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Day Trips From Nottingham by Train

Hop on a train from Nottingham to the surrounding areas, with stunning scenery and bustling towns to explore

There’s tons to see and do in Nottingham (see our Visit Nottingham by Train page). But if you fancy venturing a bit further afield, see our pick of destinations that you can get to by train from Nottingham for a short day trip.

From scenic countryside to historic buildings, culture, restaurants and shopping, you’re bound to find something to enjoy.

You can plan your train journey here, and don’t forget if you have a Railcard, you can get 1/3 off your rail fares.

Day trips from Nottingham in 1 hour or under

Lincoln

This walkable city is a hidden gem with award-winning attractions and a great selection of restaurants and shops. Walk up Steep Hill, the fourth steepest in England, which is packed full of vintage boutiques and tea rooms. Visit Lincoln Cathedral(external link, opens in a new tab) and Lincoln Castle(external link, opens in a new tab), where you can see the world famous Magna Carta(external link, opens in a new tab), which dictated that kings had to act within the rule of law.

If you fancy taking in some nature, Lincoln Arboretum(external link, opens in a new tab), which was designed by celebrated Victorian gardener Edward Milner, is a treat.

Nearest station: Lincoln

Leicester

One of the oldest cities in England and once the second richest in Europe, Leicester sits on the River Soar and offers visitors a flourishing art scene, plenty of restaurants and bars and a very famous king.

In 2012, Richard III’s remains were discovered in a car park in Leicester and you can now visit the King Richard III Visitor Centre(external link, opens in a new tab) to learn about his re-discovery or Leicester Cathedral(external link, opens in a new tab), where he was buried.

For those who prefer to look up at the stars, the National Space Centre(external link, opens in a new tab) is home to the UK’s largest full dome planetarian.

Nearest station: Leicester

Sheffield

Once world famous for its steel production, this vibrant South Yorkshire city has plenty of things to do and see. Visit Sheffield Botanical Gardens(external link, opens in a new tab), which has 18 different gardens linked by twisting pathways or paddleboard on the city’s waterways with DC Outdoors(external link, opens in a new tab).

You can explore the city’s history either at the Cholera Monument(external link, opens in a new tab) – visible across the city, it is a memorial to the people who died during the 1832 cholera outbreak – or at the Kelham Island Museum(external link, opens in a new tab) which shows what it was like to live and work in Sheffield during the Industrial Revolution.

Nearest station: Sheffield

Birmingham

The second-largest city in Britain truly has something for everyone. Marvel at the redeveloped New Street station when you step off the train then pop into Mailbox(external link, opens in a new tab) for some retail therapy and a wide selection of canalside dining.

Pop into the 10-level Library of Birmingham(external link, opens in a new tab), which shares an entrance with the Birmingham Repertory Theatre(external link, opens in a new tab), and take the elevator up the panoramic viewing gallery to enjoy impressive views across the city.

Nearest station: Birmingham New Street

Derby

Once a centre of the industrial revolution, Derby was awarded city status in 1977 and now regards itself as a friendly city in the heart of England. Visit the Museum of Making at Derby Silk Mill(external link, opens in a new tab), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or take time to explore the Museum and Art Gallery(external link, opens in a new tab), which has an impressive collection of work by Joseph Wright of Derby, the first painter to capture the Industrial Revolution.

Both the Derbyshire Dales and the Peak District are on its doorstep and for those who prefer aquatic adventures, there are canoeing(external link, opens in a new tab) and kayaking(external link, opens in a new tab) excursions on the River Derwent.

Nearest station: Derby

Day trips from Nottingham in 1 to 2 hours

Leeds

Located in the heart of the UK, Leeds is a dynamic city packed full of culture and with plentiful restaurants, cafes and shops, all easily accessible by foot.

Regarded as the unofficial capital of Yorkshire, it has a world class music venue, First Direct Arena(external link, opens in a new tab), the wonderful Roundhay Park(external link, opens in a new tab), 3 miles north of the city centre, and Hyde Park Picture House(external link, opens in a new tab), one of the oldest cinemas in the UK.

Nearest station: Leeds

Manchester

The city is jam packed with museums, art galleries, theatres, restaurants and shops. Visit the impressive Manchester Art Gallery(external link, opens in a new tab), which has been standing in the centre of the city for nearly 200 years and which has nearly 13,000 works of art, or drop into the vibrant HOME(external link, opens in a new tab) arts centre, cinema and theatre complex.

For something a bit different, there’s Ordsall Hall(external link, opens in a new tab), the oldest building in Salford, which is now a free-to-visit historic house with a Great Hall and 2 resident ghosts.

Nearest stations: Manchester Piccadilly, Manchester Victoria, Manchester Oxford Road, Manchester Deansgate

Doncaster

Awarded city status in 2022, Doncaster boasts the Yorkshire Wildlife Park(external link, opens in a new tab), which offers a walk-through animal adventure that takes in polar bears, big cats, red pandas and rhinos, and the Doncaster Dome(external link, opens in a new tab), which has over 50 activities including a 7-pool water world and a split-level ice rink.

Meanwhile, Cusworth Hall(external link, opens in a new tab), a Grade I-listed building, is set in acres of historical parkland and is perfect for a picnic.

Nearest station: Doncaster

Matlock and Matlock Bath

The neighbouring towns of Matlock and Matlock Bath both sit in a limestone valley and offer stunning views of the Peak District and Derbyshire.

Walk around the imposing Riber Castle(external link, opens in a new tab) in Matlock, built by the industrialist John Smedley as his rather large private home in 1862 (his name was later used as the namesake of the luxury clothing brand) or visit Hall Leys Park(external link, opens in a new tab) with its boating lake and skateboard park.

Matlock Bath, meanwhile, was one of England’s first tourist destinations, nicknamed ‘Little Switzerland’ by Lord Byron. Today it’s packed with independent shops as well as riverside walks and the Heights of Abraham(external link, opens in a new tab) cable car.

Nearest station: Matlock

Find out more

Plan Your Journey

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  • Buy yours today for just £35 and you’ll make the cost back in 1 or 2 trips! 

Leeds Corn Exchange image credit: © Carl Milner Photography for Leeds City Council

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