Nottingham Cottages with Hot Tubs

Get More From Your Nottingham Hot Tub Cottage Break

Sightseeing

Nottingham packs a punch when it comes to sightseeing opportunities. The city's most famous attraction is Nottingham Castle (NG1 6EL, open 10am-5pm daily), which sits on a sandstone outcrop and offers fantastic views across the city. It scores 4/5 on TripAdvisor and houses an excellent museum about the city's history.

Wollaton Hall (NG8 2AE) is a stunning Elizabethan mansion set in 500 acres of parkland. It houses a natural history museum and was used as Wayne Manor in The Dark Knight Rises. It scores an impressive 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor and entry to the grounds is free.

The City of Caves (NG1 1HN) lets you explore the underground network beneath Nottingham. With a 4/5 TripAdvisor rating, this unique attraction reveals how people lived and worked below the streets for centuries.

Sherwood Forest (NG21 9HN) needs no introduction as the legendary home of Robin Hood. The ancient woodland has walking trails for all abilities and the famous Major Oak tree. It scores 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor and makes a great day out from your hot tub cottage.

Pet Friendly

Bringing your dog to Nottingham? You'll find plenty of options. Wollaton Park welcomes dogs on leads and has extensive grounds perfect for walks. The Arboretum (NG1 4JB) is Nottingham's oldest public park and another good spot for dog walking.

For food, The Crafty Crow (NG1 2AS) near the castle is dog-friendly and serves great food. Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem (NG1 6AD), claimed to be England's oldest inn (dating from 1189), also welcomes dogs in certain areas.

Many cottages with hot tubs in Nottinghamshire accept pets, but always check specific policies. I recommend bringing your dog's bed and toys to help them settle and researching local vets before your trip just in case.

Attenborough Nature Reserve (NG9 6DY) offers excellent walking paths where dogs on leads are welcome. It's perfect for spotting wildlife while getting some exercise with your four-legged friend.

Top 3 attractions you have to see in Nottingham

The Lace Market district is a must-visit area of Nottingham. This historic quarter was once the centre of the world's lace industry and now houses independent shops, restaurants and the excellent National Justice Museum (NG1 1HN). The museum explores the history of crime and punishment and includes the original courtrooms and cells. Visitors consistently rate it 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor, with one recent reviewer calling it "fascinating and thought-provoking".

Newstead Abbey (NG15 8NA) was the ancestral home of Lord Byron and sits in beautiful gardens about 12 miles north of Nottingham. The house contains Byron memorabilia and the extensive grounds include Japanese gardens, waterfalls and peacocks roaming freely. A TripAdvisor score of 4.5/5 reflects its popularity, with visitors particularly praising the peaceful atmosphere. One reviewer noted: "You can feel Byron's presence throughout the house."

The Nottingham Contemporary (NG1 2GB) is one of the UK's largest centres for contemporary art. The striking green and gold building hosts changing exhibitions from international artists. With free entry and a 4/5 TripAdvisor rating, it's worth a visit even if you're not usually an art fan. The café serves excellent food too. A recent visitor commented: "Always something interesting to see, even if you don't understand it all!"

Is Nottingham safe to visit?

Yes, Nottingham is generally safe for tourists. Like any city, be aware of your surroundings, especially at night. The main tourist areas are well-policed and have good lighting. The city centre has CCTV coverage and a visible police presence, especially on weekends.

What's the best time to visit Nottingham?

Summer (June-August) offers the best weather for exploring, with temperatures around 15-22°C. October hosts the Goose Fair, one of Europe's oldest travelling fairs. December has excellent Christmas markets. Spring (April-May) is lovely for seeing the parks in bloom and usually has fewer tourists.

How do I get around Nottingham without a car?

Nottingham has an excellent tram network with park-and-ride facilities. The city also has comprehensive bus services. Most major attractions in the city centre are within walking distance of each other. For exploring further afield, the Robin Hood Line train service connects Nottingham to Sherwood Forest.

Where can I find the best local food?

Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem claims to be England's oldest inn and serves traditional pub food. For Nottingham specialties, try Mushy Pea Stall in Victoria Market for pea snacks, or Delilah Fine Foods for local cheeses and Bramley apple products. The Lace Market area has numerous independent restaurants worth exploring.

Can I visit the Major Oak in Sherwood Forest?

Yes, the Major Oak is accessible via a short walk from the Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre. This massive oak tree is estimated to be 800-1000 years old and, according to legend, was Robin Hood's hideout. The tree is now supported by metal poles to prevent collapse due to its age and size.

Are there any hidden gems in Nottingham?

Green's Windmill (NG3 2FW) is a restored 19th-century windmill that's often overlooked. The Museum of Nottingham Life at Brewhouse Yard shows how ordinary people lived over the last 300 years. The Hand and Heart pub on Derby Road is built into sandstone caves and has a unique atmosphere with excellent food.

1. Visit Nottinghamshire Official Tourism Site
2. Sherwood Forest Visitor Information
3. Nottingham Castle Official Website
4. National Justice Museum
5. Wollaton Hall and Deer Park