Free Nottinghamshire Travel Guide & Mobile App

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Nottinghamshire
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Explore Nottinghamshire for Sherwood Forest, historic Newark, Southwell Minster, country estates, industrial heritage and the cultural energy of Nottingham.

The county's food and drink reflect both agricultural surroundings and urban innovation. Local specialities and produce include Bramley apples, first cultivated in Southwell, while Stilton cheese is traditionally produced in Nottinghamshire as well as in neighbouring counties under its protected designation. Pubs, breweries, farm shops, market stalls and contemporary kitchens form the practical expression of this food culture. Nottinghamshire is also well suited to active travel, with canal towpaths, country-park walks, cycling routes and accessible heritage sites that reveal the relationship between its forests, waterways, estates and industrial towns.

When is the best time to visit Nottinghamshire?

Best: June–August · 21–23°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January750
February840
March1045
April1350
May1755
June (best)2160
July (best)2360
August (best)2260
September1955
October1550
November955
December755

Getting to and around Nottinghamshire

How to get there

Nottingham station is the principal rail gateway, with direct services connecting the city with London, Sheffield, Leeds, Birmingham, Leicester and other major centres. Newark has two useful stations: Newark North Gate on the East Coast Main Line and Newark Castle on the local network, while Worksop is served by regional trains. By road, the M1 provides access from the south and north, with the A1 and A46 important for Newark and eastern Nottinghamshire. East Midlands Airport is outside Nottinghamshire in Leicestershire but commonly serves the county; Birmingham and London airports provide further international options.

Transportation

Nottingham has an integrated urban transport network including trams, buses and trains, and its centre is reasonably compact on foot. Local rail is useful for journeys between Nottingham, Newark, Mansfield and Worksop, although services do not reach every rural attraction. Buses connect many market towns, but routes and frequencies can be limited in the countryside, particularly in the evening. A car is convenient for Sherwood Country Park, Clumber Park, the Dukeries and dispersed villages, while canal towpaths, signed paths and cycle routes offer slower alternatives around Nottingham and the Trent valley.

Top city travel guides in Nottinghamshire

The cities of Nottinghamshire, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Best attractions in Nottinghamshire

Nottinghamshire's attractions range from an urban cultural circuit to broad country parks and carefully preserved historic estates. Nottingham offers the City of Caves, Nottingham Castle, the Lace Market, the National Justice Museum and major theatres and galleries, while its canal-side and riverside areas provide a different view of the city. Sherwood Country Park is the county's best-known outdoor destination, with woodland walks, heathland and the Major Oak connected with the Robin Hood tradition. North Nottinghamshire adds Clumber Park, the Dukeries estates and the archaeological landscape of Creswell Crags. Newark combines castle remains, museums, markets and riverside walks, while Southwell brings together its minster, historic streets and rural setting. Elsewhere, former mining districts, canals, gardens and village churches reveal the county's industrial and agricultural past. The attractions are spread across distinct landscapes, so a varied itinerary is easier with several bases or a car for rural days.

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Best landmarks in Nottinghamshire

Nottingham Castle occupies the city's historic sandstone ridge, where its medieval predecessor once controlled routes across the Midlands; the present complex reflects later rebuilding and changing civic use. Beneath the same ridge, Nottingham's sandstone caves form an unusual underground landmark created by generations of excavation and adaptation. Southwell Minster is one of the county's most important architectural monuments, combining a Norman nave with celebrated medieval stone carving in its chapter house, while the surrounding town retains a coherent historic character. Newark Castle, standing beside the River Trent, is a powerful reminder of the town's strategic role and its sieges during the English Civil War. In the Sherwood landscape, the Major Oak is a natural and cultural landmark linked to the Robin Hood tradition, though its significance also lies in its age and survival within a transformed forest. Clumber Park's historic parkland and lake, the country houses of the Dukeries and the caves of Creswell Crags add further landmarks that express Nottinghamshire's connections with estates, archaeology, woodland and water.

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Explore Nottinghamshire on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top cities, national parks and sights are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Nottinghamshire

Nottingham has the county's broadest dining scene, with independent cafés, modern British cooking, international restaurants, gastropubs and food stalls reflecting its large student and professional population. In market towns such as Newark, Southwell, Mansfield and Worksop, eating tends to centre on cafés, traditional pubs, bakeries and contemporary restaurants serving familiar British dishes alongside global influences. Local food associations include Bramley apples from the Southwell area, regional pork and game, farm produce and Stilton cheese, which is produced in Nottinghamshire as well as neighbouring counties under its protected designation. Farm shops and farmers' markets are useful places to find seasonal produce, preserves, cakes and local beers. Country estates and village inns often provide relaxed daytime dining, while Nottingham offers the greatest choice for vegetarian, vegan and international food. Menus change seasonally, so regional character is often found in the ingredients and suppliers rather than in one fixed county cuisine.

