Inside the Caves
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City of Caves Nottingham

4.5
·3k reviews·, United Kingdom

Explore Nottingham's hidden underground world, a network of ancient caves used for shelter, industry, and survival for centuries.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more intimate experience

CrowdLow
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Inside the Caves

City of Caves Nottingham

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more intimate experience

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore Nottingham's hidden underground world, a network of ancient caves used for shelter, industry, and survival for centuries.

4.5
(3k reviews)

"A must-see in Nottingham! The caves are fascinating, and our guide was fantastic."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

The ground can be uneven, so sturdy, comfortable footwear is a must for exploring the caves safely.

🧥 Dress for Cooler Temps

It's always cooler underground, so bring a light jacket or sweater, even on warm days.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.5 · 2,753 reviews

Type

Tourist Attraction

👶 Good for kids

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Medieval Caves

The Medieval Caves

Various locations within the cave network

Explore ancient man-made caves used for shelter, storage, and even medieval tanneries. Discover the hidden history beneath Nottingham's streets.

The Georgian Dungeon

The Georgian Dungeon

Part of the guided tour route

Step into a chilling Georgian dungeon, a stark reminder of the city's past. Hear stories that bring this historical site to life.

The Wartime Anderson Shelter

The Wartime Anderson Shelter

Within the cave system

See an authentic Anderson shelter, offering a glimpse into life during WWII. Understand how these caves provided refuge.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Underground

Nottingham's City of Caves is a fascinating network of man-made caves beneath the city. Many tours focus on the history and daily life within these subterranean spaces, making it a unique historical adventure. Be prepared for uneven surfaces and cooler temperatures underground.

Tour Timing is Key

Guided tours are the primary way to experience the City of Caves. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons, to secure your spot. Consider the length of the tour and the age of your companions, as some parts may not be suitable for very young children.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more intimate experience
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon tours
Why
Cool escape on a hot day
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

there are SO many secret tunnels 😭 #nottingham #house #cave
@housinghorrors
10.1K likes • 171.8K views

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

The ground can be uneven, so sturdy, comfortable footwear is a must for exploring the caves safely. Reddit

🧥 Dress for Cooler Temps

It's always cooler underground, so bring a light jacket or sweater, even on warm days. TikTok

Nottingham is famously built on a labyrinth of caves and underground tunnels, giving the city a rich and storied connection to its subterranean past. Among the few iconic pubs where you can eat and drink in these unique spaces, one stands out for its rich history and stellar reputation: the Hand & Heart on Derby Road @handandheartnottingham, now taken over by @thepubpeople group. This beloved Not...
@nottinghamfoodguide
6K likes • 132.7K views
Sneinton Tunnel was once part of Nottingham’s suburban railway 🛤️ We were lucky to pay a visit to this tunnel recently. I’d love to see the tunnel that runs under Victoria centre but that one’s pretty off limits legitimately from what I’ve heard 👀 #nottingham #urbex #notts #tunnel
@adventurewithcryan
2.3K likes • 32.5K views

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Check Age Suitability

Tours can be fascinating for older kids (9+), but may be challenging for toddlers. Reddit

⏳ Book Tours in Advance

Secure your spot on a guided tour, especially during busy periods, to avoid disappointment. Reddit

reddit.com

What to do in the city centre?

Sorry, I know this question has probably been asked a thousand times, but I fancy a day out in Nottingham since I haven't really touched grass in a while aside from going to work. I've never been before and I'm curious what there is to do. Preferably relatively inexpensive…

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

The ground can be uneven, so sturdy, comfortable footwear is a must for exploring the caves safely. Reddit

🧥 Dress for Cooler Temps

It's always cooler underground, so bring a light jacket or sweater, even on warm days. TikTok

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Check Age Suitability

Tours can be fascinating for older kids (9+), but may be challenging for toddlers. Reddit

⏳ Book Tours in Advance

Secure your spot on a guided tour, especially during busy periods, to avoid disappointment. Reddit

💡 Listen to Your Guide

Guides are knowledgeable and entertaining, sharing stories that bring the caves to life. TikTokReddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(3k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the City of Caves for its fascinating history and the engaging, knowledgeable guides who bring the underground world to life. The cool temperatures make it a welcome escape on hot days, and the unique experience is highly recommended for those interested in local heritage. Some reviewers note that it may not be ideal for very young children due to the terrain and historical content.

"These Guided tours are very informative and interesting, great on a hot day as it's lovely and cool down there.

We visited with the intention of us all going in, however it's not ideal for toddlers. Our 1 and a 1/2 year old son would have found it very frustrating had he gone down.

