Attractions in Nottingham - What to do, see and visit during your stay
Nottingham is not just about the legend of Robin Hood. The city has a real historical and industrial heritage, is great for shopping and, with attractions for every age group, is a great choice for at least a weekend break for the whole family.
Like many cities Nottingham has devised a number of tours to allow you to get a feeling for what the city has to offer. The tours have been designed for every purpose and budget, from a one day visit itinerary including a 'must see' things list through to a list of free things to do tour. Tours of the surrounding market towns are also included for those with more time on their hands and feature Eastwood the former coal-mining town that was the birthplace of ground-breaking author DH Lawrence. Brochures and more formation can be downloaded from the Experience Nottinghamshire website.
No first visit to the city would be complete however without a visit to Nottingham Castle - conveniently right on our doorstep and the legendary home of the notorious Sheriff of Nottingham - archenemy of the 'outlaw' Robin Hood. For more than 600 years the castle has actually been host to all of the Kings of England from William the Conqueror to King Henry VIII. The castle is a magnificent example of a 17th century ducal mansion built on the site of the original Medieval Castle and has splendid views across the city. There is a museum and art gallery with collections of glass, silver, ceramics and paintings and a maze of original caves hidden beneath its imposing walls.
Situated at the foot of the castle with its back rooms cut into the sandstone rocks is reputedly the oldest inn in England. Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem inn dates back to 1189 and is where Richard the Lionheart's crusaders rested en-route to fight the Saracens to win the Holy Land - 'trip' used in this instance in its original meaning of to take a break or to have one for the road. A short walk away form the Inn is a statue of Robin Hood himself.
Moving history forward to the 19th century, Nottingham's Victorian Galleries of Justice will give you a real 'living history' experience. If you've ever wondered what is was like to be tried for a crime, incarcerated or sentenced to death then this is definitely an attraction for you albeit a rather macabre one. By the late 1700's, it had become obvious that brutal punishments such as hanging, whipping and transportation were ineffective in halting the rise of crime. The Galleries of Justice house an important exhibition charting the development of Britain's HM Prison Service where a more scientific and consistent approach to punishment came into being.
Nottingham's Industrial Heritage
Although Nottingham is now a thriving modern city it possesses a rich and varied industrial heritage.
A lot of the area's early wealth was based on coal and the profits funded large country houses such as Wollaton Hall, a Grade one listed Elizabethan Mansion situated three miles west of the city centre. Wollaton welcomes visitors of all ages to its 5000 acres of parkland and hall and is also where you will find Nottingham's Natural History Museum and Nottingham's Industrial Museum.
Nottingham was also once the heart of the world's lace industry during the days of the British Empire and by the 1900's was producing nearly all of the UK's machine made lace. The surviving Lace Market area is full of impressive examples of 19th century industrial architecture built as salerooms or warehouses and is a protected heritage area. The area is now known for it outstanding shopping including clothing outlets for Nottingham's very own and now world famous designer Paul Smith. A guided tour of this historic area is available.
Nottingham was also known for its Raleigh bicycles and also boasts a fine brewery complex built by James Shipstone in the Basford area of the City. Twentieth century architecture is represented by two Grade 1 listed buildings built by Sir Owen Williams for the Boots pharmaceutical company - originally established in the city in 1849.
Further afield
Sherwood Forest Country Park
Sherwood is not only the home of the world famous Robin Hood legends but a National Nature Reserve containing some of the oldest trees in Europe, veteran oaks five centuries old and the world-famous Major Oak that is still producing acorns after an estimated 800 years.
Entrance to the forest and all the trails is free
A self guided leaflet is available in Visitor Information and reception centre. 3 trails of vearying lengths are available. The Blue Trail takes approximately 45 minutes on a route around the Major Oak. The Green Trail is about an hour long and skirts the Longhorn Cattle enclosure. The Red Trail takes roughly two hours and leads around the forest. The trails are suitable for all ages and abilities.
