Nottingham Castle
Nottinghamshire, England
Photo: MatthewDavid41, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Gallery: SkywalkerPL, CC BY 3.0 · Immanuel Giel, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Key facts
- Operator
- Nottingham City Council
- Condition
- Partial ruin
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
- Nearest station
- Nottingham, 0.4 miles (straight-line)
- Note
- Reopened June 2024 under council management
Pinpoint
Lenton Rd, Nottingham NG1 6EL
Telephone 0115 876 3100
Possible Opening Hours*
*Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| Monday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Thursday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Friday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Little remains of the medieval castle that once stood here - what you see today is a 17th-century ducal mansion, itself gutted by rioters in 1831, reopened in 2024 under Nottingham City Council after a major renovation as a museum. Reviewers who come expecting a traditional stone castle are sometimes thrown by how different the building actually is, but most rate the museum and cave tours highly.
At a glance
Worth the trip
The cave tour beneath the castle - reviewers who've done it call it a must, with one singling out guide Rory by name for bringing the lit-up caves to life.
Before you go
If you book the cave tour, factor in that it can eat into the time you'd otherwise spend properly looking around the castle and museum - reviewers who did both in one visit found it a squeeze.
What visitors say
Nottingham Castle reviews · 4.1 / 5 across 6,227 Google reviews
Most visitors enjoy this as an interactive museum and gallery experience, repeatedly highlighting the cave tours and the panoramic view over the city from the top as standout features.
One reviewer flags that the current building isn't the original medieval castle - it was destroyed and rebuilt - which may disappoint anyone expecting authentic medieval fabric, though the surviving gatehouse and grounds are still well liked.
“It's a castle. The playground is great and adventurous. The museum is interactive, modern and actually fun. The café is caféing. Does what it says on the package. If I'd lived in Nottingham, I'd be a regular visitor.”- Piroska Amoah, visitor review
Getting in - what Nottingham City Council says
Lift access to all floors of Museum & Galleries. Accessible toilets available 10am-5pm. Changing Places toilet with height-adjustable bench (bring own slings, register at Visitor Centre). Cave tours have step-only access with steep uneven terrain; no lift due to historical nature. Carers enter free with paying visitors. Assistance dogs welcome. Sensory maps and Relaxed Viewings available. Contact
Taken from Nottingham City Council’s own website and read 28 July 2026 - check the current version. Access can change with building work, weather and staffing - if the visit depends on it, ring ahead.
History
William the Conqueror · 1068
Norman timber castle begun in 1068, progressively built in stone to become a major royal stronghold and occasional residence. The current structure is a 17th-century ducal mansion built by the Cavendish family, gutted by rioters in 1831, and extensively restored to reopen as a museum in 2024.
Adapted from this castle's Wikipedia article, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Practical notes from visitors
Quoted from individual Google reviews, not verified with the operator - treat as a steer, not gospel, and check before you travel.
- Guided tours
- “The tour guide was very good, Rory I think his name was.” - Janey Caroll
- Terrain & accessibility
- “Steep and uneven steps in places, but there is a handrail.” - Janey Caroll
- Facilities
- “The gift shop had some nice souvenirs for sale.” - Obie
Common questions about Nottingham Castle
Where is Nottingham Castle?
Nottingham Castle is in Nottinghamshire, England, at Lenton Rd, Nottingham NG1 6EL.
Do you need a ticket to visit Nottingham Castle?
Yes - Nottingham Castle is a staffed, ticketed attraction run by Nottingham City Council. Ticket prices and opening hours change through the year, so check the official site before travelling.
What is the highlight of visiting Nottingham Castle?
The cave tour beneath the castle - reviewers who've done it call it a must, with one singling out guide Rory by name for bringing the lit-up caves to life.
Is Nottingham Castle a ruin or still intact?
Nottingham Castle is a partial ruin - Reopened June 2024 under council management.
