Centrally located, Nottingham is a convenient spot for a short UK city break. With its links to a certain outlaw and the Luddite movement, it’s no wonder they call it the ‘Rebel City’.
Here’s our itinerary for spending 24 hours in Nottingham.
10:00AM: BRUNCH AT YORK
Kick off your adventures in Nottingham the right way with a hearty brunch at Yolk, washed down with lashings of coffee. A warm welcome awaits at this homely independent cafe in the bustling neighbourhood of Hockley. Choose from eggs benedict, a full English or the Cowgirl – for the uninitiated, it’s smashed avo and spiced beans on sourdough toast.
11:00AM: CULTURE AT THE LACE MARKET
Once a hub of industry, Nottingham Lace Market is now the city’s creative quarter – and home to many of its main attractions. Explore crime and punishment through the ages at the National Justice Museum. On the tour, you’ll take in a former Victorian prison, court and dungeons and hear grisly tales of true crime from centuries ago, all brought to life by a team of role-playing actors.
To experience a more modern side to the Lace Market, visit Nottingham Contemporary. This impressive gallery hosts temporary art exhibitions that will give you much food for thought.
1:00PM: MINGLING IN OLD MARKET SQUARE
The city’s focal point, Old Market Square, is the largest public plaza in the UK after London’s Trafalgar Square. It regularly plays host to markets and seasonal events, with a beach makeover in the summer and a magical Winter Wonderland during the festive season.
If it’s a nice day, you could sit out with a drink or sample some of the delicious street food available from nearby pop-ups. Alternatively, there are plenty of eateries around the square if brunch didn’t quite fill you up earlier.
2:00PM: SELFIES WITH ROBIN HOOD
No trip to Nottingham would be complete without having your photo taken with the city’s most famous son. Take a walk over to Nottingham Castle to see the statue of Robin Hood, which you’ll find just outside the gatehouse to the castle.
To find out more about the legendary outlaw, the castle itself is also worth a look, although you’ll have to pay to go in. Relive some of his daring adventures, train with Robin’s Merrie Band and experience life in medieval Nottingham through interactive gaming tables in the Rebellion Gallery.
3:30PM: SWEET TREATS AT THE PUDDING PANTRY
After all that sightseeing, a sugar rush may be required to keep you going into the afternoon. Get your fix at this irresistible cafe on Trinity Square. From loaded cheesecakes and Mississippi mud pies to decadent brownies and fluffy pancake stacks, there’s an enticing array of sweet treats to tempt you at The Pudding Panty.
4:30PM: QUICK STROLL AROUND THE ARBORETUM
Get moving again with a walk in the Arboretum. Thought to be the inspiration behind Peter Pan author JM Barrie’s Neverland, this Victorian park is a calming spot to unwind before you get ready for a big night out.
With 800 trees standing tall alongside exotic plants, water features and trails, every season offers something different.
6:30PM: DINNER AT CASA ITALIAN
For authentic Italian cuisine, Casa Italian on Upper Parliament Street is the place to go in the city. The super-chic vibe – complete with olive tree centrepiece – oozes sophistication, while the traditional menu offers plenty of favourite pasta, risotto and meat dishes. But it’s the seafood dishes that are the stars of the show, with delights including scampi ravioli and the restaurant’s signature stew made with prawns, fish, mussels and calamari. Be sure to leave room for dessert – the tiramisu and profiteroles are heavenly.
8:00PM: EVENING FUN AND GAMES AT THE CORNERHOUSE
Whether you’re looking forward to a night out at the cinema, a round of crazy golf or playing retro arcade games, The Cornerhouse is your one-stop leisure and entertainment venue. At the Lost City Adventure Golf, have fun navigating the 18-hole courses, battling thunder, snakes and crumbling walls as you go. Or give duck pin bowling, shuffleboard and ping pong a go at Roxy Ball Room.
10:00PM: NIGHTCAP AT 400 RABBITS
There’s still time for one last drink before heading back to your hotel for the night. Enjoy the finest tequila and mezcal cocktails at 400 Rabbits. You’ll love the unique atmosphere of this trendy Mexican bar with vibrant Aztec decor.
11:00PM: TIME FOR BED
When you’re ready to turn in for the night, head on back to your Best Western hotel for a well-deserved night’s rest.
We have two unique hotels in central Nottingham for you to choose from. Best Western Nottingham Plus City Centre is well placed for most of the major attractions and nightlife, while our stylish boutique base St James Hotel BW Premier Collection is in a quiet area of the city opposite the castle.
9:00AM: BREAKFAST BEFORE HEADING HOME
Your 24 hours is almost at an end – but not before you’ve filled up on breakfast in your hotel. We serve a traditional full English, but we also have a continental option if you prefer a lighter bite ahead of travelling home.
And remember, Best Western Rewards members get free breakfast* in 2025 when booking the ‘Free Breakfast’ rate! Perfect for fuelling you up for a day filled with exploring and adventure.
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*T&Cs apply. Click here for details.