieswear boutique offering unique, high-quality fashion from emerging designers in a charming city centre arcade.
Lulu Brandy Vintage
0.6 km
Discover timeless style and sustainable fashion at Lulu Brandy Vintage, Nottingham’s premier vintage clothing boutique.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Crafty Crow
0.2 km
A vibrant Nottingham pub offering innovative vegetarian dishes and a diverse craft beer selection near the historic Castle.
Ye Olde Salutation Inn
0.3 km
Step into Nottingham’s oldest pub, where medieval history meets lively rock vibes and ghostly legends in a welcoming atmosphere.
The Bierkeller Nottingham
0.4 km
Experience lively Bavarian beer hall vibes with authentic brews, live Oompah bands, and festive fun in Nottingham’s city centre.
Malt Cross
0.4 km
Historic Victorian music hall pub in Nottingham offering award-winning ales, live music, and a vibrant community atmosphere in a stunning heritage setting.
Canalhouse
0.4 km
Iconic canal-pierced pub blending Grade II heritage, world-class craft beers, and waterside vibes in Nottingham's vibrant core.
O'Neill's Market Square Nottingham
0.5 km
Lively Irish pub in Nottingham's Market Square: pub grub, live sports, DJ nights, and pints in a buzzing city-centre spot that parties till late.
Slug & Lettuce - Market Square Nottingham
0.5 km
Vibrant cocktail bar and restaurant in Nottingham’s Market Square, known for lively atmosphere, diverse menu, and all-day 2-4-1 cocktails.
Cucamara
0.5 km
Lively late-night cocktail bar in Nottingham’s Hurts Yard, blending vibrant atmosphere with creative drinks and social energy.
400 Rabbits
0.5 km
Intimate Hurts Yard cocktail bar specialising in tequila and mezcal cocktails with a theatrical, cosy atmosphere.
Pepper Rocks
0.6 km
A lively Nottingham cocktail bar blending quirky charm, great value drinks, and a vibrant two-floor atmosphere for memorable nights out.
Six Richmond House
0.6 km
Elegant cocktails and modern British dining blend seamlessly in Nottingham’s intimate and stylish Six Richmond House.
Coco Tang -Cocktail Bar
0.6 km
Daytime Asian café and a theatrical underground cocktail bar — two distinct moods under one roof in Nottingham’s Lace Market.
Revolución de Cuba Nottingham
0.6 km
Experience the vibrant spirit of Havana with authentic Cuban cuisine, cocktails, and live Latin music in the heart of Nottingham.
Tap & Tumbler
0.6 km
Nottingham’s legendary rock pub with live music, real ales, and a quirky, welcoming atmosphere in the city’s cultural heart.
The Stage Pub Nottingham
0.6 km
Traditional Nottingham pub with live music, cosy nooks, and late-night vibes near Theatre Royal – perfect for drinks, dancing, and city-centre camaraderie.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Historic
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Myth & Legends
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly