'Curious About' Nottingham Review

'Curious about' Nottingham? Well, we have the perfect activity suitable for the whole family to get involved with.

Forget the rigid pace of group tours and the pressure to keep up—Curious About offers fun, educational, and engaging self-guided walks with a treasure hunt twist. One of the best places to enjoy this unique experience is right here in our wonderful city of Nottingham.

Not only is it a brilliant day out to share with friends and family, but it's also packed with fascinating facts about the diverse, cultural, and significant people and events that have shaped Nottingham into the city we know and love today.

The Nottingham Walk is cleverly split into two parts, designed to follow one after the other, giving you the freedom to break them up and explore at your own pace. This is something I loved about these tours, you can enjoy the experience without the pressure of sticking with a crowd or rushing to keep up—no strict timetables, no overwhelming groups—just the joy of discovering Nottingham your way.

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The Walk:

Everything you need is all in one place, all you have to do is download the booklet, and you’re set. So, with my boyfriend in tow—because I’ll be honest, my geography and map skills aren’t exactly top-tier—we set off for the starting point to begin our city adventure. Luckily, I had nothing to worry about. The locations are laid out clearly and concisely, and there’s even an easy-to-follow map included if, like me, you prefer visual guides over written directions. Thanks to that, we could fully focus on the fun part: the treasure hunt! Each stop comes with its own clue or question, making the whole experience feel like a playful, puzzle-filled exploration of Nottingham.

I was fully expecting a leisurely stroll in the setting sun, taking time to slow down and finally appreciate parts of the city I usually just rush past without a second thought. But my boyfriend had other plans. The moment he found out there was a treasure hunt element involved; it was game on. Suddenly, it turned into a full-blown competition to see who could spot the clues and answer the questions first. And honestly? I wasn’t about to let him win. My competitive streak kicked in hard—I mean, the man’s not even from Nottingham! I liked my odds.

We started at the canal and began our journey. The walk led us past the stunning Nottingham Castle and through the surrounding streets, where cobblestone pavements and vintage streetlamps made it feel like we’d been whisked back in time. It was the perfect backdrop for the historical facts we were discovering along the way, like the city itself was helping tell the story. Without giving it all away, one of my favourite things the tour teaches you about is all the man-made cave systems that are still preserved in that area.

The first walk took us around an hour and a half to complete, and by the time we reached the final stop at Market Square, we decided to carry on with the second walk. We still had about an hour of daylight left, which just so happened to be the estimated time for the next section, so it felt like the perfect opportunity. Plus, I’ll admit it: I wasn’t quite ready to concede that my boyfriend was more observant than I was when it came to spotting clues. I needed a chance to redeem myself!

The walk took us through Market Square towards Lace Market, which is one of my favourite areas of the city. It’s a vibrant hub of culture, creativity, and style. Although I thought I knew the area well, it was fascinating to slow down and really look around. For the first time, I was properly noticing how the old lace factories have been transformed into stylish apartments, independent boutiques, design studios, and chic little cafés. Art galleries, bars, and restaurants sit effortlessly alongside historic landmarks like the beautiful St Mary’s Church, one of the oldest in Nottingham. As we took it all in, the facts we were learning along the way added an extra layer of meaning, helping us appreciate the area in a whole new light.

Overall, the Curious About Nottingham walks were a brilliant way to rediscover the city I thought I already knew. The combination of history, exploration, and a touch of friendly competition made for a day that was not only fun but surprisingly meaningful. Whether you’re a local wanting to see your city through fresh eyes or a visitor looking for a unique way to explore, this self-guided treasure hunt is the perfect blend of education and entertainment. It’s flexible, informative, and above all, genuinely enjoyable and fun —I’d do it all over again in a heartbeat. 

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Blog/review written by Georgina Richardson - Visit Nottingham Internship