When it comes to Nottingham, we know all too well what a fantastic city it is. One thing we’re never short of is something to do or somewhere to go.
It seems artificial intelligence is also well aware of this but when we asked AI to plan a day as a tourist in our fantastic city, it seems it failed to take into account any hint of a break as it suggested a jam-packed day of activities and places to visit. It also picked up on the city’s food and drink scene with plenty of stops for refreshments and dining.
It suggested a day of more than 12 hours of tourist attractions and/or food and drink stops. It’s clear you’ll need plenty of energy and plenty of cash for taxis or public transport.
Here is what ChatGPT suggested when we asked it to plan a day in Nottingham for a tourist. We have not edited the below in any way.
It gave us a little prefix, confirming what we already all know: “Nottingham is a vibrant city with a rich history and plenty to see and do.”
Here’s a suggested day plan for a tourist exploring the best of Nottingham. Unfortunately, it did get a few things wrong (see our notes).
Morning
9:00 AM – Breakfast at The Pudding Pantry Start your day with a delicious breakfast at The Pudding Pantry, known for its great selection of pancakes, pastries, and coffees. Located near the Old Market Square, it’s a cosy spot to enjoy some local flavours.
10:00 AM – Nottingham Castle After breakfast, head to Nottingham Castle, a must-see historical site that sits high above the city. The castle has a fascinating history, from its role in the medieval battles to its association with Robin Hood. Explore the museum, galleries, and the beautiful grounds with great views of the city.
11:30 AM – Robin Hood Experience Nottingham is famous for its legendary outlaw, Robin Hood, and the Robin Hood Experience at the castle allows you to step into his world. Take a guided tour or enjoy the interactive exhibits that bring this famous figure to life. Unfortunately, ChatGPT failed to pick up on the fact the experience is now closed.
Afternoon
12:30 PM – Lunch at the Lace Market Head towards the Lace Market, an area rich in history and architecture. Choose a spot like The Cured Deli or The Alchemist for lunch, offering modern dishes in a stylish setting. This area is also known for its boutique shops and galleries, so you can take a stroll and explore after your meal.
2:00 PM – Nottingham’s Caves and City of Caves After lunch, discover The City of Caves underneath the streets of Nottingham. These ancient caves date back over 1,000 years and were once used for everything from dwellings to storage. The Nottingham Caves Tour is a fascinating way to learn about the city’s underground history.
3:00 PM – Wollaton Hall and Deer Park Take a short bus ride or taxi to Wollaton Hall, an imposing Elizabethan mansion set within 500 acres of parkland. Explore the Natural History Museum inside the hall, or wander through the Deer Park, where you can see herds of deer roaming freely.
Evening
5:00 PM – Nottingham Contemporary Art Gallery Head back towards the city centre and visit Nottingham Contemporary, a modern art gallery that’s free to enter and showcases cutting-edge exhibitions. The gallery is one of the largest contemporary art spaces in the UK and offers a great place to unwind with thought-provoking art.
6:00 PM – Relax at the Canal Take a relaxing walk along the Nottingham Canal. You can enjoy the peaceful scenery or stop for a drink at one of the canal-side pubs, such as The Canalhouse. It’s a great place to take in the atmosphere and watch the boats go by.
7:30 PM – Dinner in the Hockley District For dinner, head to Hockley, Nottingham’s bohemian district, full of eclectic restaurants, cafes, and bars. Try MemSaab, known for its Indian cuisine, or Iberico World Tapas for a selection of delicious Spanish tapas. Again, ChatGPT failed to pick up on the fact that MemSaab is actually on Maid Marian Way.
9:00 PM – Drinks at a Local Pub End the night with drinks at one of Nottingham’s famous pubs. Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem is a historic pub that dates back to 1189, built into the cliffs below Nottingham Castle. It’s a great place to soak in the atmosphere and enjoy a pint in a unique setting.
Optional Add-ons
- Nottingham Playhouse : If you’re a fan of theatre, check out the schedule at Nottingham Playhouse for a performance in the evening.
- The Arboretum : If you have more time, the Arboretum park offers a relaxing nature break right in the heart of the city.
This plan gives you a taste of the historical, cultural, and natural sides of Nottingham, with a good mix of activities throughout the day.