Nottingham Cathedral (Cathedral Church of St Barnabas)
Pugin's masterpiece: England's grandest post-Reformation Catholic cathedral, where Gothic Revival vision endures.
Nottingham Cathedral, officially the Cathedral Church of St Barnabas, is a masterpiece of Gothic Revival architecture designed by the legendary Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin. Built between 1841 and 1844, it was the largest Catholic church constructed in England since the Reformation upon its completion. The cathedral showcases Pugin's distinctive Early English lancet style with a soaring spire, and its interior preserves fragments of his original decorative vision, particularly in the richly adorned Blessed Sacrament Chapel. As the seat of the Bishop of Nottingham and mother church of the Diocese, it remains an active place of worship and a Grade II* listed landmark of immense architectural and historical significance.
A brief summary to Cathedral Hall
- College St, Nottingham, NG1 5AU, GB
- Duration: 0.75 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit the Blessed Sacrament Chapel to experience the most complete surviving example of Pugin's original decorative scheme, featuring rich gilding and glowing colours that contrast with the cathedral's austere nave.
- Attend a choral mass or concert to experience the cathedral's flourishing music programme, which has been central to its identity since consecration in 1844.
- Study the architectural details of the lancet windows, rood screen figures (reinstated in 1993), and uncovered fragments of Pugin's original roundels in the nave to appreciate the ongoing restoration of his vision.
- Allow time to explore the cathedral's setting on Derby Road and the contemporary boundary wall and presbytery that form a cohesive architectural group with the main building.
- Check the cathedral's website for Mass times (currently 07:00–19:00 daily) and details of special services, as the cathedral remains an active place of worship with regular liturgical life.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Public Transport
From Nottingham city centre, take the tram (Nottingham Express Transit) towards Beeston or Chilwell and alight at the Cathedral Quarter stop, approximately 10–15 minutes from the city centre. From there, it is a 5–10 minute walk to the cathedral on Derby Road. Tram fares are approximately £1.70–£2.50 depending on zones. Alternatively, local buses serve the Derby Road area; journey times from the city centre are typically 10–20 minutes depending on traffic and route.
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Walking
From Nottingham city centre (Old Market Square area), the cathedral is approximately 1.2 km away via a 15–20 minute walk. Head north-west towards the Cathedral Quarter, following signs for Derby Road. The route is relatively flat and passes through residential areas. The cathedral's prominent spire becomes visible as you approach, making it easy to navigate.
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Cycling
Nottingham has an extensive cycle network. From the city centre, cycle routes lead to the Cathedral Quarter in approximately 10–15 minutes. The cathedral is accessible via dedicated cycle paths and quiet residential streets. Cycle parking facilities are available near the cathedral entrance.
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Driving and Parking
The cathedral is located on Derby Road, Nottingham NG1 5AU. Street parking is available in the surrounding residential area, though spaces can be limited during peak times. Nearby car parks include the Cathedral Quarter car park (approximately 5–10 minutes walk) and various other facilities within the city centre. Parking charges vary; check local signage for current rates and restrictions.
