Nottingham Cultural Trails
Head to some of Nottinghamshire’s excellent indoor cultural attractions and open your mind to enthralling experiences. Browse through the list of cultural trails on this page for a flavour of what Nottingham has to offer when it comes to arts and culture. If you’re viewing this page on your mobile, you’ll find the trails below and if you’re on your desktop they are located on the right-hand side of this page.
The Time to Connect Art Trail
The new Time to Connect trail features a series of six artworks created and installed by artist and sculptor Chris Campbell based at the sites of Papplewick Pumping Station, Newstead Abbey, RSPB Sherwood Forest, Rufford Abbey, Vicar Water Country Park and Bestwood Country Park.
Visual artists Mandy Keating, Tracey Meek and Chris Campbell teamed up with local groups and schoolchildren to create drawings inspired by Nottinghamshire’s heritage and landscapes, and the artwork from those workshops has been used by Chris in his designs for the sculptures. Each sculpture on the trail invites you to Take ‘Time to Connect’ with this place and with each other.
Inspire: Culture, Learning, Libraries collaborated with Landscape Partnership Scheme Miner2Major and British portrait Photographer Alistair Morrison on the project, connecting with local artists, venues and community groups to help leave a legacy of artworks in key locations across Sherwood Forest! The trail is also part of a wider national project led by Alistair Morrison, 'Time to Connect'.
You can pick up a copy of the Time to Connect Art Trail at Inspire libraries, all six artwork sites and Nottingham Tourism Centre now!
The Nottingham Trail
Walk this fun trail around some of Nottingham's most iconic landmarks. The tour should take around one to two hours to walk, depending on your pace and will introduce you to some of the most notorious, fun, and fascinating parts of Nottingham City Centre. Expect to see castles and caves, pubs and prisons and mirrors and masterpieces.
The Nottingham Art Map
Nottingham is a diverse and hugely creative city with a rich cultural heritage. Nottingham Art Map represents just some of the expansive artistic activity on offer. Click here to view the map.
Literary Tours
If ever there was a place that has a story to tell, Nottinghamshire is it. Our stories by rebel authors and lovelorn poets have been intriguing visitors for many years. Today Nottingham is a UNESCO City of Literature, recognising not only the astonishing impact these writers have made to the literary world, but also celebrating its appeal to visitors from across the globe.
For literary fans, there are family friendly tours of the D.H. Lawrence Birthplace Museum where you can find out about the inspiration behind one of the 20th century’s most controversial novelists. It also provides an excellent insight into the lives of Victorian mining families.
Click here for more information about Literary Tours and Trails in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.
More Tours and Trails
Nottingham Contemporary, one of the largest galleries of contemporary art in the UK, is a perfect place to visit because the art isn’t just about paintings. The gallery is free to visit, and regularly hosts changing exhibitions that showcase incredible international art. They often host guided tours of their exhibitions - visit their website to find any upcoming tours.
Also, don't forget that there are exceptional events taking place throughout the year to keep you entertained. Check out our What’s On guide to find out more.