A Travel Price Comparison for United Kingdom Windsor vs. Nottingham for Attractions, Couples, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Windsor or Nottingham?

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

Should I visit Windsor or Nottingham? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Windsor

Windsor is a traditional, touristy, and beautiful town. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for nightlife, food, and museums.

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.

Windsor and Nottingham: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Windsor or Nottingham?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Nottingham. Although Windsor and Nottingham are popular destinations, Nottingham has more sights and attractions for tourists. Nottingham is very popular for its music, shopping, and big city activities, while Windsor attracts visitors for its museums, historical sights, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Windsor is more touristy than Nottingham and is known for being home to the largest and oldest operating castle in the world. Nottingham is famous for its authenticity and local cuisine. It is also well known for Old Market Square.

How is Windsor different from Nottingham?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Windsor is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Nottingham is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Windsor. The main draw is the Windsor Castle, which many people explore in a few hours. Then you can pass some time wandering around the town.

Nottingham offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

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

Foodies will find both Windsor and Nottingham both to be nice destinations.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Windsor. There are cafes, pubs, and local restaurants that let you sample regional dishes. There are also chain restaurants and international options including Japanese and Thai food.

Nottingham is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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.

Is Windsor or Nottingham Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Windsor and Nottingham.

Windsor has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There's a low key nightlife scene with local pubs and a theater. Dinner cruises are also a fun activity.

If you're looking for night time activities Nottingham has a few options to choose from. 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.

Is Windsor or Nottingham Better for Music?

Nottingham is a popular place for its live music scene. However, Windsor 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.

Windsor is not a live music destination.

Is Windsor or Nottingham Better for its Old Town?

Windsor is a town with good options for its historic old town. However, Nottingham does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Windsor to see the historical old town. The old town is opposite the castle and caters specifically to tourists with its restaurants, pubs, and a few shops.

Nottingham does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Windsor or Nottingham?

Nottingham is well known for its shopping opportunities. However, Windsor 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.

Windsor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Windsor or Nottingham Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Windsor or Nottingham.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Windsor. Kids will enjoy seeing a working castle when they visit Windsor Castle. While a visit to Windsor Castle is the obvious draw to the town, there are also river cruises, parks, and even the Royal Windsor Maze at the Goswells Park that the whole family will enjoy. There is also a Legoland in the area for those who have more time.

Nottingham offers lots of family activities. 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.

Is Windsor or Nottingham Better for Couples?

Windsor is well known for romance. Also, Nottingham is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Windsor frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Exploring the Windsor Castle, taking a river cruise, and wandering the parks and gardens hand in hand make this a great place for a couples retreat.

Nottingham makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

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

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

The public transit in Nottingham can get you around 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 Windsor offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a bus system around town.

Is Windsor or Nottingham a more walkable city?

Windsor and Nottingham both are excellent when exploring on foot.

Windsor is a very walkable town. The town is compact and relatively easy to walk around. There are also several walking routes in the area.

Nottingham is a very walkable destination. 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.

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

Should I spend more time in Nottingham or Windsor?

How long in Windsor or Nottingham?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Windsor or Nottingham to fill your time. You can spend a similar amount of time exploring either. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Nottingham than Windsor 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 Nottingham.

One day in Windsor or Nottingham?

Windsor might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Windsor, one day is sufficent for most.

In Nottingham, you'll find shopping and museums. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Windsor or Nottingham?

Even though Windsor is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

In Nottingham, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Nottingham has to offer.

Five days in Windsor or Nottingham?

Windsor, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Nottingham is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Windsor or Nottingham?

Windsor 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nottingham. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Nottingham. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in United Kingdom, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, and The Best Bicycle Tours in United Kingdom.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Windsor and Nottingham, we can see that Windsor is more expensive. And not only is Nottingham much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Nottingham would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nottingham and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Windsor would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Windsor than you might in Nottingham.

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

Which is Bigger, Windsor or Nottingham?

Nottingham has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Windsor. When comparing the sizes of Windsor and Nottingham, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Windsor or Nottingham?

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 Windsor or Nottingham in the Summer?

Both Nottingham and Windsor are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Windsor in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Nottingham for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Windsor is generally around the same temperature as Nottingham. Daily temperatures in Windsor average around 18°C (64°F), and Nottingham fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).

Windsor usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Nottingham during summer. Windsor gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Nottingham receives 196 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Windsor usually receives less rain than Nottingham. Windsor gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Nottingham receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Windsor or Nottingham in the Autumn?

Both Nottingham and Windsor during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Windsor for the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Nottingham because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

Windsor is around the same temperature as Nottingham in the autumn. The daily temperature in Windsor averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and Nottingham fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Windsor often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Nottingham. Windsor gets 107 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nottingham receives 112 hours of full sun.

Windsor usually gets more rain in October than Nottingham. Windsor gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Nottingham receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Windsor or Nottingham in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Windsor and Nottingham. The winter months attract visitors to Windsor because of the museums and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Nottingham this time of year.

It's quite cold in Nottingham in the winter. The weather in Windsor can be very cold. In the winter, Windsor is a little warmer than Nottingham. Typically, the winter temperatures in Windsor in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Nottingham averages at about 4°C (39°F).

Windsor usually receives less sunshine than Nottingham during winter. Windsor gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Nottingham receives 61 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Windsor usually receives around the same amount of rain as Nottingham. Windsor gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Nottingham receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Windsor or Nottingham in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Windsor as well as Nottingham. The small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Windsor this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Nottingham for the activities around the city.

In April, Windsor is generally a little warmer than Nottingham. Daily temperatures in Windsor average around 9°C (48°F), and Nottingham fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In the spring, Windsor often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Nottingham. Windsor gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nottingham receives 151 hours of full sun.

Windsor usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Nottingham. Windsor gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Nottingham receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Nottingham and Windsor