Cathedral Hall location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about Cathedral Hall
Pugin's Visionary Design and Construction
Nottingham Cathedral stands as one of the most significant works of Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin, the architect who shaped the Victorian Gothic Revival and designed the interior of the Houses of Parliament. Built between 1841 and 1844, the cathedral cost approximately £15,000—an enormous sum for the era. Pugin's design emerged from meticulous research, including studies of Nottinghamshire parish churches and the ruined Cistercian abbey at Croxden in Staffordshire. The architect initially conceived a modest brick structure, but recognizing the site's prominence on Derby Road, he persuaded his patron, the Earl of Shrewsbury, to embrace a grander vision in local sandstone with a tall, commanding spire. The result was a cruciform plan executed in Early English lancet style, featuring soaring windows and a distinctive architectural presence that announced the resurgence of Catholic worship in England following centuries of restriction. Pugin designed every element with characteristic obsession: stained glass windows, altar furnishings, the font, vestments, and decorative schemes all bore his personal artistic stamp. Upon consecration in August 1844 by Bishop Wiseman, who brought relics of Saint Barnabas from Rome, the cathedral became the largest Catholic church built in England since the Reformation—a powerful statement of Catholic confidence and architectural ambition in post-Reformation Britain.The Blessed Sacrament Chapel and Pugin's Decorative Legacy
While the cathedral's nave exemplifies Pugin's characteristic plainness—reflecting his belief that honest materials and clear structure formed the foundation of beauty—the Blessed Sacrament Chapel presents a striking contrast. Here, Pugin lavished ornamental richness, creating a jewel-like space with intricate decoration and glowing colours. This chapel remains the most complete surviving expression of Pugin's original decorative vision. Following the upheaval of the Second Vatican Council in the 1960s, much of Pugin's painted decoration was obscured or destroyed as the cathedral underwent radical internal reordering. However, the Blessed Sacrament Chapel was sympathetically restored in 1933 to Pugin's designs, and subsequent restoration work has uncovered fragments of his original roundels and decorative schemes in the nave. In 2022, the cathedral embarked on an ambitious heritage project, supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, to uncover and restore whitewashed decoration in the Lady Chapel, revealing more of Pugin's intended artistic programme.From Parish Church to Cathedral and Beyond
The cathedral's elevation to cathedral status in 1850, following the restoration of the Catholic hierarchy in England and Wales, transformed its role from a parish church to the mother church of the Diocese of Nottingham. The first Bishop, Joseph Hendren, was enthroned in December 1851. Subsequent bishops shaped the cathedral's character through various interventions. Bishop Bagshawe (1874–1901) introduced Italianate tastes that somewhat conflicted with Pugin's Gothic purity, but later bishops, particularly Bishop Dunn and his successor Bishop McNulty, undertook sympathetic restorations. The 1920s saw the installation of a richly gilded shrine to Saint Joseph in the north transept, designed in medieval style. The major 1962 reordering by architects Weightman & Bullen repositioned the high altar beneath the tower, a change later refined in 1993 when a more sympathetic replacement altar was installed, and the figures of Saint Mary and Saint John were reinstated on the rood screen.Architectural Significance and Grade II* Status
Nottingham Cathedral holds Grade II* listed status, recognizing its exceptional architectural and historical importance. The building exemplifies the principles Pugin articulated in his influential writings, particularly The True Principles of Pointed or Christian Architecture (1841), in which he argued that only a caring and good society could produce buildings that were truly honest and beautiful. His conviction that Gothic architecture embodied this harmony profoundly influenced Victorian design and continues to resonate with architects and theorists. The cathedral's lancet windows, buttresses, and soaring spire create a powerful silhouette that dominates its setting on Derby Road, while the contemporary boundary wall and presbytery (now Cathedral House) form a cohesive architectural group.Modern Additions and Ongoing Stewardship
The cathedral complex has evolved with later additions that reflect changing needs. The 1969 flat-roofed extension to Cathedral House, designed by Peter Bartlett, provided accommodation for the Daughters of Divine Charity, who maintained the cathedral. The 1977 Cathedral Hall, designed by Richard Eberlin, features an octagonal form deliberately evoking a medieval chapter house, extending into the cathedral garden. While these mid-to-late twentieth-century additions are not considered architecturally distinguished, they demonstrate the cathedral's living role as a community and diocesan centre. Today, Nottingham Cathedral remains a thriving parish community and the seat of the Bishop of Nottingham, serving a diocese that encompasses Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Derbyshire, Lincolnshire, and Rutland. The cathedral maintains a flourishing Music Department, with the Cathedral Choir and Cathedral Youth Choir performing choral masses and concerts, continuing a musical tradition that has flourished since the building's consecration.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Cathedral Hall
0.0 km
Pugin's masterpiece: England's grandest post-Reformation Catholic cathedral, where Gothic Revival vision endures.
St Barnabas Cathedral Nottingham
0.1 km
A Gothic Revival masterpiece in the heart of Nottingham, home to centuries of Catholic worship and Pugin’s architectural vision.
Scale Space Nottingham
0.2 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.
King Charles I Standard Hill Monument
0.4 km
Historic site where King Charles I raised his standard in 1642, igniting the English Civil War and shaping Nottingham’s rich heritage.