Our kids between 9-13years loved it as a lot of the tour was about children!

Would recommend a visit with kids or as a couple of you are Into hidden history of cities!"

Ed Cameo-Crowther

"Lovely little hour tour. Pur tour guide Evie was full of energy and told the stories and histories with such fun and theatre. Very interesting and worth every penny and a donation."

Leha Green

"Dave our guide put on an entertaining tour with fun and drama to keep the younger members of the group entertained. It’s great when someone puts so must effort into making this tour so memorable in the forty five minutes time frame. Thanks for giving me an insight into life in the caves as I’d no idea so much took place there."

Stephen Wright

What People Like

Informative and engaging tours
Fascinating underground history
Cool escape on hot days

What People Dislike

Not ideal for toddlers
Uneven terrain

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The City of Caves is centrally located in Nottingham city centre, easily accessible by public transport. Many bus routes stop nearby, and Nottingham train station is a short walk away. If driving, there are several car parks in the vicinity, though they can be pricey. TikTok

Yes, there are several car parks close to the City of Caves, including the Lace Market Car Park and St James's Street Car Park. However, parking in the city centre can be expensive. TikTok

Absolutely! Nottingham train station is about a 10-15 minute walk from the City of Caves. It's a straightforward walk through the city centre. TikTok

Numerous bus routes serve the city centre, with stops very close to the Broadmarsh Shopping Centre area where the City of Caves is located. Check local bus timetables for the most convenient routes. TikTok

Due to the nature of the underground caves and uneven terrain, the City of Caves may not be fully accessible for individuals with significant mobility issues. It's best to contact them directly to discuss specific needs. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Ticket prices vary, but typically an adult ticket is around £8-£10, with concessions available for children, seniors, and families. Booking online in advance is often recommended. Reddit

It is highly recommended to book your tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons or weekends, to guarantee your entry and preferred tour time. Reddit

Opening hours can vary seasonally, but generally, the City of Caves is open daily from around 10 AM to 5 PM, with the last tour usually starting an hour before closing. Always check their official website for the most up-to-date information. Reddit

The primary way to experience the City of Caves is through guided tours, which are led by knowledgeable guides who share the history and stories of the caves. TikTokReddit

No, access to the City of Caves is exclusively via guided tours. This ensures visitors get the full historical context and safety guidance. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Most guided tours of the City of Caves last approximately 45 minutes to an hour, providing a comprehensive yet concise exploration of the underground network. Reddit

The caves maintain a consistently cool temperature, typically around 13-15°C (55-59°F), regardless of the weather outside. It's advisable to wear a light jacket. TikTok

While older children (9+) often enjoy the tours, the uneven terrain and historical narratives might be challenging or scary for very young children or toddlers. Use your discretion. Reddit

Guides share fascinating tales about the caves' history, from their use as medieval homes and tanneries to their role as air-raid shelters during WWII. They often use humor and drama to engage visitors. TikTokReddit

Photography is generally permitted inside the City of Caves, but it's always a good idea to check with your guide. Be mindful of others and avoid using flash if it might disturb the atmosphere or other visitors. TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

No, there are no food or dining facilities within the City of Caves itself. However, the surrounding city centre offers a wide array of cafes, pubs, and restaurants. TikTok

The area around the City of Caves, including the Lace Market and Hockley, is packed with dining options. You can find everything from traditional pubs to international cuisine. The Hand & Heart pub is known for its unique cave dining experience. TikTok

It's generally not recommended to bring food and drinks into the cave tour areas to preserve the historical environment. Water bottles might be acceptable, but check their policy. Reddit

Yes, Nottingham is famous for its pubs built into the cave system. The Hand & Heart on Derby Road is a well-known example where you can enjoy food and drinks in a subterranean setting. TikTok

Nottingham city centre offers diverse culinary options, including British pub fare, Italian, Indian, and various international cuisines. You'll find options for all tastes and budgets. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, photography is generally allowed inside the City of Caves. However, it's polite to ask your guide and be considerate of other visitors. TikTok

The unique architecture of the caves, the historical artifacts, and the atmospheric lighting offer many great photo opportunities. Look for interesting textures and shadows. TikTok

While generally permitted, it's best to avoid using flash photography, as it can be disruptive to the atmosphere and other visitors. Some areas might have specific signage regarding photography. TikTok

Given the potentially low light conditions, consider using a camera with good low-light performance or a tripod if permitted. A wider aperture can also help capture more light. TikTok

Filming is usually permitted, similar to photography. However, be mindful of tour group flow and avoid obstructing others. TikTok and Instagram creators often capture snippets of their tours. TikTok+1

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