Nottingham to Birmingham drive: Distance, time & best stops
The best road trip stops on the Nottingham to Birmingham drive are Conkers, Twycross Zoo and Tamworth. The distance from Nottingham to Birmingham by car is 51 miles, with a one hour driving time.
Finding things to do between Nottingham and Birmingham
The Nottingham to Birmingham drive takes you from the biggest city in the East Midlands to the biggest city in the West Midlands.
Nottingham unashamedly plays on its Robin Hood heritage, but it does have a couple of good attractions. The City of Caves heads into a network of man-made caves that have been used as leather tanneries, pubs and air raid shelters.
The National Justice Museum is inside an old courthouse and prison complex, and explores the world of crime and punishment. The section on convict transportation to Australia is a fascinating.
Other top Nottingham experiences include a guided Victorian architecture walk and a Robin Hood-themed treasure hunt.
Top Birmingham experiences include historic gangs walking tours that lean heavily on Peaky Blinders, public art tours, learning new skills at the Bear Grylls Adventure and exploring the Jewellery Quarter.
Nottingham to Birmingham distance and driving time
By car, the distance from Nottingham to Birmingham is 51 miles. That’s going the along the quickest route via the A453, A42 and M42. The Nottingham to Birmingham drive takes around an hour.
The best stops to add to a Nottingham to Birmingham road trip itinerary are Conkers, Twycross Zoo and Tamworth.
Nottingham to Birmingham drive: Conkers
Conkers near Ashby-de-la-Zouch is part of the National Forest, and is a great favourite of outdoorsy kids. Along with the adventure play areas, there’s a fairy labyrinth, an activity trail, a splash park and a barefoot walk. The latter is all about getting the feel for different surfaces, whether mud, rocks, grass or soil. There’s also a ropes course with zipline.
Things to do between Nottingham and Birmingham: Twycross Zoo
Twycross Zoo in Leicestershire is famous for the chimps that starred in the PG Tips adverts, but there’s more to see than just the primates.
The zoo also runs several special animal encounters. You can try a close encounter with a giraffe, amur leopard or penguins, or take part in the Keeper For A Day programme.
Nottingham to Birmingham drive attractions: Tamworth
In Fazeley, just south of Tamworth, the Drayton Manor Resort is a theme park and zoo. The zoo section plays home to more than 500 animals, including a Sumatran tiger and red panda. The strength is in the child-oriented rides, however – especially in the Thomas the Tank Engine-themed section.
Just off the M42 south of Tamworth, you’ll also find the Cliff Lakes aquapark. On the lake, there are five different sections of inflatable slides, trampolines and climbing walls to conquer. You get 80 minutes to complete as much of the obstacle courses as you can.
Alternatively, you can just go for a swim or try your hand at stand-up paddleboarding.
More Nottingham road trips
Nottingham to Bradford | Coventry to Nottingham | Doncaster to Nottingham | Nottingham to Leeds | Leicester to Nottingham | Nottingham to Newcastle | Nottingham to York.
More Birmingham road trips
Chesterfield to Birmingham | Coventry to Birmingham | Derby to Birmingham | Doncaster to Birmingham | Loughborough to Birmingham | Milton Keynes to Birmingham | Northampton to Birmingham | Birmingham to Oxford | Rugby to Birmingham | Sheffield to Birmingham | Birmingham to Shrewsbury | Tamworth to Birmingham | Worcester to Birmingham | Birmingham to York.