The Belgrave Rooms
0.4 km
Discover The Belgrave Rooms, Nottingham's premier venue for conferences and weddings, blending elegance and modern amenities for unforgettable events.
Statue of Captain Albert Ball
0.5 km
A striking bronze tribute in Nottingham Castle Gardens honoring WWI flying ace Captain Albert Ball’s valor and legacy.
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.
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.
King's Walk sign
0.6 km
A pedestrianised passage where Georgian elegance meets contemporary commerce in Nottingham's historic heart.
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.
St Nic's Church
0.6 km
Medieval survivor rebuilt from Civil War ashes, standing as Nottingham's testament to faith and resilience.
St Peter's Church, Nottingham
0.7 km
A medieval sanctuary and historic gem in Nottingham’s city centre, blending centuries of architecture and community spirit.
The Tokenhouse
0.7 km
Explore The Tokenhouse in Nottingham for unique gifts and heartfelt treasures that capture the essence of the city.
Victoria Station Clock Tower
0.7 km
A towering 100-foot clock tower preserving the grandeur and history of Nottingham's lost Victoria railway station.
The Spot
0.8 km
Discover Nottingham’s historic heart at The Spot, a tranquil city centre landmark blending heritage with urban life.
Unmissable attractions to see
The Park Tunnel
0.1 km
Discover Nottingham’s hidden Victorian sandstone tunnel, a unique historic passage blending architectural beauty with urban mystery.
Nottingham Playhouse
0.1 km
Bold, thrilling theatre in a modernist landmark—where regional excellence meets West End ambition.
The Museum Of Curiosities
0.2 km
Explore Nottingham’s eerie Museum of Curiosities, where haunted artifacts, real skulls, and horror props create a spine-chilling, immersive experience.
Cryptology Escape Rooms Nottingham
0.2 km
Immersive escape rooms with innovative puzzles and theatrical game masters in Nottingham's city centre.
Bell Inn
0.4 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.
Theatre Royal & Royal Concert Hall
0.4 km
Nottingham’s historic Theatre Royal and modern Royal Concert Hall host West End musicals, concerts, comedy and more in the heart of the city.
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.
Nottingham Castle Visitors Centre
0.5 km
Gateway to Nottingham Castle’s rich history, interactive galleries, cave tours, and family-friendly adventures in the heart of the city.
The Turf Tavern
0.5 km
Experience the rich history and local flavors at The Turf Tavern, Nottingham's iconic pub steeped in tradition and charm.
Axed Nottingham Axe Throwing
0.5 km
Experience the thrill of interactive axe throwing with expert coaching in Nottingham’s vibrant urban playground.
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.
Robin Hood Statue
0.5 km
Iconic bronze statue of Robin Hood beside Nottingham Castle, celebrating the legendary outlaw and Nottingham’s rich folklore heritage.
The Cornerhouse
0.5 km
A dynamic Nottingham hotspot blending cinema, dining, and unique leisure activities in a vibrant city center setting.
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.
Nottingham Castle
0.6 km
Explore Nottingham Castle’s rich history, underground caves, and vibrant museums atop a scenic hill overlooking Nottingham’s cityscape.
Essential places to dine
Browns Nottingham
0.2 km
Elegant British brasserie in Nottingham’s historic heart, perfect for classic dining, afternoon tea, and special occasions.
Bar + Block Steakhouse Nottingham
0.2 km
Modern steakhouse in Nottingham’s Chapel Quarter serving expertly cooked steaks and classic British grill fare in a stylish, welcoming setting.
Las Iguanas - Nottingham
0.2 km
Experience the vibrant flavors and festive spirit of Latin America in Nottingham’s lively Chapel Quarter at Las Iguanas.
Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill Nottingham
0.3 km
Elegant steakhouse in Nottingham offering expertly cooked steaks, jazz ambiance, and attentive service for memorable dining experiences.
Casa Italian & Seafood Restaurant
0.3 km
Authentic Italian and seafood dining in Nottingham’s city centre with warm service and a welcoming atmosphere.
Warsaw Diner
0.3 km
Experience hearty American-Polish breakfasts in a lively 1950s-style diner with generous portions and bottomless coffee in Nottingham’s Derby Road.
