Museums in Nottingham

D.H. Lawrence Birthplace Museum

The Eastwood terraced house where D.H. Lawrence was born, run by Broxtowe Council, a small heritage stop rather than a big day out.

Framework Knitters Museum

Ruddington

Real Victorian knitting frames still in action, a hands-on knitting machine for kids, and a free-to-enter café/shop even on museum closed days.

CaféGift shopPicnic areaToilets+1 more

Great Central Railway (Nottingham)

Nottingham

Free site entry, £3 parking and a flat, buggy-friendly 25-acre site with steam trains, old buses, mini railway rides and a dog-friendly café.

Baby changeCaféDog friendlyGift shop+6 more

Lakeside Arts

Nottingham

University of Nottingham's public arts centre with theatre, galleries and museum, set beside Highfields Park lake.

CaféFree parkingGift shopParking+2 more

Mr Straw's House

Worksop

A time-capsule 1920s house seen only on small, pre-booked tours of four, fascinating for older kids, but steep stairs mean no buggies indoors.

Free parkingGift shopParkingPicnic area+2 more

National Civil War Centre, Newark

Newark

Civil War history museum in Newark with a much-loved dressing-up area for kids and a multilingual object trail to keep them hunting through the galleries.

CaféGift shopParkingToilets+1 more