Adult itinerary
Specifically tailored towards independent adults
This itinerary allows adults to explore the castle’s historical and artistic collections at your own pace.
Includes options for exploring the grounds and caves
3 – 4 hours
See the key artistic and historical exhibitions in our Ducal Palace
Brewhouse Yard to Ducal Palace
Start your day at Brewhouse Yard. Take a moment to soak in the atmospheric 17th Century Brewhouse Yard Cottages and spot the castle’s famous sandstone caves, including Mortimer’s Hole; a secret passageway leading directly into the heart of the medieval fortress.
Step aboard our electric Land Train, up to the castle Gatehouse entrance, new Visitor Centre and onto the Ducal Palace colonnade. The Land Train leaves Brewhouse Yard every 20 minutes – see our timetable here.
Ducal Palace: Temporary Exhibition and Café
Once at the Ducal Palace Colonnade, head on in to the Ducal Palace and through to the Terrace Gallery. There is an opportunity to use the toilet facilities on this floor before visiting this gallery. In the temporary exhibition space, explore the latest touring exhibition.
After wandering through the Terrace Gallery, why not head towards the atmospheric Terrace Café for a quick coffee, cake or light lunch?
Creative Galleries
Arriving at the third floor of the Ducal Palace, take a right and enter our Early Craft Gallery and explore Nottingham’s handmade history. Learn about Nottingham’s surviving medieval alabaster sculptors, and discover why Nottingham became renowned as a salt-glaze stoneware manufacturer.
Next, enter the Lace Gallery and observe how Nottingham made Lace and Lace made Nottingham. Take time to admire the world-class objects at the heart of Nottingham’s success as a lace manufacturer during the First Industrial Revolution and into the 19th Century. After Lace, progress into the Collections Gallery to learn how the castle’s fate was decided after its historic burning in 1831 by the people of Nottingham and our how the art on display has been gathered over time.
The Art Gallery is amongst the Ducal Palace’s most atmospheric spaces. Drink up the atmosphere and relax in this beautiful space. See stunning work from Old Masters and contemporary makers, side by side, and explore the hidden gems in the drawers. There’s so many wonderful treasures for you to see and experience.
Want to see a glimpse of Nottingham’s future?
Make sure to leave time for the last gallery on this floor: The Lab – a shared space with Nottingham Trent University. It showcases the latest pioneering work from students at the university, covering a broad range of interesting and intriguing topics. Please see our What’s On to find out what’s happening when you visit.
To finish off
As you leave the Ducal Palace, why not have a stroll around the grounds? Take a left out of the Ducal Palace colonnade to enjoy the panoramic views over Nottingham, before continuing round the palace to stretch your legs in our large green spaces. Don’t forget to visit the bandstand.
Choose a memento of your trip
Of course, no trip to the castle is complete without popping into the Castle Shop on your way out. Located in the Visitor Centre, the shop stocks a unique collection of local produce and gift. Choosing a memento of your trip will be the perfect end to your visit.
If you have time…
Why not book a Cave Tour and discover the buried history of underground Nottingham? Simply ask one of our Visitor Centre or gallery staff for more information and they will be happy to help you.