Calcutta Club
0.3 km
Experience regal Indian cuisine and refined hospitality inspired by the Maharajas’ polo clubs in the heart of Nottingham.
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
0.3 km
Experience award-winning Indian fine dining in Nottingham with MemSaab’s exquisite flavors and elegant ambiance on Maid Marian Way.
Zaap Thai Street Food
0.3 km
Experience the vibrant streets of Bangkok through authentic Thai street food, lively atmosphere, and quirky decor in the heart of Nottingham.
The Roundhouse Bar & Kitchen
0.3 km
Historic charm meets casual dining with local craft beers and hearty pub classics in Nottingham’s city centre.
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.
Kushi-ya
0.4 km
Discover Nottingham’s hidden gem for authentic Japanese kushiyaki skewers and inventive small plates in a stylish, modern setting.
Sans Patrie
0.4 km
Discover Nottingham’s Sans Patrie, where inventive tasting menus meet artistic presentation in a relaxed, inclusive fine dining setting.
Corinthian Restaurant
0.4 km
Elegant Modern British dining in a historic Masonic Hall, offering refined dishes and exceptional value in Nottingham’s city centre.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Happy Sunday Vintage & Antiques
0.3 km
A joyful vintage boutique in Nottingham offering bold fashion, unique antiques, and a welcoming atmosphere for vintage lovers.
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.
ChicChoiceHub
0.4 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
0.4 km
Curated fashion finds on Nottingham's historic Standard Hill—unique clothing blending trends, quality, and local flair for effortless style.
The Bead Shop (Nottingham) Limited
0.4 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.
Shop Zero
0.4 km
Nottingham’s zero-waste shop championing sustainable living with refillables, reusable goods, and community-driven eco-consciousness.
White Rose Nottingham WR6
0.5 km
Discover thoughtfully curated vintage and recycled fashion at White Rose Nottingham WR6, where style meets sustainability in the city’s historic heart.
Handmade Nottingham
0.6 km
Discover unique handmade treasures from UK designers in Nottingham’s vibrant gift shop at 8 King's Walk.
Parallel Universe
0.6 km
Discover Nottingham’s vibrant retro collectibles shop filled with vintage games, toys, comics, and nostalgic treasures in a quirky, welcoming setting.
Primark
0.6 km
Explore vast, affordable fashion and home goods at Primark Nottingham, a lively city centre store with accessibility and style for all.
Vivienne Westwood
0.6 km
Discover bold British fashion and iconic accessories at Vivienne Westwood’s Nottingham boutique in historic Flying Horse Walk.
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.
Bubble Vintage
0.7 km
Discover timeless style and sustainable fashion treasures at Bubble Vintage, Nottingham’s vibrant vintage clothing shop in The Exchange.
Urban Outfitters
0.7 km
Eclectic fashion, vintage finds, and creative homewares in Nottingham's vibrant shopping heart.
Relic x Hooked Nottingham
0.7 km
Discover eclectic vintage fashion and unique style treasures in Nottingham’s edgy and vibrant Relic x Hooked store.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Tap & Tumbler
0.3 km
Nottingham’s legendary rock pub with live music, real ales, and a quirky, welcoming atmosphere in the city’s cultural heart.
Bunk
0.4 km
Quirky basement cocktail bar serving bold wings and inventive drinks in Nottingham's electric city center hideaway.
Six Richmond House
0.4 km
Elegant cocktails and modern British dining blend seamlessly in Nottingham’s intimate and stylish Six Richmond House.
Cucamara
0.4 km
Lively late-night cocktail bar in Nottingham’s Hurts Yard, blending vibrant atmosphere with creative drinks and social energy.
400 Rabbits
0.4 km
Intimate Hurts Yard cocktail bar specialising in tequila and mezcal cocktails with a theatrical, cosy atmosphere.
The Stage Pub Nottingham
0.4 km
Traditional Nottingham pub with live music, cosy nooks, and late-night vibes near Theatre Royal – perfect for drinks, dancing, and city-centre camaraderie.
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.