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Best bars in Nottinghamshire

Nottingham has the county's most extensive evening scene, extending from traditional pubs and historic inns around the centre to cocktail bars, live music venues, late-night cafés and clubs serving the student and wider city population. The Lace Market and Hockley areas contain a concentration of bars and restaurants, although individual businesses and opening arrangements change over time. Theatres, concert venues and comedy programmes provide alternatives to clubbing, while the city also has a strong craft-beer tradition and a selection of breweries and taprooms. Newark, Mansfield, Worksop and Southwell offer smaller evening scenes built mainly around pubs, restaurants, local music and occasional events rather than large numbers of nightclubs. In rural Nottinghamshire, evenings are generally centred on village pubs, dining rooms and seasonal gatherings, so check transport options before staying outside the main towns.

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Best nightclubs in Nottinghamshire

Nottingham has the county's most extensive evening scene, extending from traditional pubs and historic inns around the centre to cocktail bars, live music venues, late-night cafés and clubs serving the student and wider city population. The Lace Market and Hockley areas contain a concentration of bars and restaurants, although individual businesses and opening arrangements change over time. Theatres, concert venues and comedy programmes provide alternatives to clubbing, while the city also has a strong craft-beer tradition and a selection of breweries and taprooms. Newark, Mansfield, Worksop and Southwell offer smaller evening scenes built mainly around pubs, restaurants, local music and occasional events rather than large numbers of nightclubs. In rural Nottinghamshire, evenings are generally centred on village pubs, dining rooms and seasonal gatherings, so check transport options before staying outside the main towns.

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Best shops in Nottinghamshire

Nottingham provides the county's largest concentration of shopping, from the pedestrianised city centre and major retail streets to independent boutiques, bookshops, food retailers and creative businesses in Hockley and the Lace Market. The city is also a useful place to look for Nottingham-made lace, locally produced beer, regional foods and design-led gifts, although the provenance of products should be checked rather than assumed from a name. Newark's market tradition and historic centre support independent shops, antiques, collectables, cafés and specialist food retailers, while Southwell offers smaller galleries, delis, craft shops and high-street businesses around its minster. Mansfield and Worksop serve as practical shopping centres for their surrounding districts, with regular retail and market activity. In villages and rural areas, farm shops are often the best source of Bramley apple products, preserves, cheese, bread and seasonal produce.

