FAQs

Have a question?

Here are the answers to the questions we’re most often asked.

If you want to know something that isn’t included in our FAQs, you can use our enquiry form.

  • Do I need to book in advance?

    We recommend booking in advance if you can. If you’re not able to pre-book, we will do our best to accommodate you.

    Entrance to the City of Caves is in allocated time slots with a limited capacity, due to the enclosed nature of the site. Please arrive at least five to ten minutes before your booked time slot and our team will direct you into the Caves at the correct time. This allows for a smooth flow of foot traffic. If you do arrive after your booked time slot, our team will do their best to accommodate you at the next available time but access is not guaranteed.

    If you arrive without pre-booking, you may be asked to wait for the next available admission time – even though our reception area may seem quiet. If you’re looking to visit both the National Justice Museum and the City of Caves, we recommend visiting the museum first and we can advise on availability for the caves that day.

    Schools and groups must book in advance.

  • Where is the entrance to the City of Caves?

    The City of Caves entrance is on the corner of Sussex Street and Cliff Road, at the bottom of the Garner’s Hill steps down from Nottingham Contemporary.

    The entrance used to be in the now-closed Broadmarsh Shopping Centre, and Google Maps has not been updated to reflect this yet and may still direct you through the area where the shopping centre was.

    We recommend instead getting directions to Nottingham Contemporary, and then heading all the way down the steps to the left of Nottingham Contemporary.

    Click here for directions and travel information.

  • How long do I allow for a visit?

    Our audio guides last approximately 45 minutes. We strongly recommend using the guides for the full experience of the Caves, and bringing your own headphones.

    Entrance to the City of Caves is in allocated time slots with a limited capacity, due to the enclosed nature of the site. Please arrive at least five to ten minutes before your booked time slot and our team will direct you into the Caves at the correct time. This allows for a smooth flow of foot traffic. If you do arrive after your booked time slot, our team will do their best to accommodate you at the next available time but access is not guaranteed.

  • Where can I park?

    There is no parking on site.

    There are many park and ride sites around Nottingham. The City of Caves is a short walk from the Lace Market tram stop, or Broadmarsh Bus Station.

    View Nottingham's Park and Ride sites

    There is a large multi-storey car park in nearby Stoney Street. The Lace Market car park is also less than five minutes walking distance from the museum. Other options can be found on Nottingham City Council website. A small pay and display car parking area with around 20 spaces is almost directly opposite the museum steps on High Pavement. Pay and display charges apply.

  • Can I change my booking to another date, or cancel my booking?

    All bookings are non-refundable. In the case of any member(s) of your group being unable to make it on the day please contact us as soon as possible. We will offer to exchange the admission to another date or give you a gift voucher valid for 1 year. Please see our terms and conditions for more information.

  • How can I book a personal assistant/carer ticket?

    A carer or personal assistant is free of charge when accompanying a paying visitor. Please bring ID with you, such as your PIP letter or staff ID if visiting with an organisation. Please contact us directly on 0115 952 0555 or email info@nationaljusticemuseum.org.uk. We will be happy to discuss your needs and book tickets for you.

  • Do you have guides in other languages?

    Our City of Caves guides are available as written transcripts in German, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, French and Polish. We are working on adding more and welcome any suggestions or assistance in translation. Please enquire if you require another language.

  • Do you store luggage?

    We have no secure way of storing large luggage, and while we do our best to accommodate requests, all items are left at your own risk. We would recommend finding alternative luggage storage.

  • Are you open on a Bank Holiday?

    We are open daily, except for Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

  • Can I take photos and videos?

    You are welcome to take photographs in the City of Caves. Please be mindful of other visitors when taking photos.

  • How many steps are there?

    Due to the historic nature of the site, The City of Caves is not accessible for those with mobility issues, wheelchair users, or visitors with pushchairs or prams. Access to the site is down a spiral staircase, and the floor of the site itself was hand carved in the ancient sandstone so is naturally uneven underfoot.

  • Do you offer guided tours for groups?

    At the City of Caves, we can offer a guided tour for a minimum of 10 people. If there are over 20 in your group, we may need to split you into smaller groups.

    Group tickets must be booked in advance. Please contact us on 0115 952 0555 or email info@nationaljusticemuseum.org.uk

  • Is there a cafe or toilets?

    There is a small gift shop at the City of Caves, but no cafe or toilets on site. There is a cafe and toilets at the National Justice Museum, about 5 minutes walk from the City of Caves.

  • I've seen a different price or offer on another website. Is it correct?

    While we make every effort to keep external listings updated, we are not responsible for the accuracy of information on third-party websites. We always recommend checking our website for the correct information.