Slug & Lettuce - Market Square Nottingham
0.4 km
Vibrant cocktail bar and restaurant in Nottingham’s Market Square, known for lively atmosphere, diverse menu, and all-day 2-4-1 cocktails.
Crafty Crow
0.4 km
A vibrant Nottingham pub offering innovative vegetarian dishes and a diverse craft beer selection near the historic Castle.
Revolución de Cuba Nottingham
0.4 km
Experience the vibrant spirit of Havana with authentic Cuban cuisine, cocktails, and live Latin music in the heart of Nottingham.
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.
The Bierkeller Nottingham
0.5 km
Experience lively Bavarian beer hall vibes with authentic brews, live Oompah bands, and festive fun in Nottingham’s city centre.
Ye Olde Salutation Inn
0.5 km
Step into Nottingham’s oldest pub, where medieval history meets lively rock vibes and ghostly legends in a welcoming atmosphere.
The Alchemist Nottingham
0.5 km
Ignite your senses in Nottingham's alchemical lair, where molecular cocktails erupt in spectacle and inventive dishes fuel unforgettable nights on King Street.
Slug & Lettuce - Cornerhouse Nottingham
0.5 km
A lively cocktail bar and restaurant in Nottingham’s Cornerhouse, blending classic British dishes with vibrant social energy and modern style.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
CRISIS
0.3 km
Experience Nottingham’s legendary live music and nightlife at Rock City, a vibrant venue with a rich history and dynamic club nights.
Rock City
0.3 km
Experience Nottingham’s iconic live music and nightclub venue, where legendary acts and vibrant club nights come alive in an intimate, energetic setting.
Rescue Rooms
0.4 km
Nottingham's intimate live music powerhouse: raw gigs, electric crowds, and beats till 3am in a historic nook.
Tunnel Club
0.4 km
Loud. Intimate. Disruptive. Dive into Nottingham's raw underground beats at this city-center nightclub powerhouse.
VIBES NIGHTLIFE
0.4 km
Dive into Nottingham's pulsating party hub where weekend beats, neon lights, and vibrant crowds fuel epic nights until 2am—pure vibes unleashed.
Stealth
0.4 km
Nottingham's drum and bass dynamo: world-ranked beats, epic nights, and unrelenting energy since 2004 in the heart of Goldsmith Street.
ICON
0.4 km
A compact, DJ-driven late-night club on St James’s Street — small footprint, high-energy nights and a tight city-centre atmosphere.
Unit 13
0.5 km
Dive into Nottingham's underground bassline haven at Unit 13, where industrial beats and stellar DJs fuel unforgettable warehouse raves.
Love zoo
0.5 km
Dive into Nottingham's electrifying beats at Love Zoo, where house rhythms, dazzling lights, and cocktail-fueled nights create pure nightlife magic on Weekday Cross.
Popworld - Nottingham
0.7 km
A neon-soaked, singalong pop-club in Nottingham city centre — colourful cocktails, nostalgic anthems and compact dancefloor energy.
Ocean Nightclub
0.8 km
Unpretentious beats and dazzling lights fuel all-night dances at Nottingham's go-to multi-room nightclub on Greyfriar Gate.
The Bodega Nottingham
0.8 km
Intimate two-level live-music bar and late-night club on Pelham Street — gritty, affordable and centred on close-up gigs and local sounds.
Tantra Night Clubs
0.8 km
Dive into Nottingham's electric nightlife at Tantra Night Clubs, where pulsating beats, dazzling lights, and stylish vibes create unforgettable nights of dance and discovery in the city center.
The Cell
0.8 km
Dive into Nottingham's pulsing heart at The Cell, where affordable drinks, diverse beats, and Hockley's electric vibe fuel unforgettable nights of dance and discovery.
Revolution Nottingham - Hockley
0.9 km
Discover the lively Revolution Nottingham - Hockley, where craft cocktails and delicious food create unforgettable moments in a chic atmosphere.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Romantic
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Spiritual / Energy Spot
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Gothic Revival
- Historic
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Sacred Sites
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Skyline
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Architectural Shots
- Photo Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Spiritual / Energy Spot
- Cultural Heritage
- Myth & Legends
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
