A Travel Price Comparison for United Kingdom York vs. Nottingham for Food, Families, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit York or Nottingham?

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

Should I visit York 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.

York

York is a historic, medieval, and fanciful city. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Nottingham

Nottingham is a dynamic, livable, and cultural city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums.

York and Nottingham: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in York or Nottingham?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Nottingham than York, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Nottingham is more popular for its music, shopping, and big city activities, while York is known for its museums, food, nightlife, and historical sights. York is more touristy than Nottingham and is known for its markets, old town, and its many ghost tours. Nottingham is popular for its authenticity and local cuisine. It is also home to Old Market Square.

How is York different from Nottingham?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

York 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 York. Popular museums include the York Castle Museum, the National Railway Museum, Castle Howard, and JORVIK Viking Centre.

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 York or Nottingham? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

York is very popular for its restaurant scene. Also, Nottingham is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Many restaurants in York have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Meat pies, fudge, and fish and chips are just some of the culinary experiences you'll find here. The Shambles Market has vendors that sell a wide variety of cuisines. There are also food trucks throughout town that offer affordable and delicious meal options.

Nottingham has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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 York or Nottingham Better for Nightlife?

York is well known for nightlife. Also, Nottingham is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

York is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The young population and thriving tourist scene means there's no shortage of nightlife around town. Check out a pub or music venue to experience everything that city has to offer.

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 York or Nottingham Better for Music?

Nottingham is a popular place for live music. However, York 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.

York is not a live music destination.

Is York or Nottingham Better for its Old Town?

York is very popular for its historic old town. However, Nottingham does not have a historic old town.

York has a world-famous historical area. The charming old town is filled with shops and restaurants. There are street performers, fudge shops, and all of the Harry Potter merchandise that a person could need.

Nottingham does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in York or Nottingham?

Nottingham is a well-known place for shopping. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Nottingham is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting York. The old town has many great candy stores that sell fudge and other local specialties. There are also Harry Potter stores that sell potions, t-shirts, games, and more.

Is York or Nottingham Better for Families?

York is very popular for its family-friendly activities. Also, Nottingham is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

York is an extremely popular city to visit for families. The city does an amazing job bringing history to life in a way that kids will enjoy. The JORVIK Viking Centre transports visitors back in time and introduces them to a fully immersive viking experience. The York Dungeon is great for older kids as long as they don't scare easily. Actors and special effects offer a terrifying and entertaining visit through a York dungeon. Harry Potter fans will enjoy exploring the potion shops and broomstick stores along the iconic Shambles, which is said to be an inspiration for J.K. Rowling's Diagon Alley.

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 York or Nottingham Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit York frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples can explore the history and entertainment venues that make York an enjoyable destination. There are museums, restaurants, and outdoor markets that make this a great weekend getaway.

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 York or Nottingham Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

York is well known for backpackers. However, Nottingham is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Backpackers come from all over to visit York. There are a few hostels around town as well as nightlife venues and entertainment spots that appeal to backpackers and younger travelers. For great and affordable food, grab a meal at one of the many food trucks around town.

Nottingham is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Nottingham is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Nottingham is fairly effecient and thorough. There are buses and trams around town that connect into the rail network. The multi-operator system is organized by the Robin Hood Network.

York has some public transit options. There is a reliable and efficient bus system around town.

Is York or Nottingham a more walkable city?

Nottingham is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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.

York is a somewhat walkable place. The old town has many pedestrian streets that are easily explored on food.

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

Should I spend more time in Nottingham or York?

How long in York or Nottingham?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in York or Nottingham to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in York than Nottingham because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for York, and 1-2 days is enough time in Nottingham.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in York 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 York.

One day in York or Nottingham?

With museums and nightlife around the fanciful city of York, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the destination of Nottingham. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in York or Nottingham?

With nightlife and food around the destination of York, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Nottingham is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in York or Nottingham?

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

You'll find food and shopping around the dynamic destination of Nottingham. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in York or Nottingham?

York is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the food. 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.

The livable city of Nottingham offers shopping and museums. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from London, The Best 10-Day Tours from Edinburgh, The Best 2-Week Tours from London, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh.

When comparing the travel costs between York and Nottingham, 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 York Expensive? and Is Nottingham Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, York or Nottingham?

Nottingham has a larger population, and is about 71% larger than the population of York. When comparing the sizes of York 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 York 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 York or Nottingham in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both York and Nottingham. Many visitors come to York in the summer for 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.

York is around the same temperature as Nottingham in the summer. The daily temperature in York averages around 16°C (62°F) in July, and Nottingham fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).

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

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

Should I visit York or Nottingham in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to York as well as Nottingham. Most visitors come to York for the shopping scene 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.

In the autumn, York is around the same temperature as Nottingham. Typically, the autumn temperatures in York in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Nottingham averages at about 11°C (52°F).

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

York usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Nottingham. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Nottingham receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit York or Nottingham in the Winter?

Both Nottingham and York are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to York because of the museums, the shopping scene, 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 York can be very cold. In January, York is generally around the same temperature as Nottingham. Daily temperatures in York average around 4°C (39°F), and Nottingham fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

York usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Nottingham during winter. York gets 61 hours of sunny skies, while Nottingham receives 61 hours of full sun in the winter.

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

Should I visit York or Nottingham in the Spring?

Both Nottingham and York during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Nottingham for the activities around the city.

York is around the same temperature as Nottingham in the spring. The daily temperature in York averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Nottingham fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

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

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

Typical Weather for Nottingham and York