A mini guide to
Castle and Old Market Square: tips and FAQs
Local know-how and common questions
Local know-how
Tips for visiting
Add a cave tour
Cave tours at the castle are sold as an add-on to the Castle and Grounds ticket, so buy both if you want to go underground.
Brewhouse Yard hours
The Museum at Brewhouse Yard, at the foot of the castle rock, opens at weekends and in holidays; the castle's visit page lists the hours.
Children go free
The castle and Wollaton Hall both let children aged 15 and under in free, up to three per paying adult.
No parking at the castle
There is no visitor parking on site; walk from the station or use a city-centre car park. Blue Badge parking should be booked in advance.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Where is Castle and Old Market Square?
Castle and Old Market Square is in Nottingham, England. Castle Rock, the old inns at its foot and the square at the heart of the city. Nearby stops and stations include Old Market Square, Royal Centre, Nottingham Trent University.
How long do I need in Castle and Old Market Square?
Half a day for the castle; a full day with the square and theatres. Allow longer if you plan to eat out or visit several attractions.
What are the highlights?
Highlights include Nottingham Castle, Museum at Brewhouse Yard, Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem. See the Things to do page for more.
How do I get there?
Nearby: Old Market Square (NET tram); Royal Centre (NET tram); Nottingham Trent University (NET tram); Nottingham station (National Rail and NET tram). The Getting there page links to the official timetables and journey planners.
Where can I eat and drink?
We list 24 places to eat and drink in and around Castle and Old Market Square, with filters to help you choose.
Where should I stay?
We list 5 hotels and other places to stay nearby. Check availability and prices with each property.
Is Castle and Old Market Square accessible?
Accessibility varies by street, building and venue. Check each attraction or operator’s access information before you travel.
While you are here
Things to see in Castle and Old Market Square
A few of the sights in the area. The Things to do page lists them all, with directions and official links.
The Arboretum
Nottingham's first public park, opened in 1852, Grade II* listed, with more than 800 trees of 65 species.
Rock City
Music venue and nightclub open since 1980, which has hosted Nirvana, David Bowie and Oasis.
Nottingham Castle
17th-century ducal mansion on Castle Rock, on the site of a Norman royal castle, with galleries, grounds and optional cave tours.
Nottingham
More areas to explore
Lace Market, Hockley and Sneinton
Lace warehouses, courtrooms and caves, and Hockley's bars and independent shops
Open the mini guide →
Wollaton, Lenton and University Park
An Elizabethan hall in a deer park, a university campus and its lakeside park
Open the mini guide →Photo credits
- Old Market Square: Aleksandar Topuzović, CC BY 3.0, source
- The Arboretum: Alan Murray-Rust, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Rock City: Roger Templeman, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Nottingham Castle: JimmyGuano, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Lace Market, Hockley and Sneinton: Alan Murray-Rust, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Wollaton, Lenton and University Park: Harry Mitchell, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
Photos from Wikimedia Commons, used under the licences shown. All photo credits
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