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Nottinghamshire essentials

Currency and Payment
Nottinghamshire uses the pound sterling, with the currency code GBP, as part of the United Kingdom. Debit and credit cards, mobile wallets and contactless payments are widely accepted in Nottingham, larger towns, heritage attractions and most accommodation. Carry some cash for smaller market stalls, occasional rural cafés, car parks or community events, since acceptance can be less consistent outside the main urban areas. Banks and cash machines are more readily available in Nottingham, Newark, Mansfield, Worksop and Southwell than in small villages.
Safety
Normal urban precautions are sensible in Nottingham, particularly around busy transport areas and at night; keep valuables secure and remain aware of belongings in crowded places. In the countryside, follow marked paths, check weather conditions and take care near ponds, rivers, uneven ground and woodland roots. Drivers should expect narrow lanes, cyclists, agricultural vehicles and changing conditions on rural roads. Country parks can be extensive, so download or carry route information and avoid entering closed woodland or estate areas. The county's waterways and the River Trent should be treated with caution, especially after heavy rain.
Emergency Situations
Throughout Nottinghamshire, call 999 or 112 for police, fire, ambulance or other immediate emergencies. Give a precise location, particularly when walking in Sherwood, Clumber Park, the Trent valley or other rural areas where a road name may not be available; a what3words reference can assist if you have it, but use the emergency operator's instructions. For urgent but non-life-threatening medical advice, NHS 111 is the appropriate national service. Do not enter water to assist someone in difficulty; call the emergency services and follow their directions.
Do's and Don'ts
Do queue patiently, keep noise down on public transport and ask permission before photographing people, private homes or community events. In churches, cathedrals and historic houses, follow signs about photography, clothing and restricted areas. Do keep dogs under control, close gates and respect posted instructions on farmland, parkland and forest paths. Do not climb on historic ruins, ancient trees or archaeological features, and do not remove stones, plants or artefacts. Tipping is discretionary in Britain but is customary for good restaurant service; check whether a service charge has already been added.
Local Tips
Nottingham's centre is best explored on foot, but the city has steep sections and streets built over sandstone caves, so allow time for slower walking. Southwell makes a rewarding stop between Nottingham and Newark, particularly for its minster and historic streets. The countryside around Sherwood and the Dukeries is more dispersed than maps may suggest, so group nearby estates and parks into one outing. Look for Bramley apple products around Southwell and regional cheeses and beers in farm shops, markets and independent food retailers rather than assuming every traditional product is made in the town after which it is named.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloAye up[Aye up]
GoodbyeTa-ra[Tar-rah]
YesYeh[Yeh]
NoNah[Nah]
Please/You're welcomePlease[Pleez]
Thank youCheers[Cheerz]
Excuse me/SorrySorry[Sor-ree]
How are you?Ow do?[Ow do?]
Fine. And you?Reet. An you?[Reet. An you?]
Do you speak English?D'ya speak English?[D'ya speak English?]
I don't understandI don't get it[I don't get it]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I see the menu, please?[Can I see the menu, pleez?]
I don't eat meatI don't eat meat[I don't eat meat]
Cheers!Cheers![Cheerz!]
I would like to pay, pleaseCan I pay, please?[Can I pay, pleez?]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Help![Help!]
Go away!Clear off![Clear off!]
Call the Police!Ring the Police![Ring the Police!]
Call a doctor!Get a doctor![Get a doctor!]
I'm lostI'm lost[I'm lost]
I'm illI'm poorly[I'm poorly]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Can I buy...[Can I buy...]
I'm just lookingJust having a look[Just having a look]
How much is it?How much's that?[How much's that?]
That's too expensiveThat's a bit steep[That's a bit steep]
Can you lower the price?Can ya knock it down?[Can ya knock it down?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?What time is it?[What time is it?]
It's one o'clockIt's one o'clock[It's one o'clock]
Half past (10)Half ten[Half ten]
MorningMorning[Morning]
AfternoonAfternoon[Afternoon]
EveningEvening[Evening]
YesterdayYesterday[Yesterday]
TodayToday[Today]
TomorrowTomorrow[Tomorrow]
1One[One]
2Two[Two]
3Three[Three]
4Four[Four]
5Five[Five]
6Six[Six]
7Seven[Seven]
8Eight[Eight]
9Nine[Nine]
10Ten[Ten]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Where's a...?[Where's a...?]
What's the address?What's the address?[What's the address?]
Can you show me (on the map)?Can ya show me on the map?[Can ya show me on the map?]
When's the next (bus)?When's the next bus?[When's the next bus?]
A ticket (to ....)A ticket to...[A ticket to...]

History of Nottinghamshire

Prehistoric Occupation at Creswell Crags

The limestone gorge of Creswell Crags, on Nottinghamshire's northern boundary, contains caves and rock shelters used by prehistoric people during the last Ice Age. Engravings, worked flint and animal remains provide evidence of late Palaeolithic activity, while later occupation shows that the site remained significant over a long period. The gorge lies close to the Derbyshire border, and its archaeological importance belongs to the wider limestone landscape rather than to a single modern settlement. Today, its caves, museum interpretation and walks provide an unusually direct connection with some of Britain's earliest known artistic and hunting communities.

Roman Roads and Kingdoms of Early England

Roman influence reached the area through roads, settlements and military communications linking the Trent valley with other parts of Britain. The river crossing at what is now Nottingham and the surrounding agricultural landscape helped support movement and trade, although Nottinghamshire was not one of Roman Britain's most heavily urbanised regions. After the Roman withdrawal, the territory became part of the changing political world of Mercia and later the Danelaw. Place names, settlement patterns and routes around the Trent and northern market towns still reflect the layered development of early English and Scandinavian communities.

Nottingham Castle and the Medieval County

After the Norman Conquest, Nottingham became a strategically important royal settlement on its sandstone ridge. A castle was established above the town, while the surrounding forest and agricultural estates supported royal administration and local trade. Nottingham's position between northern and southern England helped it grow as a market and manufacturing centre. The medieval town also developed an extensive system of caves cut into the soft sandstone beneath the streets, used for storage, industry and domestic purposes. Although the present castle buildings are later than the medieval stronghold, the site remains central to the city's historical geography.

