This is your Nottingham City Guide! It’s known worldwide for its connections to the legendary outlaw Robin Hood, but you’ll find plenty more to keep you interested on a City Break here. These are our recommendations…
Nottingham Castle Gatehouse
WHAT TO DO IN NOTTINGHAM
Nottingham Castle – Apart from the historic gatehouse, it’s not a castle like you might imagine a castle to be, but don’t let that put you off! The original castle burnt down and sadly many of the Robin Hood connections went with it. Today’s castle is basically Nottingham’s museum, art gallery and tourist attraction rolled into one. Don’t miss the tour of the caves under the castle too for a few extra pounds. The city has caves everywhere and the ones under the castle have a history much older and darker than the building above it. If Robin Hood were ever held at the castle, it probably would have been in these caves. In the summer, the castle gardens are beautiful and make sure you spend some time looking at the view by the cafe at the far end of the building near the flagpole. From here, you can see much of south Nottinghamshire including the impressive floodlights at Trent Bridge, Green’s Windmill (see below), the homes of Notts County (the world’s oldest league football club) and Nottingham Forest, the striking design of the HM Inland Revenue buildings and the luxurious historic houses of the gated community of “The Park”. Nottingham Castle is on the outskirts of the city centre near to Maid Marian Way, a short walk from the Old Market Square. More info, pics, links & map...
Ye Olde Trip To Jeruslaem
Ye Olde Trip To Jerusalem – It’s Nottingham’s most famous pub and reputedly England’s oldest inn having the date of 1189 painted on the outside. Continue your journey back in time by stepping inside and in the summer months you can enjoy some traditional English ale in the beer garden. You’ll find “The Trip” as it’s affectionately known at the foot of the rock below Nottingham Castle. More info, pics, links & map…
Wollaton Hall and Park – This is one of England’s finest urban parks complete with deer and only a few miles from the city centre of Nottingham. The centrepiece is the spectacular Elizabethan Wollaton Hall which is open to visitors and is free. The hall was used as Wayne Manor in the 2012 Batman movie “The Dark Knight Rises” with Christian Bale in the main role. There are two museums at the hall and on a warm sunny day, there’s nowhere better within the city to while away some time. Make sure you walk around the grounds too as you don’t realise just how vast the park is until you do. Getting to Wollaton Hall & Park will require a bus or taxi journey from the city centre. Read more, pics, opening times & map…
Wollaton Hall (Wayne Manor), Nottingham
The Galleries of Justice – This is so much more than just a museum of crime and punishment as it’s based in the former Nottingham courthouse and county gaol. The tour of the complex includes a visit to the court room and then you follow the steps of condemned men to the former prison cells below. Hangings took place in the rear courtyard which is also on the tour. There are now a variety of tours and exhibitions at the Galleries of Justice on different days including special ghost tours. They even claim to have a cell where Robin Hood might have been locked up! The museum is in Nottingham’s historic Lace Market (see below) on High Pavement, opposite the Lace Market Hotel. More info, pics, links & map...
The Adams Building in the Lace Market
The Lace Market – This area of Nottingham city centre is jam packed full of historic buildings with the beautiful St Mary’s Church as its center piece. Parts of the church date back to the 1400s and it is open to visitors Tuesday to Saturday from 10.30am – 2.30pm. Although the area surrounding the church dates back to Saxon times, the current buildings were part of the explosion in the lace industry in the 1800s. Nottingham became famous for its lace and at its height, this area had 130 factories making it. Today the area is known for its lovely buildings, hotels, trendy bars and restaurants. Apart from St Mary’s, don’t miss the Galleries of Justice (see above) from where a free audio tour of the Lace Market called the “Lace Market Heritage Audio Trail” is available daily. The Lace Market is signed from the shopping centres and has its own tram stop. More info, pics, links & map...
Nottingham Contemporary – This modern art gallery is the newest addition to the Lace Market (built in 2009) and the building’s design is both striking and controversial. Whatever you make of the outside, it’s definitely worth a trip inside where the gallery boasts international modern art for free. It has a number of exhibiting spaces and a nice cafe bar on the lower level. Nottingham Contemporary is at Weekday Cross (Lace Market tram stop). More info, pics, links & map…
Green’s Windmill in Nottingham
Green’s Windmill – You’ve probably never heard of mathematician George Green, but this is where he grew up. The windmill was built by his father and although destroyed by fire in 1947, it has been restored to a working state. We think it’s a great family attraction and Thursdays to Sundays you’ll find the sails still turning and milling taking place too. There’s also a science centre at the mill which will tell you more about George Green. Green’s Windmill is in Sneinton which is just about in walking distance from Nottingham city centre. Admission is free. More info, pics, links & map...
