Nottingham 3-Day Itinerary

A day-by-day plan for Nottingham: the best attractions in order, where to eat, how to get around — with free hotel briefings for your stay.

Day 1

Arrive & Explore the Highlights

Morning
Robin Hood Statue

Bronze statue of the legendary outlaw near Nottingham Castle. Most people grab a photo with the bow and arrow.

🕐 24/7

Free entry

💡 Visit early morning to avoid queues for photos. The arrow has been polished to a shine by tourists rubbing it for luck.

Hotels near Robin Hood Statue →
Afternoon
Nottingham Contemporary

Large modern art gallery in the Lace Market, with rotating exhibitions of international artists. The building itself is a glass and concrete showpiece.

🕐 Tue-Sat 10:00-18:00, Sun 11:00-16:00

Free entry

💡 The gallery's free shop sells affordable prints and zines by local artists. Third Thursday of each month has extended hours and a live DJ.

Hotels near Nottingham Contemporary →
Evening
Where to eat

Rose & Crown · ££

The Castle · ££

Day 2

Deeper Into Nottingham

Morning
Nottingham Council House

Grade II listed domed building at the city centre square. Walk inside to see the marble floors, grand staircase and the Lord Mayor's parlour (check if open).

🕐 Mon-Sat 09:00-17:00

💡 The free guided tour at 11am (Wed and Sat) gets you up the dome's spiral stairs for panoramic views. Book at the tourist desk in the foyer.

Midday
Wollaton Hall & Deer Park

Elizabethan mansion set in 500 acres of parkland, with a herd of fallow deer. The hall's interior is free to explore (used as Wayne Manor in The Dark Knight Rises).

🕐 Park: daily 08:00-dusk; Hall: Tue-Sun 11:00-16:00

💡 The deer are most active at dusk. Bring binoculars – they're often near the lake. The café does a decent tea at £2.50.

Evening
Dining tonight

The Lord Nelson

Slug & Lettuce

Day 3

Final Favourites & Departure

Morning
Galleries of Justice Museum

18th-century courthouse and prison on the Lace Market. Exhibits on crime, punishment, and the city's grim past. Entry is free on the first Thursday of each mont

💡 The audio guide is worth the £2 extra. Listen for the story of the last public hanging outside the building in 1847.

Final meal

Coates Cafe

Tikhana Cafe

Getting Around Nottingham

Nottingham Express Transit (NET) From £1.60 15 min

Excellent local transit. Hotel is walking distance to Nottingham Station tram stop. Day ticket £4.50 offers great value.

East Midlands Airport Train Link From £10-15 30 min

Most economical option. From Nottingham Station, walk 8 minutes to hotel or catch tram/bus.

East Midlands Airport Taxi Service From £45-65 45 min

Book in advance through hotel concierge for guaranteed rates. Approximately 23 miles from airport.

Nottingham City Transport & Skylink From £5-12 60 min

Skylink 900 runs directly from airport. Budget option for airport transfers and city exploration. Real-time tracking available via app.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 3 days enough for Nottingham?

Three days covers the main highlights well. You can see the key attractions like Robin Hood Statue and get a genuine feel for the city. For a more leisurely pace or to explore neighbourhoods in depth, a 5-day trip is better.

What is the best time to visit Nottingham?

See our full best time to visit Nottingham guide — it covers weather month by month, peak vs. shoulder seasons and how to avoid the crowds.

Where should I stay for this itinerary?

A central location saves transit time between sites. Top options include Travelodge Nottingham Central, DoubleTree by Hilton Nottingham, Hilton Nottingham. See the full ranked list with free briefings for each.