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Nottingham City Tourist Guide

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NottinghamNottingham

Nottingham is an important tourist centre with excellent shopping facilites. 

Nottingham stands on an ancient settlement, founded in Saxon times, and from its earliest beginnings man-made caves were dug into its soft sandstone.

In the 11th century a Norman castle was constructed on a rocky outcrop beside the River Trent and Nottingham grow up around it. 

The cave network was substantially enlarged and became home to a large proportion of the poorer population, especially those engaged in the tanning industry.

In the 18th and 19th centuries the caves were gradually abandoned but during World War II they were opened up again as air-raid shelters.  Some caves are still used as pub cellars.  The Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, built into the caves beneath Nottingham Castle, is said to be the oldest pub in the country.  The caves beneath the Broad Marsh shopping centre have recently been opened as a popular tourist attraction known as the 'City of Caves'. 

The legend of Robin Hood is one of Nottingham's great attractions.  Said to have been born Nottingham, the outlaw lived in Sherwood Forest to the north of city and his greatest foe was the Sheriff of Nottingham.  Although the stories are probably not true, many modern tourist attractions including the 'Tales of Robin Hood' make the most of the legend.

The English Civil War began in Nottingham in 1642 when King Charles I raised his standard above Nottingham Castle.  In 1651, at the end of the war, the victorious Parliamentarians destroyed the castle and a mansion was built on the site for the Duke of Newcastle.

After being gutted by fire, the splendid building was restored and in 1878 became the first council-run art museum (outside London).

In the 19th century Nottingham was a centre of road and rail transportion and developed an important textile industry.  Hosiery, silk and cotton were manufactured but the city was most famous for lace.  Although lace is still produced here it is no longer an important industry.

Nottingham's other products include bicycles, cigarettes and pharmaceuticals. 

Attractions include the Museum of Nottingham Lace, the Museum of Nottingham Life at Brewhouse Yard Museum and the Nottingham Transport Heritage Centre.  Nearby is Woollaton Hall and the University of Nottingham's outstanding Lakeside Art Centre. .

       Location Map of Nottingham

Information on Nottingham Tourist Attractions
Plus > Art Galleries Theatres and Venues Outdoor Attractions and Theme Parks

 
Nottingham Castle Friar Lane, off Maid Marion Way, Nottingham NG1 6EL
Built by William the Conqueror in 1068, the Castle was originally an earthwork motte and bailey, Henry II replaced the original structure with a stone castle and made it his principal royal fortress in the Midlands- closely associated with Robin Hood and the Sheriff of Nottingham. All traces of the medieval castle were destroyed when a mansion was built on the site 1674 - 79. Since 1875 the mansion has housed a museum and art gallery.Collections include armour, silver, glass and paintings. The 'Story of Nottingham' galleries illustrate the city's history. Home to the Sherwood Foresters Regimental Museum. Temporary exhibitions.  Cafe. Extensive grounds which host outdoor events including the Shakespeare Fesitval and the Robin Hood Pageant.
Open:
daily 10:00-17:.00  Last admission 16:30 (Closed 24-25 Dec, 1-2 Jan) Tel: 0115 915 3700. Admission Charge Joint ticket with the Museum of Nottingham Life - Brewhouse Yard Museum..  More On The Castle
 
City of Caves Drury Walk, Upper Level, Inside Broad Marsh Shopping Centre, Nottingham NG1 7LS
The soft sandstone under Nottingham is easy to excavate and over 750 years more than 400 caves have been excavated. Because of the excavations, Nottingham has recently been renamed the 'City of Caves'. Beneath the Shopping Centre lies a system of caves handcarved in the 13th century, used and adapted over the centuries by local people. Features the Pillar Cave and Tannery, the Victorian Slum and the Air Raid Shelter .Audio tour.
Open: 10:30-16:30 (last admission 16:00). Tel: 0115 952 0555.
Admission Charge
 
Galleries of Justice Shire Hall, High Pavement, Lace Market, Nottingham NG1 1HN
An award-winning attraction in the heart of the city was used as courts and prisons from the 1780s to the 1980s. The last public exceution took place here in 1864. Experience 250 years of crime, punishment and law in Britian. Features 'Crime and Punishment Tour' - witness a real trial in the Victorian courtroom, visit the original prison cells, medieval caves and prison exercise yard by gaolers and prisoners. The HM Prison Service Collection is now on display, covering 300 years, this collection includes artifacts acquired from prisons all over the country.
Open: Apr-Oct; Tue-Sun, 10:00-17:00; Nov-Mar: Tue-Sun 10:00-16:00 (Closed 23-27 & 30-31 Dec and 1 Jan) Tel: 0115 952 0555
Admission Charge
 
Nottingham Castle Caves Tours
Beneath Nottingham Castle are man-made caves and tunnels, some dating back to medieval times.Note: the tour is strenuous and includes steep steps.
Open: Mon-Thur11:00, 14:00 and 15:00 pm. Tel: 0115 915 3700
Admission Charge
 
Museum of Nottingham Lace 3 - 5 High Pavement, The Lace Market, Nottingham NG1 1HF
In the 19th century lace-making machines transformed Nottingham's cottage industry into an industrial process. New museum in the Lace Market, the hub of the 19th century lace industry. Audio guide to discover the history of the industry.  Explore the historic Lace Market with a self-guide audio tour. Shop.
Open: daily 10:00-17:00  Last admission 16:00 Machines run from 11:00-15:30 Tel: 0115 948 7365
Admission Charge
 
