A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Nottingham vs. Howth for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Nottingham or Howth?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Nottingham and Howth can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Nottingham

Nottingham is a cultural, authentic, and dynamic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the food, shopping, and museums.

Howth

Howth is a picturesque, scenic, and peaceful fishing village. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. It's also known for hiking, museums, and food.

Nottingham and Howth: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Nottingham or Howth?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Nottingham. Although Nottingham and Howth are popular destinations, Nottingham has more sights and attractions for tourists. Nottingham is very popular for its nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Howth attracts visitors for its beaches, hiking, and small town charm. Howth is more touristy than Nottingham and is known for its scenic coastline, charming character, and its accessibility to Dublin. Nottingham is famous for its authenticity and local cuisine. It is also well known for Old Market Square.

How is Nottingham different from Howth?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Howth and Nottingham. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Nottingham or Howth?

Nottingham
Howth

Both Nottingham and Howth have nice landmarks and museums for visitors.

Nottingham is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. You'll find history and culture around town. Some of the notable landmarks include Wollaton Hall, the National Justice Museum, Nottingham Castle, and Old Market Square.

Howth offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The surrounding coastline is the main draw to this picturesque town but there is also a nice harbor, pier, and lighthouse that you can visit.


Is the Food Better in Nottingham or Howth? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nottingham
Howth

Both Nottingham and Howth offer nice local cuisine and restaurants.

Nottingham offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find a diversity of restaurants around town that range from local fish and chips shops to international options. Pubs, cafes, and fine dining are all available in town.

Howth has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are seafood restaurants and a few pubs where you can enjoy some fresh food and the local ambiance.

Is Nottingham or Howth Better for Nightlife?

Nottingham
Howth

Nottingham is a popular place for nightlife and partying. However, Howth is not particularly known for its evening party scene.

Nottingham has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Head to the oldest pub in England, Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, for a pint or check out one of the trendy clubs around town. The city is also a big sports town, so see if there are any sporting events going on while you're visiting.

Howth doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are a few pubs around town but if you're looking for a real nightlife scene then your best bet is to head into Dublin.

Is Nottingham or Howth Better for Music?

Nottingham
Howth

Nottingham is a popular place for its live music scene. However, Howth is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Nottingham is active and vibrant. Many of the best music concerts in the UK make there way to Nottingham. Check out Rock City, which hosts all kinds of concerts.

Howth is not a live music destination.


Is Nottingham or Howth Better for Beaches?

Nottingham
Howth

Howth is well known for its beaches. However, Nottingham is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Howth attract visitors from all over. Many people head to this coastal town specifically to hang out on the beach. There's also the Howth Cliff Path which is fun to explore. Some of the top beaches in the area include Red Rock Beach, Claremont Beach, and Balscadden Bay Beach. The beaches can be rocky and rough so make sure you understand the water conditions before heading to the beach.

Nottingham is not a beach destination.

Is Nottingham or Howth Better for Hiking?

Nottingham
Howth

Howth is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Nottingham is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Howth. The best way to experience Howth is to explore the The Howth Cliff Walk. There are several versions of the hike that cater to different experience and skill levels.

Nottingham is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nottingham or Howth?

Nottingham
Howth

Nottingham is well known for its shopping opportunities. However, Howth is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Nottingham is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Head to the Lace Market, which is a popular shopping area. You can also wander around the center of town on foot and head to the pedestrian streets that are often lined with independent shops or international chains.

Howth is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Nottingham or Howth Better for Families?

Nottingham
Howth

Both Nottingham and Howth are nice to visit with kids.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Nottingham. There are a number of parks and play areas that younger kids will enjoy. You can check out Wheelgate Park, White Post Farm, Rufford Abbey, or Sherwood Pines. Sundown Adventureland is a small theme park that's designed for younger kids under 10. If your kids are into museums, head to the Newark Air Museum.

Howth offers lots of family activities. It has a beach where kids can run around. There are also playgrounds, a lighthouse, and a pier to explore.

Is Nottingham or Howth Better for Couples?

Nottingham
Howth

Both Nottingham and Howth are nice destinations for a couple's getaway.

Nottingham is a nice destination for couples. You'll find the typical date night activities around town like arcades, minigolf, and some interesting restaurants. There are also parks where you can enjoy a stroll in nature.

Howth makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The small fishing village has some great seafood restaurants and a beach where couples can pass the time.

Is Nottingham or Howth Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Nottingham
Howth

Nottingham is well known for its public transit. Also, Howth is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Nottingham can get you to some places easily. There are buses and trams around town that connect into the rail network. The multi-operator system is organized by the Robin Hood Network.

While Howth offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. It's easy to reach the town from Dublin by DART.


Is Nottingham or Howth a more walkable city?

Nottingham
Howth

Nottingham and Howth both are excellent when exploring on foot.

Nottingham is very walkable. It is trying to transform itself into a pedestrian-friendly city, and you'll find some areas that are particularly walkable. The city center is very compact and generally walkable.

Howth is a very walkable city. It's a small town that's easy to explore on foot. There are also many walks through the cliffs.

For even more information, also check out Is Nottingham Worth Visiting? and Is Howth Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Howth or Nottingham?

How long in Nottingham or Howth?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Nottingham or Howth to fill your time. In our opinion, Nottingham has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Nottingham than Howth. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Howth than Nottingham. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Howth, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Nottingham than Howth. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Nottingham that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Howth than Nottingham if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Howth.


  • How many days in Nottingham or Howth? Ideal Length of Stay
    Nottingham 1-2 
    Howth 1-2

One day in Nottingham or Howth?

In Nottingham, many people enjoy the live music and food that this authentic destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

With museums and food around the beautiful fishing village of Howth, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Howth, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Nottingham or Howth?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nottingham. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

With food and museums around the destination of Howth, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this fishing village.


