Newstead Abbey

Lord Byron's family home from 1540 to 1818, this former Augustinian priory contains original medieval architecture alongside Georgian additions. The poet lived here during his scandalous early career, and his belongings fill several rooms including handwritten manuscripts and personal effects. The 300-acre grounds include formal gardens, lakes, and the ruins of the original 12th-century abbey church. It sits in Nottingham's Mellors Group, close to the other main sights. It sits below the headline sights but earns its place on a longer visit to Nottingham, especially paired with nearby Sherwood Forest. Tickets cost £8.50 adult, £4.25 child, gardens free and 3-4 hours including gardens is enough to see everything without rushing.

Priority: Medium - include with 2+ days Time needed: 3-4 hours including gardens Best for: best Skip if: You're not interested in literary history or prefer urban attractions to country estates Cost: £8.50 adult, £4.25 child, gardens free

You walk through Byron's actual living spaces with his four-poster bed, writing desk, and portraits of his lovers still displayed. The medieval great hall retains its original stone walls and vaulted ceiling, while the abbey ruins create distinctive backdrops for exploring the extensive grounds.

Accessibility: Ground floor of house accessible, but upper floors and some garden areas require stairs or have uneven surfaces

Best-preserved example of a Romantic poet's home with extensive original contents and medieval architecture. It is not the first thing you should see in Nottingham, but with two or more days it fills a gap the major sights leave. It pairs naturally with Sherwood Forest and Papplewick Pumping Station - together they fill a solid half-day. Afternoon tends to work best here.

Skip if: You're not interested in literary history or prefer urban attractions to country estates

• Gardens are free to visit even when house is closed.
• Byron's bedroom contains original furniture and personal items.
• Parking is £2 but validates for full day.

Insider tip: Byron kept a bear as a pet at Cambridge because dogs were forbidden - there's a statue of it in the gardens

Excellent opportunities in the ruins and formal gardens, interior photography permitted without flash in most rooms