Introduction
Did you know that Old Market Square in Nottingham is the largest public space of its kind in the UK, hosting over 500 events annually and attracting more than 10 million visitors each year? This historic plaza has been the centerpiece of Nottingham since the 11th century, evolving from a medieval marketplace to the vibrant urban hub we see today. While many visitors flock to Nottingham for its Robin Hood connections, Old Market Square offers an authentic glimpse into the city's beating heart that many travelers miss.
Unlike other famous squares such as Alexandria Market Square with its colonial architecture, Nottingham's Old Market Square blends stunning Victorian grandeur with contemporary design elements. Its recent £7 million renovation has transformed it into a multifunctional space that honors its history while embracing the future. Let's explore why this iconic square deserves to be the focal point of your Nottingham adventure.
Destination Overview
Old Market Square (locally known as 'Slab Square') spans an impressive 5.5 acres at the geographic and cultural center of Nottingham. Dominated by the magnificent Council House with its dome and stone lions (affectionately named Leo and Oscar by locals), the square creates an imposing backdrop for the sleek, award-winning water features and open public space designed by Gustafson Porter.
The square's history dates back to the Anglo-Saxon period, when it served as a gathering place for commerce and public announcements. Today, it functions as Nottingham's living room—a place where locals meet, celebrations unfold, and visitors orient themselves. The square is surrounded by shopping districts, including the Victoria Centre to the north and the historic Lace Market to the east.
Within walking distance, you'll find Nottingham Castle (recently reopened after a £30 million renovation), the legendary Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem (claiming to be England's oldest pub, dating from 1189), and the fascinating network of caves beneath the city. The square's central location makes it the perfect starting point for exploring Nottingham's rich heritage.
Best Time to Visit
Nottingham's Old Market Square shines in different ways throughout the year, but timing your visit strategically can enhance your experience:
Summer (June-August): The square buzzes with activity as temperatures reach a pleasant 18-22°C (64-72°F). The Riviera Beach comes to life with imported sand, palm trees, and deck chairs, transforming the heart of the city into an urban beach. However, hotel prices increase by approximately 30% during this peak season.
Autumn (September-November): With comfortable temperatures around 10-15°C (50-59°F) and stunning fall colors in nearby parks, autumn offers a perfect balance. Visitor numbers drop by 40% compared to summer, and accommodation rates decrease by about 25%. The annual Goose Fair in early October brings a 700-year tradition to the nearby Forest Recreation Ground.
Winter (December-February): Though temperatures hover between 1-7°C (34-45°F), the Winter Wonderland transforms Old Market Square into one of the UK's largest Christmas markets, complete with an ice rink, Bavarian-style stalls, and a 60-foot Christmas tree. Hotel prices during the first half of December are approximately 15% higher than in January.
Spring (March-May): As temperatures rise to 8-15°C (46-59°F), the square becomes increasingly lively with fewer tourists. Accommodation prices remain about 20% lower than summer rates, making it an excellent value period to visit.
How to Get There
By Air: East Midlands Airport is the closest international gateway, located 15 miles from Nottingham. The Skylink bus service (£6 one-way) connects the airport to the city center in approximately 55 minutes. Alternatively, London's airports offer more international connections, with direct trains from London St. Pancras to Nottingham taking just 1 hour 40 minutes.
By Train: Nottingham Station is a 15-minute walk from Old Market Square. Direct services connect Nottingham to major cities including London (from £25 one-way), Manchester (from £20), and Birmingham (from £15). The recently renovated station features shops, cafes, and tram connections.
By Bus: National Express and Megabus operate services to Nottingham's Broadmarsh Bus Station, a 10-minute walk from the square. Intercity bus travel can be 40-60% cheaper than trains when booked in advance.
Local Transport: The Nottingham Express Transit (NET) tram system has a stop directly at Old Market Square. A day ticket costs £4.50 and provides unlimited travel. The NCTX Buses app offers mobile ticketing and real-time information for local bus services.
Step-by-Step Itinerary
Day 1: Old Market Square and Surroundings
9:00 AM: Begin your day with breakfast at Wired Café on Pelham Street, just off the square, where locally sourced ingredients create delicious morning fare.
10:30 AM: Explore Old Market Square itself. Take photos of the impressive Council House, admire the fountains (which perform choreographed water displays every hour), and observe the "Left Lion," a popular meeting spot for locals.
11:30 AM: Join a free walking tour departing from the square (tip-based, approximately 2 hours) to orient yourself and learn about Nottingham's fascinating history.
2:00 PM: After lunch at Nottingham Street Food Club in Victoria Centre, visit Nottingham Castle (£13 adult admission) to explore its museum, art galleries, and spectacular city views from the terrace.
5:00 PM: Return to the square for pre-dinner drinks at The Bell Inn, a historic pub dating back to 1437 with its own caves beneath.