Five days in Nottingham or Howth?

Nottingham is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Nottingham. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Howth, a popular fishing village, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Nottingham or Howth?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the livable destination of Nottingham. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Howth is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Bicycle Tours in United Kingdom, The Best 2-Week Tours in Ireland, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Ireland.


Which place is cheaper, Howth or Nottingham?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Nottingham is £117, while the average daily cost in Howth is £115. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Nottingham and Howth in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nottingham £64
    Howth £55
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nottingham £128
    Howth £110
Compare Hotels in Nottingham and Howth

Looking for a hotel in Nottingham or Howth? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Nottingham


Hotels in Howth


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Nottingham Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nottingham £21
    Howth £35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nottingham

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nottingham:

  • Derby to East Midlands Airport (EMA) - Departure Private Transfer: $38
  • East Midlands Airport EMA to Leicester-RoundTrip Private Transfer: $76
  • East Midlands Airport EMA to Loughborough City Transfer: $35
  • East Midlands Airport EMA to Nottingham City Private Transfer: $38
  • East Midlands Airport to Nottingham City Private Transfer: $76
  • Nottingham to East Midlands Airport Private Departure Transfer: $38
  • Nottinghamshire to Manchester Airport (MAN) Luxury Transfers: $210
  • Private East Midlands Departure Transfer- Hotel / Accommodation to Airport: $55
  • Private Nottingham Departure Transfer - Hotel / Accommodation to Airport: $97
  • Private Transfer from Glossop to Manchester Airport (MAN): $80
  • Private Transfer from Loughborough to East Midlands Airport: $35
  • Private Transfer from Nottingham to Manchester Airport (MAN): $224

Is it cheaper to fly into Nottingham or Howth?

Prices for flights to both Howth and Nottingham change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Nottingham £36
    Howth £38

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nottingham £28
    Howth £21

Tours and Activities in Nottingham

Here are a few actual costs in Nottingham for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Stamford Town Guided Tours: $13
  • Nottingham Walking Tour with a Local Guide: $17
  • Nottingham Walking Tour with a Local Guide: $18
  • Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz Tour App: $19
  • Watson Fothergill Walk: Architecture of Victorian Nottingham Guided Tour: $25
  • Baroness Bolsover's Town Tour with Afternoon Tea: $32
  • Whatsapp Murder Mystery Interactive City Tour: $74
  • Private Immersive Play Wall Experience in Nottingham: $89
  • Half-Day Spa Experiences : $103
  • Stamford and Oakham Private Tour: $114
  • Lincoln Private Walking Tour: $140
  • Private City Walking Tour: $144

Tours and Activities in Howth

Here are a few actual costs in Howth for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Dublin: Full-Day Howth and Malahide Castle Tour: $52

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nottingham £7.10
    Howth £18

Sample the Local Flavors in Nottingham

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Nottingham:

  • Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $47


When comparing the travel costs between Nottingham and Howth, we can see that Nottingham is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Nottingham Expensive? and Is Howth Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Nottingham or Howth?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Nottingham or Howth in the Summer?

Both Howth and Nottingham are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Nottingham for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Howth in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Nottingham is around the same temperature as Howth. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nottingham in July average around 16°C (62°F), and Howth averages at about 16°C (60°F).

Nottingham usually receives more sunshine than Howth during summer. Nottingham gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Howth receives 166 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Nottingham usually receives around the same amount of rain as Howth. Nottingham gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Howth receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nottingham 16°C (62°F) 
    Howth 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Nottingham or Howth in the Autumn?

Both Howth and Nottingham during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Nottingham in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, most visitors come to Howth for the hiking trails and the small town atmosphere during these months.

In October, Nottingham is generally around the same temperature as Howth. Daily temperatures in Nottingham average around 11°C (52°F), and Howth fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Nottingham often gets more sunshine than Howth. Nottingham gets 112 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Howth receives 97 hours of full sun.

Nottingham usually gets less rain in October than Howth. Nottingham gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Howth receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nottingham 11°C (52°F) 
    Howth 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Nottingham or Howth in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nottingham and Howth. Most visitors come to Nottingham for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Howth because of the museums and the cuisine.

Nottingham can be very cold during winter. Nottingham is much colder than Howth in the winter. The daily temperature in Nottingham averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Howth fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Nottingham usually receives more sunshine than Howth during winter. Nottingham gets 61 hours of sunny skies, while Howth receives 56 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Nottingham usually receives less rain than Howth. Nottingham gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Howth receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nottingham 4°C (39°F) 
    Howth 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Nottingham or Howth in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Nottingham as well as Howth. The spring months attract visitors to Nottingham because of the activities around the city. Also, the beaches and the small town charm are the main draw to Howth this time of year.

In the spring, Nottingham is around the same temperature as Howth. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nottingham in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Howth averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the spring, Nottingham often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Howth. Nottingham gets 151 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Howth receives 157 hours of full sun.

Nottingham usually gets less rain in April than Howth. Nottingham gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Howth receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nottingham 8°C (46°F) 
    Howth 8°C (47°F)

Typical Weather for Howth and Nottingham

Nottingham Howth
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (39°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 6°C (42°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 6°C (42°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 7°C (44°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 8°C (47°F) 51 mm (2 in)
May 11°C (53°F) 50 mm (2 in) 11°C (52°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 15°C (58°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 14°C (57°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jul 16°C (62°F) 51 mm (2 in) 16°C (60°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Aug 16°C (61°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 15°C (60°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 14°C (56°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 11°C (52°F) 70 mm (2.7 in)
Nov 7°C (44°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 8°C (46°F) 65 mm (2.5 in)
Dec 5°C (40°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 6°C (44°F) 76 mm (3 in)


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