Experiences and tours
More to explore
From guided tours of the art galleries to descents into the storied caves, join us on a range of bookable tours, trails and experiences – including our fantastic new Robin Hood Adventures.
You can book tours and experiences in advance, as part of your ticket, or on the day from our Visitor Centre.
These tours are a great way to get even more from a day out at Nottingham Castle.
For more information about access, including our caves, visit our accessibility page.
Quick links to our tours and experiences
Castle Caves – underground adventure tour
Castle Caves – Mortimer’s Hole
Please note, all tours are subject to change due to Covid-19.
Relive Robin’s rebel adventures
Robin Hood Adventures
Experience the fun and folklore of medieval Nottingham. Wander through the Castle Tunnel and head for the Robin Hood Adventures gallery, where you can sit back in the forest clearing to witness some of Robin Hood’s most thrilling adventures, reimagined on our all-new digital storytelling screens.
Test out your skills in our interactive gaming spaces and fire digital longbows as you outwit the tyrannical Sheriff in a Golden Arrow archery competition. Or wield a quarterstaff to spar with Little John in the depths of Sherwood Forest.
Plus, see what life was like in medieval times on our innovative interactive gaming tables and discover whether you can survive the dangers of 14th century Nottingham.
The Robin Hood Adventures experience can be booked as part of your day at Nottingham Castle. Please note you must also have a Castle ticket to enter Robin Hood Adventures.
Trails for little outlaws
Outdoor family trails
Explore Nottingham Castle’s grounds by following our fun outdoor family trails.
There’s Hero in the Green Hat, where you will find the missing words for Robin Hood’s ballad. You can get creative to complete it with your own wicked rhymes. Go barmy for origami and create Robin hats, before heading up to Speaker’s Corner to spread the word of your adventures far and wide. Or get Up Close with Nature to discover the fascinating natural world that lies beneath your feet on an eye-opening environmental trail. Investigate the Castle’s creepy crawlies and discover fantastic foliage, on this fun outdoor discovery trail.
We also run seasonal and special event trails like our annual Easter egg hunt and Halloween Spooktacular.
Trails are available to buy from the Visitor’s Centre.
Castle Caves
Underground Adventure Tour
Descend into the remarkable caves that snake through Castle Rock on a 25-minute tour exploring the foundations of the medieval Castle – from dire dungeons to wondrous wine cellars.
Hear tales of Nottingham and its famous outlaw, Robin Hood, in the atmospheric underground caves where the stories took place.
- The tour has a capacity of 15 people.
- The tour is suitable for families and young children.
- It covers a distance of approximately 120 steps of varying steepness and regularities with a handrail. Some of the ground underfoot is uneven.
- There will be dim lighting.
- A cave tour can be booked as part of your day at Nottingham Castle. Please note you must also have a castle ticket to access the caves.
Castle Caves
Mortimer’s Hole Tour – from late summer 2021.
Take this 45-minute tour to uncover intrigue and murder in the 14th century. Mortimer’s Hole was written into history when supporters of King Edward III used the cave passageway to stealthily break into Nottingham Castle. Their surprise entry helped them capture Queen Isabella of France and her lover, the wicked baron Roger Mortimer. Relive the daring raid and learn of the role the famous underground passages have played in the Castle’s history ever since.
- The tour has a capacity of 15 people.
- The tour is suitable for families with older children.
- It covers a distance of approximately 220 steps of varying steepness and regularities, with a handrail. Much of the ground underfoot is uneven.
- There will be dim lighting.
- A cave tour can be booked as part of your day at Nottingham Castle. Please note you must also have a castle ticket to access the caves.
In the Galleries
Daily Highlight Art Tour
Join our Explainer Team for a free 30-minute daily tour and an exploration of the Castle’s creative collections. Learn what inspires and informs artists and makers and see the galleries’ exhibits in a whole new light. Guides will pick out their favourite pieces, sharing stories and insights, and giving you access to the hidden gems of the collection.
Discover a hand-picked selection of works spanning from medieval alabaster carvings to modern art in this fun, informal and informative tour.
- Runs every day, free of charge.
- Each tour has a capacity of 15 people.
- Recommended for adults, although children are welcome.
- Group bookings can book their own bespoke Art Highlight tour, at a time to suit them.
Volunteer led tours
Please ask at the Visitor Centre on the day for details – these tours are subject to volunteer availability.
From tours of the grounds to the Mercian Gallery, these bite-size volunteer-led tours give our passionate volunteers a chance to share their unique knowledge and insights.