Challenge Plus
Push your limits further than ever with Go Ape's newest and most demanding high ropes adventure. Available at Cockfosters, Sherwood Pines and Thetford.
- 2 - 3 hours
- £40
_9375.jpg?w=35&h=50)
.jpg?w=35&h=50)
.png?w=35&h=50)
The Best Things to Do Near Nottingham
Last updated: 23/05/2024
Nottingham and its surrounding areas are brimming with a variety of fun things to do. From adrenaline-pumping adventures to peaceful nature escapes, historical attractions to cultural experiences, there's something for everyone.
Adventurous Things to Do Nottingham
Go Ape Sherwood
Calling all thrill-seekers and little adventurers! Go Ape Sherwood Pines offers a whopping six outdoor activities. Take on the ultimate high ropes challenge with Go Ape’s most extreme adventure, Challenge Plus, or feel the adrenaline pumping on the classic Treetop Challenge with epic zip lines reaching 20mph!
Kids can experience forest fun on Treetop Adventure or Treetop Adventure Plus, or bounce around in the canopy on our thrilling Nets Adventure. Feeling adventurous? Explore the beautiful Sherwood Pines on our all-terrain Forest Segways! Decisions, decisions – there’s so much fun to be had!
Attenborough Nature Reserve
A haven for wildlife near Nottingham, Attenborough Nature Reserve was established by Sir David Attenborough in 1966 and is home to over 250 bird species.
Made up of 226 hectares of lakes, wetlands, meadows, and woodland, it is one of the best places to see the kingfisher in the UK and other rare wildlife like otters and bitterns. The reserve is a visitor favourite with a network of trails, bird hides, and a visitor centre with a cafe.
City of Caves
Beneath the bustling streets of Nottingham lies the UK’s largest network of caves, a subterranean system of more than 800 man-made sandstone caves. Throughout Nottingham’s long history, the caves have been used as medieval tanneries, WWII air raid shelters and much more. A popular tourist attraction, visitors can explore the City of Caves and discover Nottingham’s hidden past.
Natural Places to Visit Nottingham
Sherwood Forest
Home of the legendry Robin Hood, Sherwood Forest is a magical day out – and home to Go Ape Sherwood. Steeped in legend, Sherwood Forest is an ancient royal hunting ground, which is home to hundreds of species of animals and plants.
The majestic oaks conjure up visions of Robin Hood and his Merry Men, who famously roamed these woods. With plenty of walking trails for different ages and abilities, visitors can explore lush woodlands, meadows and heathland in this national nature reserve. There are also many seasonal and cultural events throughout the year.
Did you know the ancient Major Oak is over 800 years old!
Wollaton Hall and Park
Wollaton Hall and Park is a spectacular Elizabethan mansion in the suburbs of Nottingham, which houses one of the largest natural history museums in the area. Explore 500 acres of beautiful parkland with deer, formal gardens, and play areas. Woollaton Hall frequently hosts events for visitors from ghost nights to costumed tours and puppet shows!
Highfields Park
Sprawling over 121 acres, Highfields Park offers a scenic escape in the heart of Nottingham. Owned by Nottingham City Council, visitors can roam through meadows, paddle along on the peaceful boating lake or wander amongst the trees and exotic plants.
The Peak District National Park
A short trip from Nottingham, The Peak District National Park offers breathtaking natural beauty and numerous outdoor activities. The area of the Peak District closest to Nottingham is the White Peak, known for its rolling hills, limestone dales, and charming villages. Hike scenic routes like Mam Tor with its stunning panoramic views, explore Chatsworth House, a grand stately home with stunning gardens. Take a leisurely stroll along the Tissington Trail, a former railway line converted into a traffic-free path, or delve into Peak District history at villages like Bakewell.
Historical things to do in Nottingham
Nottingham Castle
Perched atop Castle Rock, Nottingham Castle is a fascinating blend of history and heritage. Nottingham Castle is known as the centre of the fabled battles between Robin Hood and the Sherriff of Nottingham, but the buildings and grounds date far further back – over 1000 years! Step back into history as you explore the castle and grounds as well as fascinating museums and galleries. Stand where kings and queens once stood, soaking in the incredible panoramic city views.
Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem
For an immersive historical experience, stop by, Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, one of England's oldest pubs. Dating back to 1189, the pub has a charmingly wonky interior and flagstone floors you can descend into caves carved from the sandstone bedrock, rumoured to have been a medieval brewhouse. Soak up the atmosphere, perhaps even encounter one of the pub's resident ghosts (if the stories are to be believed).
Newstead Abbey
Steeped in history and literary fame, Newstead Abbey in Nottinghamshire was originally a C13th Augustinian priory and became the ancestral home of poet Lord Byron. Explore the grand house, including Victorian room settings and Byron's personal apartments. Wander through beautiful gardens and parkland, with lakes, ponds, and waterfalls,
Cultural Things to Do in Nottingham
Green's Windmill and Science Centre
In the heart of Sneinton, Nottingham, Green's Windmill and Science Centre is fun and educational free attraction for the whole family. Green’s Mill is a restored and working 19th century tower windmill which was operated by the mathematical physicist George Green (1793-1841). Learn about the life and work of George Green, a mathematical genius who once owned the mill, and discover the fascinating world of science through light, electricity, and magnetism experiments.
Lace Market
Once a global hub for the lace trade, Nottingham's Lace Market is now a hive of bustling repurposed Victorian warehouses. This vibrant district, in Nottingham's centre, is a quirky square filled with architectural charm. Explore a maze of streets lined with shops, from fashion boutiques to cute craft stores.
Nottingham Playhouse
Nottingham Playhouse, is one of England’s leading producing theatres, with a diverse mix of productions throughout the year for all ages, from classic plays to family shows, and new commissions. It is famous for it’s festive pantomimes and dedicated to community outreach, making theatre accessible to all.