The Lace Centre Severns Building, Castle Road, Nottingham NG1 6AA
In one of Nottingham's oldest buildings, founded in 1980 by eight of Nottingham's leading lace manufacturers. 14th century timber-framed building with lace making demonstrations.  Bobbin lace demonstrations take place every Thursday at 14:00-16:.00 Shop.
Open: Easter - Oct Tel: Ring 0115 941 3539 for opening times
 
Museum of Nottingham Life Brewhouse Yard Museum  Castle Boulevard, Nottingham NGY 1FB
Housed in 5 17th century cottages nestling beneath Nottingham Castle, adjacent to the famous 'Trip to Jerusalem' public house. A mix of reconstructed room and shop settings and galleries.Victorian chemist's shop, an Edwardian grocer's shop and arow of shops from the 1920's. Displays of objects made and used by the people of Nottingham.  Behind the museum are rock-cut caves used as air raid shelters during World War II.
Open: 10:00-16:30 (last admission 16:00 pm)  Closed 24-26 Dec and 1-2 Jan. Tel: 0115 915 3600
Admission Charge joint ticket with Nottingham Castle
 
Museum of Costume and Textiles 51 Castle Gate, Nottingham NG1 6AF
In an elegant Georgian buildings, this museum contains costumes and textiles from 1790 to the mid-20th century.  Many of the textiles and costumes were bought and made in Nottingham. Britain's largest collection of machine-made lace. Features two tapestry maps of Nottinghamshire dating from the 1600s, the Middleton Collection of embroidery, and a collection of dolls.
Open: Currently closed for restructuring. Tel: 0115 915 3500
 
Green's Mill & Science Centre Windmill Lane, Sneinton NG2 4QB
A 19th century windmill once owned and operated by mathematical physicist George Green (1793 - 1841).  In 1985 the five storey tower windmill was restored as a memorial to Green. See the mill in action (especially on windy days) and buy stoneground organic flours in the shop. Frequent bakery demonstrations. George Green was a mathematical genius who developed mathematical techniques. The Science Centre in the mill yard has interactive exhibits featuring the properties of light, magnetism and electricity. Video presentations show the life of George Green and the history of mills and milling. Craft workshops.
Open: Wed-Sun, plus Bank Holiday Mon: 10:00-16:00 Tel: 0115 915 6878  donations welcomed
 
William Booth Birthplace Museum Notintone Place, Sneinton NG2 4QG
William Booth (1829 - 1919), the founder of the Salvation Army, was born at 12 Notintone Place. In the 1960's, when other buildings of the terrace were demolished, the Army saved and restored 10, 12 and 14 Notintone Place. Opened in 1971 as an elderly persons' home and community centre. The museum outlines William Booth's life and the development of the Salvation Army and the organisation's work today.
Open: Mon- Fri: 9:00-16:00 and Saturday and Sunday by appointment Tel: 0115 950 3927
 
Wollaton Hall Wollaton Park, Nottingham NG8 2AE
West of the city centre  now surrounded  by the suburbs of Nottingham this splendid 'prodigy house' was built in 1580 - 88 by Sir Francis Willoughby Used as a natural history museum ( see below) and the beautiful park, with its herd of deer, remains attractively wild. More On The House
Open: daily 11:00-16:00 Tel: 0115 915 3900 
 
Wollaton Hall Industrial Museum Wollaton Park, Nottingham NG8 2AE
3 miles from the centre of Nottingham, a late-Elizabethan house, set in a park.  The main building contains a natural history museum - see below - this industrial museum is housed in the red-brick stables, dating from 1794. Illustrates the history of Nottinghamshire's industries, from coal mining to lace making.
Open: daily 11:00-17:00 Tel: 0115 915 3900 Free admission during the week but entrance fee at weekends and on Bank Holidays. 
 
Wollaton Hall Natural History Museum Wollaton Park, Nottingham NG8 2AE
Housed in a late-Elizabethan house, surrounded by a park grazed by a herd of deer. Displays illustrate wildlife habitats from the area and from around the world.
Open:daily 11:00-16:00  Tel: 0115 915 3900  Free admission during the week but entrance fee at the weekend and on Bank Holidays
 

More Nottingham Attractions >
Art Galleries Theatres and Venues Outdoor Attractions and Theme Parks

 

Hotels in Nottngham

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Holiday Cottages


City Pads Serviced Apartments 111 The Ropewalk Nottingham NG1 5DU
City Pads Serviced Apartments are spacious and unique. The interior design comprises of warm vibrant colours, giving you the ultimate City Living Experience and the comforts of home from the moment you arrive. The peaceful location of the hotel ...

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New Property Ice House Belward Street City Court Nottingham NG1 1JZ
A new complex of contemporary apartments with modern furnishings, DSA Nottingham - The Ice House - ideally located in Nottingham City Centre adj to the National Ice Arena

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Toby near Nottingham
In peaceful countryside, excellent for walking and cycling, just 1 mile from village of East Bridford with pubs, restaurants and shops, this luxurious newly converted barn is one of a pair. With its own enclosed patio and shared paddock garden with pon... Sleeps 6 + child + t/cot

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Around The Nottingham Area


Tourist Information on Nearby Towns To Visit - straight line distance:

Beeston (3.25 miles) Arnold (3.55 miles) Ruddington (4.17 miles) Radcliffe-on-Trent (4.46 miles) Kimberley (5.56 miles) Hucknall (6.43 miles) Ilkeston (6.98 miles) Bingham (7.63 miles) Eastwood (8.05 miles) Ravenshead (9.32 miles) Heanor (9.59 miles)

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