The National Ice Centre, Nottingham
National Ice Centre - Nottingham is the home of the world famous ice dancers Torvill and Dean and they began skating on this site. The National Ice Centre is an impressive shiny replacement for the tired old rink that used to be here though. It has two olympic sized rinks inside, one for public skating and one known as the arena which is used for shows, concerts and Nottingham Panthers Ice Hockey games. Skating sessions are available daily to the public and whilst you’re in Nottingham check out what shows are on here too as it’s not unusual to find international music stars holding their concerts. You can avoid the booking fee for any show or concert at the Arena by buying your tickets in person at the box office and paying in cash. This can reduce the price significantly compared to buying online from an agent. The National Ice Centre is on Lower Parliament Street at the edge of the Lace Market. More info, pics, links & map...
Trent Bridge - This is one of the world’s most famous test cricket grounds and is the home of Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club. The ground has seen considerable development in recent years, but still has its historic pavilion. Tours of the ground are available every Tuesday at 2pm, starting at the Trent Bridge shop. However, we’d also suggest that you consider buying tickets for a game here. Trent Bridge is on the A60 just over the river and is around a 25 minute walk from the city centre. Regular bus services are available too. More info, pics, links & map…
A Test Match underway at Trent Bridge, Nottingham
The Council House – In the centre of the city in the Old Market Square stands Nottingham’s Council House. This building is the home of civic events in the city and although it was built in tough economic times (1929), no expense was spared in its detail and opulence. The impressive dome stands 200 feet above the ground and houses “Little John” – the very deep sounding clock bell. Inside the council house you’ll find a sweeping staircase leading to a ballroom, the council chamber, the Sheriff of Nottingham’s rooms which are palatial in decor and the Lord Mayor’s parlour. We were really impressed with how beautiful it was. Tours are free but must be booked in advance. They’re available Monday to Friday 10am to 7pm and Saturday mornings. To book call +44(0) 115 979 7635. More info, pics, links & map...
Sherwood Forest – It’s Robin Hood’s home, but sadly there’s not much of it left! Most visitors head to the village of Edwinstowe which is around 20 miles from Nottingham where you’ll find themed shops and the Sherwood Forest Visitor’s centre. The 450 acre Sherwood Forest Nature Reserve contains the most famous tree in the forest, the 800 year old Major Oak, which is in a sorry state. It’s within walking distance from the Visitor’s Centre. The Visitor’s Centre and the forest are free to visit but there is a small charge for parking. Read more, opening times, pics & map…
Newstead Abbey, Nottinghamshire
OUR TOP TIP IN NOTTINGHAM
Newstead Abbey – This is the ancestral home of the poet Lord Byron and is 12 miles north of Nottingham on the A60. If you’re coming to Nottinghamshire we think visiting the Abbey is an absolute must. The house and gardens are beautiful and to this day the house retains its medieval character. The house is only open in the summer months but the gardens are open all year round. Read more, opening times, pics & map…
GETTING AROUND NOTTINGHAM
Nottingham has a good public transport system combining busses, trains and trams. The tram line runs from the railway station, through the city centre to Hucknall. Most visitor attractions are within walking distance, and public transport is available for the ones that aren’t. For convenience though, we think that for trips to Sherwood Forest and Newstead Abbey you would need a car.
The nearest airport is East Midlands Airport which has regular busses to Nottingham city centre.
RECOMMENDED HOTELS
We stayed at the Park Plaza Nottingham on Maid Marian Way and thought the rooms were tasteful, modern, clean and comfortable. It might not be the most attractive building on the outside but the inside is lovely and the location right in the city centre is great, with all the sights of Nottingham in easy reach. Next time we go to Nottingham however, we’re planning to stay at the Lace Market Hotel – a true taste of luxury at an affordable price.
MORE ON NOTTINGHAM
Great Hotels in Nottingham – We recommend Hotels.com for the best prices
More Nottingham Hotels - Massive discounts from Expedia
Nottingham City Council – Guide for visitors
VisitNottingham.com
GoToNottingham.com
Discount Deals in Nottingham - See today’s discount deal from Groupon.co.uk
Books on Nottingham – Amazon.co.uk
Robin Hood locations – BBC Nottingham
Twitter Trip – Guardian newspaper
Sunrise over Green’s Windmill, Nottingham
