Things to do > Heritage & history > Castles & museums

Nottingham Castle
Commissioned by the Duke of Newcastle, this magnificent 17th century ducal mansion was built on the Castle Rock. Perched high above the city, it provides spectacular views across the city and surrounding countryside.

The site on which the castle is constructed is rich in historical importance. William the Conqueror built a wooden castle on the site in 1067, which was later rebuilt in stone by Henry II as the main royal fortress in the Midlands. The 16th century was a time of neglect for the castle, leading to its ruin. King James I sold the castle in 1622 to the Earl of Rutland who stripped it of all valuable materials, such as lead and stone. In 1642, King Charles I raised his royal standard just outside the castle, and so began the Civil War. After the Civil War in 1651, the castle was demolished and rebuilt in 1679 by the first Duke of Newcastle. Gutted by fire in an attack by reform bill rioters in 1831, it was restored and opened as the first municipal museum and art gallery outside London in 1878.

0Today, the castle is a vibrant museum and art gallery which attracts national and international visitors. The galleries house historical and contemporary collections of silver, glass, ceramics and fine art. A temporary exhibitions programme brings some of the best regional, national and international artists work to the city.

Set in beautiful Victorian gardens, with a bandstand, floral displays and many native wild flowers, it is possible to still see some of the old castle ruins in the grounds. Underneath the castle are many man-made caves and tunnels, some of which date back to medieval times. Visitors can also take a guided tour into the caves and see King David’s dungeon and the old wine cellar. The annual Robin Hood Pageant takes place in the castle grounds.

Wollaton Hall & Park
Set within five hundred acres of historical deer park, Wollaton Hall is one of the finest Elizabethan houses in England. A grade I listed building, the hall was built in 1588 and designed by Robert Smythson in the English Renaissance style. It was repaired and remodelled in 1801 by Sir Jeffrey Wyatt who, in 1822, also designed the grade II listed Camellia House which is set within the grounds.

Wollaton Hall is now home to a natural history museum: an educational delight for children and adults alike. The 18th century stable block in the grounds has been converted into a visitor centre and gallery. Meanwhile, the nationally acclaimed Yard Gallery is an exciting exhibition space hosting a changing programme of visual arts exhibitions exploring art, science and the environment.

The historic deer park is home to a rich diversity of habitats and species with herds of red and fallow deer roaming wild. The extensive parklands include a large lake, formal flower gardens, a green wood mobility walk, a sensory garden designed for people with visual impairments and the Wollaton trail. In addition, a variety of events are held throughout the year ranging from outdoor pop concerts to artists’ talks at the Yard Gallery, bat walks, ‘have a go’ workshops and seasonal family events.

The Museum of Nottingham Life at Brewhouse Yard
The Museum of Nottingham Life is housed in a group of five restored 17th century cottages nestled in the rock beneath Nottingham Castle. It offers tourists a tantalising ‘time travel’ experience, with a realistic glimpse of everyday domestic and working life in Nottingham during the past 300 years.

Visitors can experience living in a Victorian home and visiting numerous shops including an Edwardian grocers and a Victorian chemist. A 1920s shopping experience is recreated in a row of shops including a barbers, pawn shop, doctors, ironmongers, music shop and cobblers. The museum also recreates the experiences of Nottingham residents of World War II in the air raid shelter built in the caves under the site. The old school room transports visitors back to school in Edwardian times.

A variety of events are held here throughout the year, ranging from reminiscence sessions, 1940s extravaganzas, ‘have a go’ workshops and seasonal family events.

Newark Castle
Newark Castle remains, without doubt, the most significant landmark in the town. Built in 1133 by Alexander, Bishop of Lincoln, it remained a seat of the Bishops of Lincoln until 1547 when King Henry VIII took it for the Crown. During the Civil War, the castle became an important Royalist garrison, holding out against three long sieges in 1643, 1644 and 1646. On May 5, 1646 King Charles I was captured at nearby Southwell and ordered Newark to surrender. The Parliamentarians subsequently destroyed the castle. The majority of the castle we know today was built by Alexander the Magnificent, the Bishop of Lincoln and the Lord of the Manor of Newark in the early 12th century. The curtain wall that runs alongside the River Trent was rebuilt in the 14th century and remains today.

In 1887, the grounds were landscaped and the ruins became renowned as a romantic backdrop. In recent years, summer digs have unearthed Saxon remains, including pottery fragments and animal bones. A Saxon cemetery has also been uncovered, helping archaeologists and historians to learn more about the compelling story of Newark’s origins.

Galleries of Justice Museum

Based at Nottingham's old courthouse and gaol, you will be delving in to the dark and disturbing past of crime and punishment at the Galleries of Justice Museum. Travel back in time to the days when Nottingham Shire Hall was the only place in the UK where you could be tried, incarcerated and hanged on the front steps, all in the name of justice.

Belvoir Castle

The family home of the 11th Duke and Duchess of Rutland. The present castle is the fourth to have stood on the site since Norman times the existing Castle was completed in the early 19 century after previuos buildings suffered destruction after the War of the Roses. From the elegance of the Elizabeth Saloon and the majesty of the State Dining Room to the delights of the Regents Gallery and the military splendour of the Guards Room, Belvoir possesses some of the most stunning interiors of this period.   

If you're staying over in the city then check out our list of approved Nottingham hotels. Nottinghamshire and Sherwood Forest are great options for UK family holidays and our Robin Hood breaks website has everything you need. For that home away from home try our range of Nottingham bed and breakfasts (B&Bs) or our approved Nottingham holiday cottages.

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