Sherwood Forest and the Robin Hood Tradition

Sherwood was a royal forest rather than an unbroken wilderness, managed for hunting, timber, grazing and other resources under medieval forest law. Its legal boundaries changed over time, and much of the original woodland was later divided or cleared. The figure of Robin Hood became associated with the forest through medieval ballads and later literature, but the exact historical identity of Robin Hood remains uncertain. The legend has had a lasting influence on Nottinghamshire's cultural identity, while surviving woodland, ancient oaks and place names preserve more tangible evidence of the county's former forest landscape.

Newark and the English Civil War

Newark was a strategically important garrison town during the English Civil War because of its position near the River Trent and major routes through the Midlands. Its castle and earthwork defences supported the Royalist cause, and the town endured several sieges before the Royalist surrender in 1646. The conflict left a visible legacy in Newark's castle ruins, church architecture and surviving defensive features. The town's position also illustrates how river crossings, roads and fortified settlements shaped military strategy in seventeenth-century England.

Lace, Hosiery and Nottingham's Industrial Growth

From the eighteenth century, Nottingham became one of Britain's most important centres for framework knitting, lace making and hosiery. Mechanisation transformed production, bringing workshops and factories into the expanding town and later city. The Lace Market's warehouses and associated streets reflect the nineteenth-century phase of this industry, when Nottingham-made lace was sold in national and international markets. Industrial growth also brought dense housing, new transport links and social change. Although textile production has declined substantially, the buildings, museums and creative businesses of the Lace Market continue to express this industrial inheritance.

Coal Mining and the Nottinghamshire Coalfield

Coal mining reshaped much of western and northern Nottinghamshire from the nineteenth century into the late twentieth century. Collieries, railways, workers' settlements and mining communities expanded across the coalfield, providing employment and fuelling industries beyond the county. The closure of most pits brought major economic and social change, but mining remains part of local memory and landscape identity. Former industrial sites, community traditions and museums elsewhere in the East Midlands help place Nottinghamshire's mining story within the broader history of British energy, labour and deindustrialisation.

Modern Nottinghamshire and Regional Transformation

During the twentieth and early twenty-first centuries, Nottinghamshire developed from a county shaped by textiles, coal and agriculture into a more diversified regional economy. Nottingham expanded as a centre for education, healthcare, retail, culture and services, while market towns and former mining districts adapted to changing employment patterns. Improved roads, railways and restored heritage sites strengthened tourism, and the county's forests, estates and historic towns gained renewed importance as recreational landscapes. This modern combination of urban culture, industrial memory and managed countryside defines much of Nottinghamshire today.

Nottinghamshire in Photos

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Neighbouring regions of Nottinghamshire

The closest regions to Nottinghamshire, if you have time for more than one.

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Nottinghamshire

Discover the best of Nottinghamshire with Evendo, a 100% free app-based travel guide covering attractions, landmarks, restaurants, hotels, tours, and more.

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, restaurants, hotels, tours, and activities.
  • Rich set of images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details for each location.
  • Easy booking for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences directly within the app.
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More about the Evendo app

Explore Nottinghamshire like never before with Evendo! Our free app offers comprehensive guides on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, restaurants, and more. Download now and start your adventure!

  • Comprehensive history and travel essentials for Nottinghamshire.
  • User-friendly navigation with a 'Near me' feature to find nearby attractions.
  • Curated local tips to help you experience Nottinghamshire like a local.
  • Completely free with no in-app purchases or additional costs.

Welcome to Evendo, your ultimate companion for exploring Nottinghamshire! Whether you're visiting the historic Nottingham Castle, taking a stroll through Sherwood Forest, or uncovering the secrets of the City of Caves, our app provides detailed information on all the must-see attractions. Discover local gems like Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, one of the oldest pubs in England, or enjoy a gourmet meal at Sat Bains, a Michelin-starred restaurant.

Evendo not only offers descriptions, images, and local tips for each location but also includes maps and contact details to make your planning seamless. With easy booking options for hotels, tours, and activities, you can organize your entire trip in one place. No more searching for tickets or figuring out how to get to your next destination; Evendo has got you covered.

Our app features a 'Near me' option to help you find nearby attractions, curated local tips to let you experience the city like a local, and travel essentials to ensure you have everything you need. Plus, with global coverage spanning over 7,000 destinations, you'll have a world of travel possibilities at your fingertips.

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