7:00 PM: Dine at Zaap Thai Street Food on Bromley Place, offering authentic Bangkok-style cuisine in a vibrant atmosphere.
Day 2: Cultural Immersion
10:00 AM: Start with coffee at 200 Degrees (original location on Flying Horse Walk), a locally-founded specialty coffee roaster.
11:00 AM: Explore the Lace Market district, Nottingham's creative quarter, filled with independent boutiques, galleries, and beautifully preserved industrial architecture.
1:30 PM: Visit the National Justice Museum (£10.95 admission) to learn about crime and punishment in one of Britain's most notorious former courthouses and gaols.
4:00 PM: Take a guided tour of Nottingham's underground cave network with City of Caves (£8.95), accessed from the Broadmarsh area.
6:30 PM: Return to Old Market Square to watch the sunset transform the Council House, which is beautifully illuminated at night.
8:00 PM: Experience fine dining at World Service restaurant, housed in a 17th-century building just off the square.
Where to Stay
Luxury: The Mercure Nottingham City Centre Hotel offers 4-star accommodations just steps from Old Market Square. Contemporary rooms blend with the building's Victorian heritage, with rates from £100-150 per night. Their restaurant features locally sourced Nottinghamshire produce.
Mid-Range: Park Plaza Nottingham provides spacious rooms with city views from £80-120 per night, located just a 3-minute walk from the square. Their fitness center and business facilities make it ideal for both leisure and business travelers.
Budget-Friendly: Ibis Nottingham Centre offers clean, functional rooms from £50-75 per night, situated a 7-minute walk from Old Market Square. Perfect for travelers prioritizing location over luxury amenities.
Unique Stay: Lace Market Hotel occupies a Georgian townhouse in Nottingham's historic quarter, a 10-minute walk from the square. Its boutique rooms (from £90-130) feature bespoke furniture and locally inspired design elements.
Food to Try
Nottingham's culinary scene showcases both traditional English fare and international influences:
Mushy Pea Stall: A Nottingham institution since 1935, this small kiosk on the edge of Old Market Square serves traditional mushy peas with mint sauce (£2.50) – a uniquely local experience.
Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem: Sample traditional pub fare like Steak and Ale Pie (£14.95) in caves claimed to date back to 1189, making it potentially England's oldest inn.
Annie's Burger Shack: Located in the Lace Market, this restaurant offers 34 different burger varieties (from £12.95), each available in beef, chicken, or vegan options.
Delilah Fine Foods: This award-winning deli near the square offers Nottinghamshire cheeses, locally cured meats, and artisanal products perfect for picnicking in nearby parks.
Doughnotts: Try handcrafted donuts with inventive flavors (from £3) at this locally founded business that's become a Midlands sensation.
Hockley Arts Club: Hidden behind an unassuming door in the creative quarter, this cocktail bar serves drinks inspired by Nottingham's history and culture (from £8.50).
Best Photo Spots
Council House Steps: Capture the grand façade and stone lions framing your shot, best photographed in morning light before crowds gather.
Water Features: During hourly choreographed displays, use a fast shutter speed to freeze water droplets against the sky. At night, illuminated fountains create magical long-exposure opportunities.
Brian Clough Statue: Located at the southern end of the square, this bronze statue commemorates Nottingham Forest's legendary manager. Best photographed mid-afternoon when shadows add dimension.
From Above: The upper floor of Debenhams department store offers elevated views across the entire square – perfect for capturing its scale and symmetry.
Seasonal Installations: Throughout the year, the square hosts temporary attractions like the Beach, Ice Rink, and Observation Wheel. These provide unique compositional elements that thousands of other photographers won't have.
Insider Tip: Visit during the "blue hour" (approximately 20 minutes after sunset) when the Council House lighting creates a perfect balance with the darkening sky.
Common Travel Mistakes to Avoid
Relying Only on Robin Hood: Many visitors fixate on Nottingham's Robin Hood connections while missing authentic local experiences. The legendary outlaw has less visible presence than expected.
Poor Weather Planning: Nottingham's weather can change rapidly. Bring layered clothing and a compact umbrella even during summer months, as the open square provides little shelter during sudden rainfall.
Overlooking Tram Etiquette: Visitors often don't realize that Nottingham's trams require purchasing tickets before boarding. Conductors rarely check during short journeys, but fines for traveling without a valid ticket reach £50.
Weekend Timing: Old Market Square becomes extremely crowded on Saturday afternoons (1-4 PM). Visit earlier or later for a more pleasant experience and better photos.
Missing Underground Nottingham: Many tourists never discover that Nottingham has over 800 caves beneath its streets. Book cave tours in advance, especially during summer months when they frequently sell out.
