10 places to discover and love about Nottingham

Everyone who lives in Nottinghamshire has got their own favourite places to go and ways of spending time. We wanted to share 10 things to discover about the city that truly make it a special place, in hopes that you'll fall in love with the city on you're next visit as much as we do. 

1. Highfields Park

Situated on the University of Nottingham's Park Campus, this oasis of peace can be enjoyed not only by the students but also by tourists and local people who wish to relax and have a picnic among the extensive greenery. Get lost in 300 acres of this landscaped setting or take in the stunning view of the lake with local ducks having the time of their lives playing in the water and marching around like they own the place. The campus has been a Civic Trust Green Flag Award winner every year since 2003 – the only university campus to achieve this status. It's a perfect place to reflect, find inner peace and relax. I love this campus very much and always take friends and family who visit to enjoy it with me.

2. Canals

I'm still discovering Nottingham's canals, a 'canal rookie' one could say, a great place to start your journey is at the Canalhouse. Nottingham's best loved canal pub - famous for having a canal that extends into the building complete with resident narrow boats allows you to sit inside the pub, or chose to make yourself comfortable at the outside tables, with a view over, you guessed right, a beautiful canal. Central to all majot canal walk/cycle routes, its a perfect place to fuel up before you're big adventure of all the beauitful scenery along the way. To check out all the routes and offerings the canal's have to offer, be sure to click here.

3. St Mary's Church

This Lace Market landmark bosts stunning architexture both in sunshine and pouring rain, perfect with the good old British weather we all deal with. Come shine, you'll find groups of people sitting on the grass around of the church, having lunch, reading, chatting and enjoying the beautiful setting but still, if the rain comes down there's still plenty to explore indooors. As you may have heard St Mary's Church was mentioned in one of the ballads of Robin Hood as a place where Robin himself clashed with the Sheriff of Nottingham and allegedly broke his sword on his helmet. Robin was then dragged to the National Justice Museum to then escape through one of the tunnels. St Mary's Church is also said to be the oldest church in the city dated back to Saxon times. It's amazing how we're surrounded by all those great stories and historical facts and we pass them by everyday without event thinking twice. Stop for a minute and appreciate St Mary's Church, it's well worth it.

4. Pitcher and Piano

 Including delicious cocktails, mocktails, teas, worldly wines and boutique beers, Pitcher and Piano has it all.Finfing its home in a striking Grade II-listed church, this stunning building is the perfect place for any occasion - whether its a delicious meal, a cheeky afterwork tipple or a meeting with those you love in life, is one of he most unique places to expierence here in city centre. 

5. Wollaton Hall

This Elizabethan mansion and surrounding deer park are one of the most famous landmark's in Nottinghamshire. If you're a first time visitor explore the National History Museum inside the manor and Nottingham Industrial Museum located in and behind the 17th century stable block. And if you're a frequent visitor or you've got more time to spare it's a perfect backdrop for a bunch of fabulous selfies. There are also deer roaming around the park so it's more than likely you'll 'bump' into one while you explore the grounds. Admission to the Hall and park is FREE.

6. Nottingham Playhouse

Photo credit David Baird

Nottingham Playhouse was founded in 1948. It welcomes over 110,000 theatre buffs through its doors each year and creates productions large and small from timeless classics and enthralling family shows to adventurous new commissions. There's always so much going on at Nottingham Playhouse it never ceases to amaze and their programme has something to suit everyone. If you're visiting Nottingham it's really worth checking their current programme, oh and take a selfie in front of the famous Sky Mirror sculpture in front of the building.

7. Stonebridge City Farm

Stonebridge City Farm offers a rural escape in the heart of Nottingham City, providing a free-entry experience that welcomes visitors every day. The farm, along with its gardens, is designed to be fully accessible, catering to individuals of all ages, including those with prams and wheelchairs. This bit of countryside goodness offers a break away from the hustle and bustle of the exciting city centre and who can say no too seeing some furry friends.

8. Caves

Nottingham sits on a system of over 800 man-made caves and some of them are available to the public. A favourite of them to visit are the ones under Nottingham's very own Victorian music hall, The Malt Cross - one of only 5 Victorian Music Halls left in the country! They often run heritage tours that will take you around the caves and tell you more about the history of this great building, so check with the team ahead of your visit. Another great caves to see are located in the Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, in fact here you don't even have to go underground - perfect for all of you who are not comfortable with confined spaces. You can enter the pub for free to look around, but I would encourage you to have a sit and order something to eat or drink from their extensive menu. Find out more about Nottingham caves or check out the cave app which will take you around city's most famous caves. 

9. 'Standing In This Place' Sculpture

Making its grand unveiling in January 2025, this powerful new sculpture stands in the newly created 'Green Heart' area in Broadmarsh. This stunning sculpture recognises the contributions of thousands of unamed and forgotten woman - especially those involved in the East Midlands' textile and lace indusrty. It's a true representation of Nottingham's industrail past and global connections celebraing the forgoten unsung hero's and it's sure to make you take a moment to reflect.

10. The accent

'Ay up me duck' you really thought we could end this blog without a sault to the good old Notts accent! This laid back friendly dialect is a unique blend of Norhern and Southern influences making it ruly unique to the region 

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~Blog written by Kinga Kapias - Marketing and Communications Manager at Visit Nottinghamshire

- Blog editied and refreshed by Georgina Richardson, Visit Nottingham marketing intern