City of Caves is an intriguing attraction located beneath Nottingham, featuring an extensive network of caves that date back to the dark ages. These caves, carved from sandstone, have served various purposes throughout history, including storage, dwellings, and even places of refuge. Visitors can explore guided tours that reveal the fascinating history and uses of the caves. The site offers a unique perspective on Nottingham's past, showcasing its evolution from medieval times to the present day. The combination of historical significance and unique geology makes City of Caves a must-see destination for those interested in exploring the underground heritage of the city.
What each source says
- Google 4.5 2,777
- Tripadvisor 4.0 1,563
Bar length is review volume, so you can see how much weight sits behind each score. Captured 2026-08-26.
What visitors single out
Liked
- Convenient City Center Location Easily accessible in the city center, the City of Caves is a convenient attraction to visit after a show or as part of a day exploring Nottingham. It's a great option for a rainy day activity.
- Engaging and Knowledgeable Guides The tour guides are consistently praised for being funny, enthusiastic, and deeply knowledgeable about the caves' history, making the tour both educational and entertaining.
- Fascinating Historical Insight Visitors gain a unique perspective on Nottingham's history by exploring the caves, learning about their uses from medieval times to World War II as bomb shelters and understanding the lives of those who lived and worked in them.
- Good Value for Money Many reviewers feel the tour is reasonably priced, especially when combined with a visit to the National Justice Museum, offering a cost-effective and enriching experience.
- Well-Organized Tours The guided tours and audio guides are well-structured and informative, catering to different preferences and ensuring visitors can easily follow the history and significance of the caves.
Criticised
- Can be Cold Underground The caves can be quite cold, so it is recommended to dress warmly, which may be uncomfortable for some visitors, especially during warmer months.
- Finding the Entrance Can Be Tricky Some visitors found the entrance difficult to locate, suggesting a need for clearer signage from nearby landmarks like the Contemporary Art Centre to improve the arrival experience.
- Inconsistent Audio Guide Experience Some visitors found the audio guide to be not user-friendly, preferring more written information or a more interactive format like a QR code with segmented audio, which could detract from the self-guided experience.
- Limited Accessibility for Wheelchairs/Strollers Due to the cave structure, the attraction is not fully accessible to wheelchairs or strollers beyond the reception area, restricting the experience for some visitors.
- Uneven and Potentially Difficult Terrain The caves have uneven floors and steps, which may pose challenges for individuals with mobility issues or those with young children, requiring comfortable shoes and caution.
The longer read
The City of Caves in Nottingham is a unique attraction offering an intriguing glimpse into the city's history through its extensive network of underground caves. Many reviewers highlight the knowledgeable and entertaining tour guides as a major asset. Guides like Andy, Gareth, Evie, Natasha, Nino, Brian, Jessie, Sam, and LJ are frequently mentioned by name for their engaging storytelling, humor, and ability to bring the caves' history to life. They cater to diverse audiences, including children, making the experience enjoyable for all ages. The tours typically last around 45 minutes to an hour, a duration most find appropriate. The guides enhance the experience significantly, pointing out details and sharing stories that might be missed on a self-guided tour. Reviewers consistently recommend taking a guided tour to fully appreciate the history and significance of the caves.
Several reviewers appreciated the informative content of the tours, which cover the caves' various uses throughout history, from medieval times to World War II air raid shelters. This historical context provides a greater understanding of Nottingham's past and the lives of those who lived and worked in the caves. The caves themselves are described as fascinating, with many expressing surprise at the extent and complexity of the underground network. The experience is often described as both educational and entertaining, making it a worthwhile activity for visitors to Nottingham.
Some reviewers mention the option of an audio guide for a self-guided tour. However, the general consensus is that the guided tours are superior due to the guides' expertise and engaging presentation. A few reviewers found the audio guide less user-friendly and suggested improvements, such as more written information or a QR code-based system. Booking tickets in advance is highly recommended, especially on weekends and during peak seasons, as tours often sell out. Some reviewers suggest combining a visit to the City of Caves with a trip to the National Justice Museum, as joint tickets are available and both attractions are within walking distance.
While most reviewers had positive experiences, some mention certain limitations. The caves may not be suitable for those with mobility issues due to steps and uneven surfaces. A few reviewers noted that the shop closes earlier than the attraction itself, which can be inconvenient for those on later tours. Also, the caves can be chilly, so wearing warm clothing is advisable. Parents of toddlers should consider whether the tour is appropriate for very young children, as some may find it frustrating. Despite these minor drawbacks, the City of Caves is consistently praised as a unique and memorable attraction that offers a fascinating glimpse into Nottingham's hidden history.
A synthesis of published third-party reviews. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- +44 115 988 1955
- Website
- nationaljusticemuseum.org.uk/cityofcaves
| Mon | 10:00 - 17:00 |
|---|---|
| Tue | 10:00 - 17:00 |
| Wed | 10:00 - 17:00 |
| Thu | 10:00 - 17:00 |
| Fri | 10:00 - 17:00 |
| Sat | 10:00 - 17:00 |
| Sun | 10:00 - 17:00 |
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.3 against a median of 4.5 across the 11 venues we hold for St Ann's, and the most-reviewed of them.
Still deciding?
- What season or time of day offers the most enjoyable experience at the City of Caves in Nottingham?
- How long do the guided tours last and what parts of the medieval tunnel network are included?
- Are the underground passages wheelchair accessible and what accommodations are provided for visitors with mobility needs?
- Which key historical periods or events are emphasized during the City of Caves tours?
- What other nearby sights in Nottingham complement a visit to the City of Caves for a full day of exploring?
What this page cannot tell you
- Descriptions and review summaries are supplied by the source index and are reproduced as published; they are not independently verified by Breaks.
- Ratings and review counts are point-in-time snapshots and drift constantly. Check the venue's own site or the rating provider for the current figure.
- Opening hours change seasonally and at short notice. Confirm with the venue before travelling.
- Category labels come from the source index and are occasionally wrong — a venue may be filed under a type that does not match how it trades.
- Straight-line distances understate real walking distance, especially where a river or railway sits between two points.