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Nottingham Cultural Trails
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 including art and literary trails.
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.
The Harley Art Trail at Welbeck
This walk leads from The Courtyard at Welbeck to Creswell Crags, and features sculptures by Michelle Reader and Martin Smith.
The Cave Art to Contemporary Art Walking Trail explores the Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire countryside, taking visitors from The Harley Gallery to the neighbouring attraction, Creswell Crags. Entry is free to both venues.
You will cover 1.5 miles (2.4km) in a round trip that should take around 40 minutes. It is a dog friendly trail, meaning your four legged friends are more than welcome to join in with the fun. To help them protect wildlife, livestock, and crops, you are asked to keep them on the lead and under close control.
You can also check out the Welbeck Estate Hidden Gem Walk here.
Patchings Art Centre Artists' Trail
Patchings stands apart as an art centre. Their Artists’ Trail features 62 well known paintings encased in glass and is set along a pathway, within the beautiful scenery around Patchings. Meet and hear from five well known artists along the trail by downloading their App and watch them come to life, you can even have your photo taken with them! This trail is a great activity for the whole family, open year round and free of charge.
The 50-acre site has extensive countryside walks including the well-known lake and ‘Monet’ bridge. Over 35 years of planting has created the tranquil woodland walks through wildflower meadows and is open April to September.
Nottingham Contemporary Art Gallery
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.
Robin Hood Adventure Trail
It’s in Nottingham invites families to embark on an exciting adventure with the Robin Hood Adventure Trail. This free event encourages families to help the legendary Robin Hood find his merry friends hidden across various cultural venues in Nottingham city centre.
Pick up a trail map from any of the participating venues and explore the city to uncover the hidden characters. The adventure begins from any location, but don’t miss out on finding every character! Once all the characters are found and noted, you can head to the National Justice Museum to claim a special Robin Hood badge as a memento of your adventure.
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.
