Nottingham
Nottingham City Guide
Introduction
The Saxon market town of Nottingham lies on a strategic point on the river Trent. It’s famous for its connection with the legendary medieval outlaw Robin Hood, reminders of whom are scattered all over the town, and for its industrial heritage in the lace and hosiery industry. The town is an exciting combination of old and new, and there’s plenty to keep you occupied and entertained there for a relaxing weekend break.
Attractions
Nottingham Castle
The focal point of the town is the castle on the hill, which dominates the skyline. Built by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, it has seen many turbulent times over the centuries and was virtually destroyed during the Civil War. The medieval gatehouse is really all that remains, although it has been significantly restored. At the entrance you’ll see a statue of Robin Hood flanked by plaques of his merry men on the wall behind it. Across the lawn behind the gateway is the ducal palace that was built to replace the ruined castle. Inside there’s an excellent exhibition tracing the history of the building and the city, ‘The Story of Nottingham Gallery’, and an interesting museum and art gallery.
Mortimer’s Hole
There’s a labyrinth of caves, tunnels and carved passageways in the sandstone hills below the castle, which can be viewed on a guided tour. The most well known of these is Mortimer’s Hole, which King Edward III used to creep into the castle and seize his mother, Queen Isobel, and her lover Sir Roger Mortimer, her accomplice in murdering her husband Edward II.
Lace Market and Lace Museum
Nestled among the narrow streets around the gothic St Mary’s Church, the largest in the city, is the area known as the Lace Market, which was the heart of Nottingham’s famous and prosperous lace industry. The story of the city’s lace heritage is told in the Museum of Nottingham Lace on High Pavement. It depicts the typical lives of lace workers and there are working machines where you can see lace making in action. There’s also a shop selling a variety of lace products.
Shire Hall and Galleries of Justice
This splendid neoclassical building, built in the late 1800s, is now home to the Galleries of Justice. Inside there are two Victorian courtrooms, a rather gruesome cell block, a women’s prison and a prison recreation yard. Visits are with guides only, but it’s a very good interactive tour.
Shopping
Nottingham is a great destination for shopping, with two large shopping centres (Broadmarsh and Victoria), two wonderful arcades (Flying Horse Walk and Exchange Arcade) and several pedestrianised streets lined with retail premises and department stores.
Sherwood Forest
Covering much of West Nottinghamshire, Sherwood Forest is the vast woodland of birch and oak, where according to legend Robin Hood lived with his merry men. Nowadays it’s a country park with an excellent visitor centre for orientation. The Major Oak is one of the biggest attractions in the park, beneath which Robin Hood and Maid Marian are said to have courted. There’s a good network of paths for leisurely strolls or long walks and maps can be picked up at the visitor centre.
Eating Out
Nottingham’s restaurant scene has been revived in recent years and there are scores of trendy new restaurants across the city. World Service in the historic Newdigate House on Castlegate is an award-winning restaurant with beautiful interior décor and a lovely oriental walled garden. The menu is a varied combination of modern British and Mediterranean dishes. Fashion on Middle Pavement is an ultra-stylish restaurant with an extensive menu to suit all tastes, while the Lace Market Hotel and Restaurant has both a traditional British brasserie and an excellent value gastropub. Benton’s Brasserie on Heathcote Street is a charming informal café-bar serving a range of international dishes cooked using the finest and freshest ingredients.
Nightlife
There’s a great mix of old and new style pubs and bars in the city, so whatever your tastes you’re bound to have a good night out. The Limelight on Wellington Circus has a great courtyard for outdoor drinking in the summer and it has a good selection of real ales. A couple of other good traditional pubs are the Lincolnshire Poacher and the Forest Tavern, both on Mansfield Road. Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem Inn on Brewhouse Yard is carved into the rock on the hill below the castle and is reputed to be one of the oldest pubs in the UK. Its cavernous interior makes it wonderfully unusual and atmospheric.
The clubbing scene in Nottingham is very well developed, with plenty of large and lively venues. Rock City on Talbot Street plays heavy metal, rock and indie music and hosts a regular programme of live gigs. The best clubs for dance and techno are The Bomb on Bridlesmith Gate and The Edge on Lower Parliament Street.
