Walking Trails

Whether you are exploring Nottinghamshire on foot, by bicycle or by car there are plenty of ways to find out more about its rich political, industrial and cultural past. We have produced a series of free downloadable trails which will guide you around the key destinations during your visit. 

For more information on trails across Nottinghamshire, visit the Nottingham Tourism and Travel Centre on Smithy Row - just off Old Market Square.

Learn more about Robin Hood. . .

The tales of Nottinghamshire’s legendary outlaw Robin Hood have been retold down the generations. For any keen Robin Hood fans a must-do experience is to walk around the city centre with Robin Hood himself on a Robin Hood Town Tour.

The Sherwood Forest Adventurer's Map is a new map which offers a tourist trail to visitors to Robin Hood country. Not only does it feature the landmarks associated with Robin Hood, but other nearby attractions like Newstead Abbey, Creswell Crags and Maypole village of Wellow.

Look Up and explore the city…

The brand new Nottingham Adventure Trail 'Look Up' takes you around the city to answer questions, complete challenges and discover clues hidden in plain sight. It starts near the Council House in Old Market Square, and will finish near Nottingham Castle. Remember to keep your eyes peeled for clues and look up - you never know what you might find… Pick up a printed copy at the Nottingham Tourism and Travel Centre or download the free app 'Actionbound' to view the walking trail on your phone.

Get it on Google Play HERE
Get it on the Apple Store HERE 
 

See how Watson Fothergill shaped the city . . .
 

Victorian architect Watson Fothergill's distinctive red-brick buildings can be seen throughout the city. Download the Watson Fothergill Architect Trail, produced in conjunction with RIBA East Midlands and Castle Rock Brewery, and see the grand banks and newspaper offices - as well as his own elaborate offices in the Lace Market.

Walk with nature. . .

Nottingham Arboretum is a beautiful, historic park dating back to 1852 and located close to the city centre. Said to be the inspiration behind J.M Barrie’s Neverland, it has a collection of over 800 trees, some of which are from the original collection planted in the 19th century. When visiting, make sure to enjoy the Tree Trail and Heritage Trail to fully appreciate the Arboretum’s rich history. You could definitely lose yourself in Neverland here. 

Celebrate Nottingham's LGBTQ+ heritage. . .

LGBTQ+ heritage is everywhere around us. The history is embedded in the buildings and landscapes across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. You can now celebrate places of LGBTQ+ heritage across the city, ranging from pubs and clubs, the famous rainbow crossings created for the 2019 Pride celebrations and many more at the LGBT Walking Tour of Nottingham. To download and view the walking trail online please click here. You can also pick up a printed copy at the Nottingham Tourism and Travel Centre.

Historic Nottinghamshire. . .

There are many special trails in Nottinghamshire that are perfect for history lovers.

The Ashfield and Mansfield Trails explores some of the heritage attractions just north of Nottingham. In the Mansfield Way, you will trace the route of the Mansfield-Southwell railway to Rainworth and pass the Sherwood Pines Forest Park. 

The Civil War Trail takes in many of the sites and buildings that relate to the period, as Nottinghamshire played a central role in the conflicts of the Civil War. You can now learn more about the Civil War at the National Civil War Centre, which acts as a central museum in the country for information and exhibits on the Civil War.

Nearby, the Southwell Heritage Trail highlights some of the top attractions in and around the area including Rufford Abbey Country Park, Sherwood Forest and Sherwood Pines.

Travel further into north Nottinghamshire and you will discover Mayflower Pilgrims’ Country. Discover more about the historic sites associated with the principal players in the Pilgrim Fathers story at your own leisure on the Mayflower Pilgrims Trail.

If you're into solving clues and going on a treasure hunt, the Curious About self-guided heritage trails are the prefect fit! Gather the family and discover hidden and not so hidden treasures of Nottingham, Southwell and Newark.

You can now explore Rufford Abbey on their Abbey Tales tour and discover 800 years of Rufford's history is brought to life. You will walk through the interactive experience, encounter characters through the ages, hear stories from the past and even pick up on the smells and sounds from a time gone by. 

Nottinghamshire’s literary legends. . .

From D.H. Lawrence to Lord Byron, Nottinghamshire has been home to some literary greats. There's a number of literary walking tours you can take to experience some of Nottingham's rich literary heritage, including a ‘Reading the City’ walk with Robin Hood provided by Ezekial Bone Tours,  Gold Star Guides'  2-hour walking tour through the city centre and Brackenbury’s Britain personalised tours, which can include the literary highlights of Nottinghamshire and a visit to the home of Lord Byron, Newstead Abbey.

Be sure to check out the wonderful D.H. Lawrence Birthplace Museum too. Situated in Eastwood, this fascination museum is dedicated to his life.