Location: Nottingham
Top Things to do in Nottingham
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What to do and see in Nottingham, England: The Best Specialty Museums
This town in the very center of England is perhaps best known for its association with the legend of Robin Hood. The men in tights are long gone, though—today, you’ll find a modern city with a fantastic playhouse, ice hockey arena, and many, many shops and clubs.
Restaurants in Nottingham
1. William Booth Birthplace Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 62 reviews
Independent museum and historic house. Open by arrangement, generally Tuesday-Thursday, but please call or email in advance to arrange to avoid disappointment. Open other dates and times for special events.
Reviewed By I_love_Drumnadrochit - Southern Queensland, Australia
We were delighted to visit this world-class museum. Julie was so helpful, and provided many extra insights into William and Catherine Booth's lives and ministry. Her knowledge was fabulous. We were thrilled to see many precious items belonging to the Booths, and Julie even arranged a visit for us to the nearby church where William was christened.
2. The Haunted Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 78 reviews
Here at the haunted museum we house many haunted items and oddities from around the world. Join us for restricted area tours, late night paranormal investigations, horror movies in our original 1920's cinema and much more. If all that sounds a bit too scary, just come down and enjoy our tearoom within the museum, which has a five star food rating.
Reviewed By Jbwright000
Finally had the chance to visit and was not disappointed, travelled over 2 hours and was so worth it, I loved the fact we could walk around alone so we could read about each item and area at our own pace, the building itself is very eerie and the items fit in well, the chapel that holds the dybbuk box really stood out to me and I did feel a sense of somebody standing behind me, the rest of the visit was just as interesting, once we walked through the door to the main area the first thing I noticed was the architecture absolutely stunning and with it being an old cinema there is a magnificent large screen with beautiful red curtains to keep it with its time, There was so much to look at in this area everything from haunted items, oddities and horror movie props and what makes it more amazing is that some of the film props were used in the actual movies, I also love the shrunken head so interesting. The staff are so welcoming, friendly and informative And extra measures are in place for covid to keep everybody safe. I will definitely be visiting again with more friends and family. Thank you so much for all the hard work that had obviously been done to make the visit as amazing as it was.
3. Brewhouse Yard Museum
4. Framework Knitters' Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 149 reviews
A Living MuseumNottinghamshire folk have been Framework Knitting for over 400 years.Isn’t it time you joined us?Discover how the Knitters lived and workedVisit the workshops and see a Framework Knitter in actionCreate your own souvenir on a circular knitting machineExplore the garden, the wash house and other period buildingsView our historic collection of hosiery including Queen Victoria’s stockingsSee the poor living and working conditions, which gave rise to the Luddite revoltDiscover the craft, which gave birth to the Nottingham Lace IndustryVisit our Textile Emporium shop and support contemporary crafts.Relax in the museum tea-room or enjoy refreshments on the lawn.
Reviewed By MinDragon - Littlehampton, United Kingdom
This is a small but fascinating museum, showing the social, industrial and political history of the time showing changes from home working to automation how the making how this important craft impacted on the community who lived and worked here. Ned Ludd became the local hero and the start of workers rights. There are two cottages here, showing the stark contrast between the living conditions of the manager and a workers cottage. Make sure you look in the drawers as there are beautiful examples of knitting and lace. You can use one of the machines to knit and is suitable for children. My guide was very informative and answered all my questions. Even though I visited quite late in the day there didn't feel rushed. There is a little shop, (and bought the most beautiful scarf) and quirky tea room which is reasonably priced. Highly recommended.
5. Nottingham Industrial Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 220 reviews
Discover the people, companies and industries that made Nottingham famous around the world. Nottingham Industrial Museum has five galleries each relating to a key Nottinghamshire industry: textiles, transport, communication, mining and power. We have many wonderful artefacts and exhibits including a working Basford Beam engine and an original Thomas Humber Bicycle. And we are working to get more artefacts into working condition, so you can admire the local ingenuity and skills that went into Nottingham Lace and other exports. Through our collection, we encourage our visitors to investigate Nottinghamshire’s rich industrial heritage. We are entirely run by volunteers who are on hand to show you around and answer your questions. Adults £3 - Concessions and Students £2 - Kids go free - see website for discounted entry offers
Reviewed By O357EZians
Very interesting museum with a great number of working exhibits including a lace making machine, a faceless clock, a clock with only one hand, original steam beam engine (note this only operates once per month). Some machines are still used outside weather permitting (such as the Steam Ploughing Engines). The Celer car (until today I have never heard of this car, and I love cars!), which the museum believes to be the only surviving example was great and it was even entered into the London to Brighton run as recently as 2012, no mean feat for a car built in 1904 and from a total manufacturing run of just 4 cars!! The volunteers were very helpful and particularly informative. One downside is the number of flickering lights throughout the museum area, come on Nottingham City Council don't let a small part of the museum mar its otherwise great exhibits!! Overal a fantastic celebration of Nottingham's (and local surrounding area) indistrial heritage. Parking is not included in the entry price :-(
6. Canalside Heritage Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 45 reviews
The Canalside Heritage Centre is a vibrant hub for visitors to enjoy and explore, with an enticing café, welcoming gift shop and interpretation centre and lots of activities to delight in. This historic quartet of canal workers cottages were some of the first buildings in the local area, built as part of the Beeston Cut in 1796. Come & pay a visit to see more about their fascinating history.
Reviewed By DerbySunshine-fan
This is great little museum, full of canal history, staffed by friendly, welcoming, enthusiastic staff serving simple fare (light lunches, breakfast and afternon teas) which are truly scrumptious. Superbly located overlooking the River Trent and canal, it's a lovely, quiet place with balconies and gardens to enjoy the peaceful surroundings with river and canal walks around A great venue for couples, friends, families, EVERYBODY! Highly recommended, don't miss it. Open every day
7. The Robin Hood Experience
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 86 reviews
TEMPORARILY CLOSED DUE TO LOCAL TIER 3 RESTRICTIONS! Visit the only attraction in the City of Nottingham Dedicated solely to our World Famous Outlaw Hero! Travel back in time through our audio-visual experience in the shadow of Nottingham Castle. Hear tales of Robin Hood’s daring heroism, learn how Robin made a splash with Friar Tuck, Stand trial before the infamous Sheriff of Nottingham and come face to face with the Legend himself! We are a privately owned and funded attraction, run by for Robin Hood enthusiasts for Robin Hood enthusiasts and seek to bring the stories alive with our constantly evolving dioramas.
Reviewed By ashleye373 - Derbyshire, United Kingdom
An amazing place full of fantastic and exiting rooms. From the moment you enter to the moment you leave you are constantly noticing new things, from the realistic sights, sounds and smells to the brilliant stepping stones. A great experience, which our kids absolutely loved, especially meeting the real Robin Hood and Little John. This was our third visit and I was pleasantly surprised at the changes and the attention to detail. I highly recommend a visit and will be returning again. A visit to our historic city would not be complete without a a visit to the Robin Hood Experience.
