Nottingham Castle is a historic museum and art gallery housed within a 17th-century ducal palace, situated on a prominent rock overlooking the city of Nottingham. This guide covers opening hours, ticket prices, transport or parking, accessibility, and practical visitor tips.
This guide was updated in March 2026 to confirm the £15 “pay once, visit all year round” adult ticket and the ongoing “Kids Go Free” policy for up to three children per paying adult.
Quick facts about Nottingham Castle
| Category | Details |
| Opening hours | 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily |
| Ticket prices | Adults £15, Children (15 and under) Free |
| Address | Lenton Road, Nottingham NG1 6EL |
| Nearest public transport or parking | City centre public car parks (no general on-site parking) |
| Typical time needed to visit | 2 to 3 hours |
Nottingham Castle opening hours
Nottingham Castle is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. year-round, with the last entry permitted at 4:00 p.m.
While these standard operating hours remain consistent across all seasons, the attraction is strictly closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day.
Nottingham Castle ticket prices
Admission to this English castle requires purchasing a general entry ticket, which functions as an annual pass allowing unlimited return visits for a full year.
Standard admission costs £15 for adults, while children aged 15 and under enter for free (limited to three children per paying adult). Guided underground cave tours require an optional add-on ticket costing £8 per person.
Opening hours and ticket prices were checked on the official website and last updated in March 2026.
How to get to Nottingham Castle
Nottingham Castle is centrally located on Lenton Road, a short walk from the Old Market Square in downtown Nottingham.
For public transport, the Nottingham Express Transit (NET) tram system and local bus services operate routes into the city centre. The Old Market Square tram stop is a ten-minute uphill walk from the castle gates.
Parking at Nottingham Castle
There is no general public parking available on-site at Nottingham Castle.
Visitors must use nearby city centre facilities, such as the Broadmarsh Car Park or St James’s Street Car Park. A limited number of accessible parking spaces are available for Blue Badge holders directly at the venue, but these must be pre-booked via email.
How long to spend at Nottingham Castle
Visitors typically need between two and three hours to fully explore Nottingham Castle.
This allows enough time to view the ducal palace museum galleries, explore the interactive exhibits, and walk the expansive outdoor grounds. Adding an underground cave tour extends the total visit by approximately one hour.
Accessibility at Nottingham Castle
Nottingham Castle provides a fully accessible visitor centre and lift access to all floors within the main museum and galleries.
Manual wheelchairs and a ‘Changing Places’ toilet are available on-site. However, the underground cave tours operate with step-only access over steep and uneven terrain, meaning they are not accessible for wheelchair users or those with limited mobility.
Inside / what to see at Nottingham Castle
The main visitor experience is located within the Ducal Palace, which houses multiple galleries detailing Nottingham’s regional history. Key exhibits include the Nottingham Lace Gallery, a dedicated craft gallery, and a fine art collection in the Long Gallery.
The Robin Hood Adventures exhibition features interactive displays and immersive screens dedicated to the legendary local outlaw.
Visitors can also explore the Museum of the Mercian Regiment and the Rebellion Gallery, which chronicles the city’s turbulent history of social uprisings.
Outside, the elevated grounds offer panoramic views over the city, a large children’s play area, and seasonal access to the historic Brewhouse Yard Cottages located at the base of the rock.
Guided cave tours delve into the sandstone network directly beneath the castle, taking visitors to sites like King David’s Dungeon or Mortimer’s Hole for an additional fee.
Practical visitor tips
| Category | Tip |
| Timing | Book cave tours in advance, as time slots are strictly limited and frequently sell out during weekends and school holidays. |
| Crowds | Weekday mornings during term time see the fewest visitors, offering a quieter experience in the interactive galleries. |
| Layout | The site is situated on a steep hill, and the outdoor grounds feature uneven historic surfaces that require comfortable footwear. |
| Entry process | The standard admission ticket is valid for 12 months, allowing visitors to return for free throughout the year without paying again. |
| On-site logistics | A café and a shop are located within the grounds, and visitors are permitted to bring their own food to eat outdoors in designated picnic areas. |
Frequently asked questions about Nottingham Castle
| Question | Answer |
| Is Nottingham Castle suitable for children? | Yes, the site features a large outdoor playground, interactive Robin Hood exhibits, and a policy where children go free. |
| Do you need to book tickets in advance for Nottingham Castle? | General admission can be purchased on arrival, but pre-booking is strongly recommended to secure specific cave tour times. |
| Is Nottingham Castle open on Sundays? | Yes, it is open on Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. |
| Are bags allowed at Nottingham Castle? | Standard day bags and backpacks are permitted, though large luggage should not be brought as there are no storage lockers on-site. |
Things to do near Nottingham Castle
- Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem
- Robin Hood Statue
- City of Caves
- National Justice Museum
- Nottingham Contemporary
More East Midlands travel
Other East Midlands travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- 9 reasons to visit Nottingham.
- Exploring the Elizabethan ruins of Kirby Hall.
- Discovering Pilgrim history at Gainsborough Old Hall in Lincolnshire.
- Lincoln Cathedral ticket price guide.
- Visit Sir Isaac Newton’s family home – Woolsthorpe Manor in Lincolnshire.
