Why visit Nottingham?
Legendary men
Camping in Nottingham? You’ll have regular reminders of Robin Hood everywhere you go, whether the city's hilltop castle – where the mythical outlaw battled the sheriff – or in nearby Sherwood Forest. Travellers flock to this destination for the Major Oak, a tree said to serve as the hiding place for Robin and his Merry Men while stealing from the rich and giving to the poor. Not interested in tall tales...? It's still worth visiting the leafy area for strolls and cycle rides on scenic biking and hiking paths.
Subterranean sightseeing
Get beneath the surface of Nottingham – and we mean that in a very literal sense – with a visit to the City of Caves. These 500 fascinating sandstone dwellings dug out under the earth have acted as tanneries, pubs and air-raid shelters in the past. Combine your trip with a ghost tour at the National Justice Museum, a spooky old Victorian courtroom and gaol in the city’s Lace Market area.
Shopping and entertainment
Nottingham’s known as the ‘Queen of the Midlands’, so why not experience its regal vibes around the Old Market Square, one of the biggest pedestrianised plazas in the UK? It all gets a bit boho in Hockley – which is where to go for independent stores – while Victoria Centre is home to high-street favourites. Head to the Exchange Arcade for high-end boutiques, then finish urban explorations with a show at the handsome Theatre Royal or Nottingham Playhouse.
The top things to do in Nottingham
Not sure which activities in Nottingham to prioritise? Here are five:
* Amble around the manicured gardens of Nottingham Castle
* Feel your jaw drop at Sky Mirror, an epic outdoor installation by artist Anish Kapoor
* Wander around the Elizabethan-era Wollaton Hall, an opulent stately home with a deer park
* See the intricate Nottingham lace print embossed on the front of Nottingham Contemporary art gallery
* Go paintballing, off-roading, quad biking or, erm, blindfold driving at Adrenalin Jungle
Undiscovered Nottingham
Green spaces galore
As well as the internationally renowned Sherwood Forest, there's plenty of pretty countryside to potter through when camping in Nottingham. Set off for Stonebridge City Farm to meet and greet the lambs and goats or trek through 210 acres of lush land at Rushcliffe Country Park. Alternatively, aim for the Arboretum and amble around greenery in the midst of the city. Nottingham’s oldest public park also has more than 800 trees to rest under if you're in need of a break.
Kid-friendly fun
Camping near Nottingham with kids? There’s a host of activities for younger travellers to embark on in the city and beyond. Treat teens to an afternoon diving into the digital realm on MeetspaceVR's PC and console games, then let them admire the figurines at Warhammer World. Clip 'n Climb Nottingham is a must for young adrenaline chasers, while Ludorati Cafe's a hit with board game buffs. Fancy a family day out? Navigate your way around the mile-long path at Nott's Maze.
Lesser-known landmarks
Robin Hood’s not the only well-known figure to emerge from Nottingham – Newstead Abbey, an old Augustinian priory, is the ancestral home of Victorian lothario Lord Byron. D.H. Lawrence was a local lad too; head to the writer’s house, a restored miner’s cottage, just outside Nottingham for a guided tour.
Here’s how
Camping in Nottingham? You’ll want to settle in somewhere quiet on the outskirts of the city rather than in the thick of things.
Sift through our 80+ filters to seek out options ranging from electric pitches to dog-friendly campsites in Nottingham. Holidaying with the kids? Pick a place with a play area. Or leave the little ones at home and choose an adults-only campsite near Nottingham. We’ve also got parks with bars and clubhouses on base as well as those with pubs nearby.
Here are some of our other popular filters:
* Family-friendly camping in Nottingham
* Fully serviced pitches in Nottingham
Other Central England locations to have a look at include Lincolnshire – the home of the Red Arrows planes – and Derbyshire, where you’ll find a significant chunk of the postcard-pretty Peak District.
New to camping? Take a look at our guide to all things pitching up, from the gear you actually need to building a fire in seven easy steps.
