Things to do in Nottingham: 16 interesting museums to visit in Nottinghamshire for all the family

A day out at the museum is fun for all the family.

Luckily Nottinghamshire has a museum for everyone, whether you’re interested in planes, science, art, or historical artefacts.

We’ve created a list of 16 brilliant and interesting museums to visit in Nottinghamshire.

Among them is the excellent Newark Air Museum, National Justice Museum and Creswell Crags.

Read more: What’s On in Nottingham?

1. Nottingham Castle Museum

Situated on a historic site, this museum offers a rich collection of art, artefacts, and exhibitions that delve into Nottingham's history, including the legend of Robin Hood. The recently renovated castle also features stunning views of the city.

2. The National Justice Museum

Located in Nottingham's historic Lace Market, this museum explores the history of justice and law. Visitors can experience real courtroom dramas, prison cells, and historical exhibitions on crime and punishment.

3. Green's Windmill and Science Centre

A unique blend of history and science, this museum is housed in a working windmill that once belonged to mathematical physicist George Green. The science centre offers interactive exhibits that explain Green’s groundbreaking work in mathematics and physics.

4. The Newark Air Museum

Based at the former World War II airfield in Newark, this museum displays over 70 aircraft and numerous aviation artefacts. It provides a deep dive into the history of aviation, with a focus on British aviation heritage.

5. Bassetlaw Museum

Located in Retford, this museum focuses on the social and industrial history of North Nottinghamshire. It features a wide range of exhibits, from archaeological finds to Victorian costume displays, and often hosts community-focused events.

6. Mr Straw's House

National Trust - Mr Straw's House is a museum in Worksop. The Edwardian semi-detached house and its contents have remained largely unchanged since the 1920s. It opened to the public in 1993 and is located in Blyth Grove.

7. Mansfield Museum

Mansfield Museum is a local authority museum operated by Mansfield Council. Initially known as the "Tin Tabernacle," the museum was gifted to the town of Mansfield by the wealthy collector and natural historian, William Edward Baily, in 1903.

A child-friendly atmosphere encourages visits by younger people and their carers. Changing exhibitions aimed at all sectors of local society aim to keep the museum a relevant player in Mansfield's cultural life.

8. Bilsthorpe Heritage Museum

Bilsthorpe Heritage Museum is open to the public on Monday, Wednesday and Sundays, and boasts well-stocked displays and memorabilia for visitors to see along with knowledgeable staff (very often ex-miners) on hand to guide you through the displays.

The museum is home to CHAD archives, maps, and books.

9. The Harley Gallery and Portland Collection

Situated on the Welbeck Estate, this gallery showcases contemporary art alongside the historic Portland Collection, which includes fine art, decorative objects, and furniture amassed by the Dukes of Portland.

10. Nottinghamshire Mining Museum

Nottinghamshire Mining Museum is located at Mansfield Railway Station and contains items, artefacts, documents, and history from across the Nottinghamshire coalfields.

11. National Holocaust Centre and Museum

The National Holocaust Centre and Museum is so much more than a museum. It's a vibrant memorial, a place of testimony and a Centre of learning for communities of all faiths, and none, across the UK. This site is located in the Northeast of Nottinghamshire, near Ollerton.

12. Erewash Museum

Located in nearby Ilkeston, though technically outside Nottinghamshire, this museum focuses on the local history of the Erewash Valley. It offers a range of exhibits, from Victorian life to World War history, and often has family-friendly activities.

13. William Booth Birthplace Museum

This small museum in Sneinton is dedicated to the founder of the Salvation Army, William Booth. It offers insight into Booth's early life and the social conditions that inspired him to create the Salvation Army.

14. Hucknall Flight Test Museum

Hucknall Flight Test Museum is the UK's only surviving pre-war aero-engine test facility containing exhibits from its working past.

15. Creswell Crags

Creswell Crags is an archaeological site and museum near Worksop. Walk in the footsteps of early humans and woolly mammoths through this dramatic gorge. Marvel at the Ice Age rock art still visible in these caves and enjoy nature.

16. Framework Knitters Museum

Situated in the village of Ruddington, this unique museum showcases the history of the knitting industry, which was once a significant part of Nottinghamshire's economy. Visitors can see working knitting machines and learn about the lives of the workers.