Nottingham, places to visit?

The city of Robin Hood

The historic chief town of Nottinghamshire has been made famous by the legend of Robin Hood. Situated in the centre of a region of exceptional natural beauty, surrounded and made famous by Sherwood Forest, home of the well-known Robin Hood, Nottingham has always been at the forefront of creativity. It stands on the river Leen, and is the historic chief city of the county of Nottinghamshire in the East Midlands, approximately 120 miles from London.

In Nottingham the memory of the legend of Robin Hood and his historic opponent the Sheriff of Nottingham are still very much alive. In fact, both the Lord Mayor and the Sheriff are elected annually by the city council and play an important role in life in the 21st century, working together to represent the city.

The labyrinth of caves

Among the things that most characterise the history of Nottingham are the labyrinth of caves under the city, and the museum housed in the Castle with its art galley, which recall the part Nottingham has played over the years in English history.

The centre of the city is the Old Market Square, around which are the main shopping streets. At one end of the square is the Council House. With a population of 740,000 inhabitants, it is the most rapidly growing city in England, second only to Glasgow in the whole of the United Kingdom.

Founded by the Anglo-Saxons, it was then conquered by the Vikings and in the ninth century became one of the five fortified cities of Danelaw, the ancient area of England under the Vikings’ administrative control. Part of the original settlements included artificial caverns dug out of the sandstone. In this period, the settlement has various names, such as Tigguo Cobauc (“City of the caves”) and Snottingaham (from the name of the Anglo-Saxon leader Snot). The S disappeared over the ages. In the nineteenth century Nottingham became famous for its lace industry; however the economic importance of this industry did not last long even though production continued.

In the nineteenth century Nottingham became famous for its lace industry; however the economic importance of this industry did not last long even though production continued. The city’s status was raised on the occasion of the diamond anniversary of Queen Victoria in 1897.

The Museums of Nottingham

The city’s status was raised on the occasion of the diamond anniversary of Queen Victoria in 1897. Nottingham conserves some wonderful historic buildings. As well as the Museum of Nottingham Castle, with its Art Gallery, well worth a visit are the Natural History Museum and the Industrial Museum, the Galleries of Justice, Wollaton Hall, a majestic Elizabethan house with vast parkland, and Newstead Abbey, the birthplace of Lord Byron. The Angel Row Gallery is famous for its extraordinary exhibitions of contemporary art.

Text by Luca Lembi

Updated by Alisè Vitri

Avion Tourism Magazine
Photos: Copyright © Sisterscom.com, Shutterstock
Copyright © Sisterscom.com

Video: www.visit-nottinghamshire.co.uk

Tourism Board

www.experiencenottinghamshire.com
www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk

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Where to sleep in Nottingham

Nottingham is a welcoming city and offers different possibilities for accommodation.

To find the ideal hotel and the best offers you can do a search for the stars but also for districts or landmarks.

STARS

Hotels for stars, differentiated by type of services:

DISTRICTS

Hotels in the districts

Lace Market

Hockley

City Centre

University of Nottingham

Trent University

Victoria Centre

Wollaton Hall and Park

Railway Station

Highfields Park

LANDMARKS

Hotels in tourist areas

AIRPORT

Hotels near the airport

Nottingham Airport (EMA)

WHERE TO GO in Nottingham

Monuments in Nottingham

TRENT BRIDGE

The current Trent Bridge of Nottingham was designed by Marriott Ogle Tarbotton, construction started in 1868 and was completed in 1871. The iron and stone bridge across the River Trent is the principal river crossing entrance to the city from the south. However, it is thought that the bridge dates back to the medieval times and was first constructed in 920. Unfortunately, the bridge was damaged by floods several times and was declared unsafe and so the project to replace it started in the 1860s. From 2013, the bridge was illuminated and create a number of combinations that produce different coloured lighting effects.

NOTTINGHAM CASTLE

Situated on a high rock, Nottingham Castle, heart of the Robin Hood legend, commands spectacular views over the city. Totally destroyed after the Civil War, the Medieval castle was replaced by a magnificent ducal mansion in 1674. Then in 1875 it was converted into the first municipal museum and art gallery. The museum, recently refurbished, now contains spectacular fine and decorative arts galleries, as well as galleries telling the story of Nottingham, the Sherwood Foresters Regimental Museum and an exciting programme of art exhibitions. The grounds boast magnificent views of the city and beyond.

OLD MARKET SQUARE

Old Market Square of Nottingham is where residents, friends and visitors meet. It is the largest public space in the UK after London’s Trafalgar Square. From Old Market Square you can reach Nottingham’s shopping streets that spread out in every direction. Nottingham’s ‘beating heart’ is also the setting for major events and celebrations.

THEATRE ROYAL E ROYAL CONCERT HALL

The Theatre Royal and Royal Concert Hall of Nottingham, based in the heart of city centre, both host to a diverse range of shows and events: family entertainment, musicals, drama, dance, ballet, comedy, opera and classical, contemporary and pop music.

Museums in Nottingham

GALLERIES OF JUSTICE MUSEUM

Galleries of Justice Museum of Nottingham tell sinister and grim stories of Nottingham’s own outlaws which in this building they were judged, imprisoned and executed.  To explain this history, the museum use actors, audio guides, boards, lighting and sounds. The museum's aim is to educate, entertain and inform everyone who comes through the doors of the museum. Galleries of Justice Museum is the only museum of its kind in Europe wich also have a free Robin Hood exhibition on site where you can learn all about Nottingham’s most famous outlaw.

MUSEUM OF NOTTINGHAM LIFE AT BREWHOUSE YARD

Located at the base of the Castle Rock, the museum depicts the social history of Nottingham over the last 300 years. The Museum of Nottingham Life contains a mixture of reconstructed rooms, shop settings and gallery displays. Step back into an air raid shelter, experience being in a Victorian home, see inside a child's bedroom and look through the cupboards in the kitchen. See objects that were made or used by people in Nottingham and learn about the history of the area, through sight, sound and touch.

Excursions in and around Nottingham

NEWARK CASTLE AND GARDENS

Newark Castle and Gardens are bordered by the remaining walls of Newark Castle which was partly destroyed in 1646 at the end of the English Civil War. The Castle has stood on the banks of the River Trent for nearly 900 years and is also close to historic market places; Southwell market and Newark market.

CRUISES AND BOAT TRIP

A boat trip taking in well known sights and a scenery of the River Trent on board of Princess River Cruises. Is possible to see the sights while enjoying a meal or live music on board one of the Trent River Cruise's boats. Chesterfield Canal, known as the Cuckoo Dyke, runs through Dukeries and Sherwood, in the north of the county, from the River Trent at West Stockwith through the market towns of Worksop and Retford, before take on the borders of Yorkshire.

CAMBRIDGE

Cambridge, located in the heart of England, is renowned for its historic university, founded in the 13th century, which attracts students from around the world. The city is traversed by the River Cam, along which you can admire the picturesque "Bateaux-Mouches" and the majestic colleges like King's College and Trinity College. Cambridge also offers a vibrant cultural scene, with museums, theaters, and art galleries. A visit to Cambridge isn't complete without a "punting" tour along the river, an experience that allows you to enjoy the beauty and tranquility of this charming university city.

LEICESTER

Leicester, located in the heart of England, is a city rich in history and culture. Famous for being the site where the remains of Richard III were found, it offers a variety of attractions, including Leicester Cathedral, the King Richard III Visitor Centre, and the New Walk Museum. The city is also known for its vibrant mix of cultures and a lively culinary scene, featuring numerous restaurants offering international specialties.

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