Day Trips & Excursions: Nottingham

Nearby Destinations

Several interesting destinations lie within easy day-trip distance of Nottingham, offering a variety of historical, cultural, and natural attractions.

Whether by bus, train, or car, each location presents an unique experience just a short journey away.

Nearby Spots

Sherwood Forest National Nature Reserve: Home of Robin Hood, ancient woodlands.
Newstead Abbey: Ancestral home of Lord Byron with beautiful gardens.
Southwell Minster: Magnificent medieval cathedral with stunning architecture.
Derby: Birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, home to the Museum of Making.

Natural Escapes & Cultural Excursions

For those seeking natural beauty, outdoor activities, or historical insights, the region around Nottingham presents wonderful opportunities.

Peak District National Park

The eastern edge of the Peak District begins approximately 30 miles (48 km) west of Nottingham, offering stunning landscapes for outdoor pursuits.

Activities & Scenery

Rolling hills, dramatic gritstone edges, and limestone dales.
Ideal for hiking, cycling, and rock climbing.
Picturesque villages like Bakewell and Castleton.

Cultural Excursions

Explore additional historical and cultural sites beyond Nottingham's immediate vicinity for a broader regional perspective.

Historic Houses & Castles

Hardwick Hall: A remarkable Elizabethan country house near Chesterfield.
Belvoir Castle: An impressive historic castle near Grantham.
London, Yorkshire, or Lincoln for longer regional travel.

Planning Multi-Day Extensions

Logical Next Destinations

Yorkshire: Explore cities like Sheffield, Leeds, and historic York.
London: Head south for world-class museums, theatre, and iconic landmarks.
Birmingham and the West Midlands: More urban centers and cultural offerings.
Lincoln: A historic cathedral city to the north-east.

Suggested Longer Routes

History & Heritage Route: Nottingham, Lincoln, York.
Nature & Countryside Route: Nottingham, Peak District, Yorkshire Dales.
Consider all-day or weekly transport tickets for better value on multi-stop trips.
Peak District weather conditions vary; plan for seasonal changes.

Travel Times from Nottingham

Sherwood Forest:40-60 mins
Newstead Abbey:30 mins
Southwell Minster:30 mins
Derby (by train):15-25 mins

Leicester (by train):25-35 mins
Peak District (edge):60 mins
Hardwick Hall:40-50 mins
Belvoir Castle:40-50 mins

Travel Tip:

When planning day trips, consider buying an all-day or weekly train/bus ticket for the specific region. This often provides better value than individual return tickets.

Additional Regional Explorations

Expand your Nottingham trip with visits to the varied landscapes and towns of the surrounding Midlands.

Connectivity to Major Cities

Frequent direct trains connect Nottingham to UK cities like London, Sheffield, Leeds, and Birmingham.

Midlands Exploration

Nottingham serves as a gateway to explore the diverse heritage and landscapes of the wider Midlands region.

Seasonal Travel

Outdoor conditions vary by season; plan your day trips and excursions with local weather in mind.

Sherwood Forest

Experience the legendary home of Robin Hood. The Major Oak is a testament to ancient woodland, complemented by a modern visitor centre and walking trails.

Visiting Details

Regular bus service (Stagecoach Sherwood Arrow) from Nottingham.
Numerous walking trails through ancient woodland.
Robin Hood Festival in August.

Newstead Abbey & Southwell Minster

Discover the ancestral home of Lord Byron at Newstead Abbey and the architectural splendor of Southwell Minster.

Cultural Richness

Newstead Abbey features expansive gardens and tranquil lakes.
Explore Lord Byron's historic priory and its diverse gardens.
Southwell Minster known for "Leaves of Southwell" carvings.

Regional Distances from Nottingham

Sherwood Forest:18 miles (29 km)

Newstead Abbey:13 miles (21 km)

Southwell Minster:14 miles (22 km)

Derby:16 miles (26 km)

Leicester:25 miles (40 km)

Peak District (edge):30 miles (48 km)

Consider Organized Tours:

Some local tour companies offer Robin Hood-themed tours.
For the Peak District, organized tours or a car rental may offer better access to remote areas.
Otherwise, most listed destinations are readily accessible for independent visits.
Organized tours can offer convenience for multi-stop trips.
Consider your travel style and preferences when choosing.

Connecting Beyond Nottingham

Nottingham's excellent transport links facilitate seamless travel to neighboring regions, making it a strategic starting point for extensive UK explorations.

South to London

Direct train services provide quick access to the UK capital, perfect for world-class museums and iconic landmarks.

London Connections

Frequent direct trains from Nottingham.
Gateway to London's cultural attractions.
Strategic end point for a Midlands-focused trip.

North to Yorkshire

Explore northern England's cities and historic sites, including Sheffield, Leeds, and the ancient city of York.

Yorkshire Highlights

Urban culture in Sheffield and Leeds.
Historic York, with Viking and Roman heritage.
Easily accessible by train.

West to West Midlands

Discover more urban centers, historical sites, and the diverse cultural offerings of Birmingham and the surrounding areas.

West Midlands Overview

Explore Birmingham's scene.
Rich historical sites.
Diverse cultural offerings.

East to Lincoln

A historic cathedral city to the north-east, reachable by train, offering a different slice of English heritage with its impressive cathedral and castle.

Lincoln's Appeal

Impressive Lincoln Cathedral.
Historic Lincoln Castle.
Home to one of the four original Magna Carta copies.

Strategic Departure Point

Nottingham's central position makes it an ideal launchpad for regional and national travel within the UK.

Extensive Rail Network

Direct connections to many major UK cities for onwards travel.

Midlands Gateway

Central access to varied historical and natural sites in the heart of England.

Flexible Travel Planning

A perfect starting or ending point for multi-destination itineraries.

Strategic Tip:

Consider Nottingham as a hub for exploring both the cultural depth of the Midlands and connecting to further UK destinations.

Day Trips & Excursions