Make a day of it: Family fun along the Robin Hood Adventure Trail

The Robin Hood Adventure Trail is the perfect summer activity for families in Nottingham — a self-guided trail packed with clues, creativity and local legends. As you make your way across the city solving the puzzle, you’ll visit some of Nottingham’s most iconic landmarks. But why stop there?

Every point on the trail is surrounded by even more family-friendly fun, from cool cafés and sweet treats to cultural gems and hidden green spaces. So here’s how to turn your trail walk into a summer-long family adventure!

🎭 Theatre Royal: A grand beginning

Theatre Square, NG1 5ND

Start your trail in style at the beautifully historic Theatre Royal. it’s worth checking what’s on too - the summer schedule often includes family shows and musical matinees.

Nearby pick-me-ups:

• Caffè Nero is just opposite the theatre and makes for an easy stop with pram access, good hot chocolates and comfy seating.
• You’re also just a few steps from Starbucks – always reliable for quick snacks, sandwiches and iced-coffees.

Nearby family stop:

• The new Vue Cinema is just opposite — perfect if you fancy catching a family film after a morning of trail hunting.

🎬 Broadway Cinema: Culture + doughnuts

4-18 Broad St, NG1 3AL

This cool, independent cinema isn’t just for film buffs — they regularly host Kids Club screenings and family craft clubs. The building is full of character, with a laid-back café and an outdoor terrace to recharge.

Sweet treat alert!

Just across the road is the brilliant Wawoo Mochi — serving ice cream, and fluffy mochi doughnuts. A total winner with the kids (and big kids too). Open Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

❄️ National Ice Centre: Cool off

Bolero Square, Belward St, NG1 1LA

As the trail takes you by the Motorpoint Arena, why not lace up your skates and hit the National Ice Centre? They run family skating sessions and have penguin skating aids for younger children.

While you're here:

• Pop into the on-site T&D café – they serve up smooth 200 Degrees coffee and we can highly recommend the breakfast baps!
• The space is nice and big with a view over the ice, making it a great stop whether you’re skating or just stopping by.

⚖️ National Justice Museum: Courtroom capers

High Pavement, NG1 1HN

Head into the Lace Market for one of Nottingham’s most unique museums. Step inside and experience live courtrooms, spooky dungeons, and costumed characters who bring the city’s justice history to life.

The National Justice Museum is now offering annual passes, as well as family discounted tickets. Find out more here.

While you're here:

• Pop into the museum’s on-site café, Deli-Cious – serving indulgent hot chocolates, cakes, and light lunches in a cosy, family-friendly space. It’s ideal for a break before you carry on with the trail.
• There’s also plenty of seating and space for buggies, making it a great little pit stop for tired feet and hungry tums.

🖼️ Nottingham Contemporary: Art meets imagination

Weekday Cross, NG1 2GB

Bold exhibitions and interactive installations make this art gallery a hit with families. It’s relaxed, creative and free to enter - and kids are always welcome.

While you’re here…

• Keep an eye out for the children’s workshops running during school holidays!
• Why not pop into Blend café inside the gallery? It’s an oasis of calm with great coffee for grown-ups and plenty of table space if little ones want to do one of the activities on their trail map.

Nearby eats:

• Just steps away, Pitcher & Piano offers a beautiful outdoor terrace, great for sunny days. Their kids' menu is top-notch — mac & cheese, veggie burgers and puddings galore.

⛏️ City of Caves: Underground adventure

Garner's Hill, NG1 1HF

Ready to go underground? The City of Caves reveals a hidden world under Nottingham’s streets - a true time-travelling adventure through 1,000 years of history carved in sandstone.

Local gems:

• Before heading to the next stop on the trail map, take a stroll down Sussex Street to spot some incredible street art murals.
• Grab a warm sausage roll from Bird’s on Lister Gate and enjoy a little break at the nearby Green Heart – Nottingham’s greenest space for picnics and play.

📚 Nottingham Central Library: Stories + swings

1 Carrington St, NG1 7FH

This modern, vibrant library is a family treasure. Inside, the children’s section is full of colour, sensory play, reading nooks and there’s even a park area with swings and a slide.

While you're here...

• The library café is bright and airy, perfect for a coffee and a slice of cake while little ones get stuck into a craft or storybook.
• Don’t miss the regular children’s events, from story sessions to creative workshops – there’s usually something going on, especially in the holidays.

🎭 Nottingham Playhouse: Creativity on stage

Wellington Circus, NG1 5AF

Take a moment by the iconic Sky Mirror sculpture outside the Playhouse, and check what’s on inside - often family plays, summer theatre schools or activities. It’s a quieter part of the city, perfect for a slow wander.

Nearby eats:

• Elena’s Patisserie and Coffee Lounge is just around the corner – a cosy stop with a lovely atmosphere and a delicious taste of Greece, from sweet pastries to proper Greek coffee.
• Or head to Las Iguanas for something with a bit of spice – their Niños Menu is packed with kid-approved Latin American dishes, and the colourful vibe makes it a hit with families.

🏰 Nottingham Castle: A legendary finish

Lenton Road, NG1 6EL

What better way to end the Robin Hood trail than at the castle itself? Explore exhibitions, walk the ancient walls, meet costumed characters, and take part in hands-on experiences like Hood’s Hideout, archery games and the brilliant play area.

Final treats:

• Enjoy a scoop of ice cream from the Castle Café or bring your own picnic to enjoy in the castle’s gardens.
• If time allows, walk down to Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem for a glimpse of Nottingham’s oldest pub - kids are welcome, and it's full of history.

🌟 Final tips for trail explorers

• Trail maps can be picked up at participating venues or downloaded here – bring a pen, a sense of adventure, and maybe even a picnic blanket.
• Most of the trail is buggy-friendly, but there are stairs down to the City of Caves (but you can walk round and enter via Sussex St).
• Do the trail in your own time - you don’t have to do it all in one day — there’s so much to do, especially with kids in tow.

Whether you're chasing clues, discovering history, or just after a great coffee while the kids play, the Robin Hood Adventure Trail is the perfect way to spend a summer’s day in Nottingham. 🍦🏹