Packing & Prep Tips
Comfortable Footwear: Nottingham's city center features numerous cobblestone streets and hills, particularly around the Lace Market area.
Weather Adaptability: Bring a lightweight waterproof jacket regardless of season. The UK's changeable weather means precipitation is always possible.
Power Adapters: UK power outlets use three-pin plugs (Type G). Bring appropriate adapters for electronic devices.
Contactless Payments: Nottingham businesses widely accept contactless payments, with many smaller establishments now cashless. Ensure your cards are enabled for international transactions.
ROBIN Card: Consider purchasing a ROBIN Card (£12) for discounted entry to major attractions including Nottingham Castle, City of Caves, and the National Justice Museum.
Offline Maps: Download the Visit Nottingham app before arrival for offline navigation, event listings, and attraction information.
Local Tips & Cultural Insights
Meeting at the Lions: Locals always specify "Left Lion" or "Right Lion" (as viewed facing the Council House) when arranging to meet friends. The Left Lion is the traditional meeting point and considered luckier.
Pronunciation Guide: Nottingham locals pronounce the city as "Notting-um" rather than "Notting-ham." Similarly, nearby Derby is pronounced "Dar-bee" not "Der-bee."
Tipping Culture: Tipping in restaurants is customary but not mandatory. 10-15% is standard for good service, while pubs generally don't expect tips for drink orders.
Shopping Streets: Bridlesmith Gate offers designer boutiques, while Flying Horse Walk houses independent retailers. Both provide more distinctive shopping experiences than chain stores around the square.
Council House Clock: Listen for the Council House clock's distinctive chimes, which use the same melody as London's Big Ben but at a different pitch.
Trip Extensions & Nearby Places
Wollaton Hall: Located just 3 miles from the city center, this stunning Elizabethan mansion surrounded by deer park served as Wayne Manor in "The Dark Knight Rises." Accessible via the 30 bus (20 minutes, £2.30 each way).
Sherwood Forest: The legendary home of Robin Hood lies 20 miles north of Nottingham. Visit the famous Major Oak, estimated to be 800-1,000 years old. Direct buses run from Victoria Bus Station (1 hour, £7 return).
Peak District National Park: England's first national park begins just 30 miles northwest of Nottingham. The charming town of Bakewell makes an excellent base for exploring stunning landscapes. Trains to Matlock provide access (45 minutes, from £9 each way).
Lincoln: This historic cathedral city is just 50 minutes by train (from £12 each way). Its medieval cathedral, castle, and well-preserved old town make it perfect for a day trip.
Newark: Explore this market town's impressive castle ruins and Civil War history, just 30 minutes by train from Nottingham (from £8 return).
Conclusion
Old Market Square stands as more than just a geographic center—it's the cultural crossroads where Nottingham's past and present converge. From medieval marketplace to contemporary urban plaza, the square continues to evolve while maintaining its role as the city's communal gathering space. Whether you're watching water features dance in summer sunshine, sipping mulled wine at the Winter Wonderland, or simply people-watching from a café terrace, the square offers a window into authentic Nottingham life.
As you plan your visit to Nottingham, consider organizing your itinerary around this historic heart. The square's central location makes it the perfect hub for radiating outward to explore the city's diverse attractions. And unlike Alexandria Market Square or other famous plazas worldwide, Nottingham's Old Market Square balances tourist appeal with genuine local character—creating an experience that feels both accessible and authentic.
FAQs
Is Old Market Square safe to visit at night?
Yes, the square is well-lit and monitored by CCTV. It remains busy into the evening hours, particularly on weekends. Normal urban precautions apply, but the area is generally considered safe for visitors.
How much time should I allow to properly experience Old Market Square?
While you can walk across the square in minutes, allow at least 1-2 hours to appreciate the architecture, watch the water features, and perhaps enjoy a coffee at one of the surrounding cafés. However, as the hub for exploring Nottingham, it's likely you'll cross the square multiple times during your visit.
Are there any free activities around Old Market Square?
Absolutely! Beyond enjoying the square itself, free activities include watching Council House clock chime on the hour, visiting the Nottingham Tourism Centre for exhibition displays, attending seasonal festivals, and exploring nearby streets like Fletcher Gate and Bridlesmith Gate without spending a penny.
What's the best way to experience Old Market Square like a local?
Visit on market days (Wednesdays and Saturdays) when traders set up stalls selling everything from fresh produce to vintage clothing. Buy lunch from street food vendors and eat on the Council House steps while watching the world go by—a favorite lunchtime activity for Nottingham workers.
Can I use Old Market Square as a base if I have mobility issues?
Yes, the square underwent extensive renovation to improve accessibility. The surface is level with no steps within the main square, and the surrounding area has dropped curbs. The tram stop directly at the square provides step-free access to many city attractions.