Best Landmarks in Nottingham

Old Market Square is Nottingham’s vibrant central public space, renowned as the UK’s second-largest city square. Spanning approximately 11,000 square metres, it has been a focal point for markets, events, and social life since the 11th century. Dominated by the grand Council House with its iconic dome, the square features granite paving, a large illuminated water feature, terraces, and hosts seasonal attractions like the Christmas Market and summer Riviera Beach.

Oakham Castle is one of England's finest surviving examples of Norman domestic architecture, built between 1180 and 1190. The Great Hall stands as the centerpiece of this historic site, famous for its extraordinary collection of over 240 gilded horseshoes donated by royalty and nobility over nearly 850 years. Free admission welcomes visitors to explore 12th-century sculptures, intricate stonework, and centuries of judicial history. Located in the heart of Oakham's Market Place, the castle grounds offer a peaceful setting with a café and sensory garden.

A solemn and beautifully maintained tribute to military sacrifice, the Nottingham War Memorial Gardens occupy a prominent position along the Victoria Embankment overlooking the River Trent. Opened in 1927, this Grade II listed site features a grand ceremonial gateway inscribed with the Latin motto 'Virtue outlives death,' manicured lawns, a fountain, and a statue of Queen Victoria. The gardens serve as Nottingham's largest single memorial to the World Wars, with additional plaques commemorating subsequent conflicts. A peaceful retreat for reflection and remembrance.

St Mary's Church stands as Nottingham's largest medieval building and the city's ancient parish and civic church, dominating High Pavement in the historic Lace Market district. Completed before 1475 in the Perpendicular Gothic style, this Grade I listed structure showcases the prosperity of 15th-century Nottingham through its soaring tower, vast windows filled with stained glass, slender ribbed pillars, and intricate stone carvings. The church remains a working place of worship and a tranquil haven amid the bustling city, offering visitors a glimpse into centuries of local history, architecture, and spiritual life.

Standing proudly on North Circus Street, Nottingham Cathedral Church of St Barnabas is a Grade II* listed Catholic cathedral designed by Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin in the 1840s. As one of the first Catholic cathedrals built in England after the Reformation, it combines Early English Gothic architecture with a rich spiritual history. The cathedral’s striking spire, intricate stonework and beautifully restored Sacrament Chapel make it a quiet architectural gem in the heart of the city, open to worshippers and visitors alike.

St Peter's Church in Nottingham is a historic Anglican parish church dating back to around 1180, making it one of the city's oldest buildings still in continuous use. Nestled amid bustling shopping streets near Old Market Square, it offers a peaceful medieval refuge with notable architectural features including a Norman tower, Early English aisles, and a striking carved rood screen. The church also hosts a strong musical tradition and serves the local community with worship and social outreach.

St Nicholas Church stands as one of Nottingham's three surviving medieval parish churches, though the current Grade II* listed building dates from 1671–1678. Originally founded around 1100, the medieval structure was completely destroyed in 1643 during the English Civil War when Royalist forces used its tower to bombard Nottingham Castle. The resilient congregation rebuilt on the same site, creating the modest red-brick church that survives today. Its plain exterior belies a rich history intertwined with Nottingham's most turbulent period, making it a remarkable testament to faith and community determination.

St Nicholas Church stands as a Grade II* listed landmark on Maid Marian Way in Nottingham's city centre, a brick-built Anglican church with roots stretching back to around 1100. Originally destroyed during the English Civil War in 1643, the congregation rebuilt their church between 1671 and 1678, creating the elegant structure that survives today. With its distinctive tower, welcoming interior, and rich historical narrative, St Nicholas offers visitors a tangible connection to Nottingham's medieval past and the resilience of its community through centuries of conflict and change.

Standing in Nottingham’s historic Lace Market, the Weekday Cross Monument marks the site of the city’s medieval market cross, once the civic and commercial heart of Nottingham. Though the original cross was demolished in the 19th century, this modern monument recalls centuries of trade, gatherings, and civic life in the shadow of Nottingham Castle. Cobbled lanes, historic warehouses, and the atmosphere of old Nottingham surround this quiet but historically rich corner of the city.

The Curious Brick Tower stands as a distinctive architectural landmark in Nottingham's Sneinton area, located at 30 Promenade. This striking structure showcases intricate brickwork and historical significance, drawing photographers and heritage enthusiasts to its unique design. Positioned near vibrant local attractions including Sneinton Market and the Victoria Station Clock Tower, the tower offers a glimpse into Nottingham's architectural evolution. The surrounding area features gardens and parks ideal for leisurely exploration, making it a compelling stop for those interested in the city's built heritage and urban character.