Nottingham City Tourist Guide

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.

Nottingham has a Tourist Information Centre