Discover Nottingham through its diverse heritage, rich history and vibrant culture…
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european institute of cultural routes |
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| Jennifer Miles, Bridie Telford |
| 04 March 2009 |
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| From Industry to Universities |
Nottingham is a city located on the River Trent in the East Midlands of England, in the county of Nottinghamshire.
It was granted city status by Queen Victoria and is one of eight core cities in England recognised by the government.
The city has a population of 275,100, whilst the region of Nottinghamshire covers 850 square miles.
Nottingham witnessed a significant moment in English history when Charles I raised his standard there in 1642, marking the beginning of the English Civil War. The war also ended in the county of Nottinghamshire, in Newark.
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Nottingham City Centre
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Trent Building, University of Nottingham campus
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Nottingham is an industrial city with two major industries: lace and tanning.
Traces of these industries can still be seen today in the lace market, an area in which the buildings were used to display and sell lace, and the caves, in which many of the poorer tanners lived.
Modern-day Nottingham is famous for its two major universities, the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University, which together have over 40 000 full-time students.
Now that the industrial era is over, Nottingham, like many other towns in the former 'Industrial North' of England, is looking to build a new image as a cosmopolitan and European city, with a vibrant, multi-cultural and multi-ethnic feel.
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Robin Hood is a well-known character associated with Nottingham.
He is famous in legends as an outlaw and for robbing money from the rich to give to the poor. Robin Hood and his band of Merry Men fought injustice, normally against their nemesis, the Sheriff of Nottingham.
Robin Hood and his band are associated with Sherwood Forest, located just to the north of Nottingham. The forest holds a Robin Hood Festival for a week every summer, attracting many locals and tourists fascinated by the tales of this legendary character.
References to Robin Hood date from the 13th century and it is unknown if Robin Hood was a real person or if he originated from folklore. However, if he did exist, the stories involving him have changed so much over time that they are unlikely to be true as they are known today. Despite this, the legend of Robin Hood has had a great impact on Nottingham, particularly regarding tourism.
The latest version of the story is a television series currently being shown in the United Kingdom. The story has also been made into a number of films including "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves" starring Kevin Costner and an animated film by Disney in which all the characters are animals.
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Statue of Robin Hood at Nottingham Castle
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Torvill and Dean performing their Bolero routine |
The Boots Logo |
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Torvill and Dean (1957/8- )
Jane Torvill and Christopher Dean are ice dancers who were born, and began their careers, in Nottingham. They danced together for 23 years (1975-1998) and are known mainly for their gold medal win at the 1984 Winter Olympics in Sarejevo, receiving a record 12 perfect 6.0s for their Bolero routine. The pair received an OBE from the Queen in 1999.
Jesse Boot (1850-1931)
Jesse Boot transformed his small, family-run herbal store on Goosegate into Boots, the Chemist, which has now been Britain’s leading health and beauty retailer for over 150 years. He was a generous benefactor to the University College (now the University of Nottingham) and Boots and the University have continued a long-standing business relationship to the present day. Many of Boots’ business operations are still based on the Boots estate in Beeston, Nottingham.
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D. H. Lawrence (1885-1930)
D. H. Lawrence was a controversial writer of the 20th century who is now valued as a visionary thinker and significant contributor to modernism in English literature. His most infamous work is "Lady Chatterly’s Lover" (1928), which was not published in the United Kingdom until 1960 due to its explicit content, and even then it provoked an uproar. Several cinematic adaptations of "Lady Chatterly" have been released in recent years, including a French film directed by Pascale Ferran in 2006.
Lawrence is connected to Nottingham through his childhood home: 8a Victoria Street, Eastwood, Nottinghamshire, which is now a museum. Furthermore, he won a County Council scholarship to Nottingham High School and went on to receive a teaching certificate from University College Nottingham (now the University of Nottingham) in 1908. The University currently holds several of Lawrence’s manuscripts.
Lord Byron (1788-1824)
Lord George Gordon Byron was a poet who lived in Newstead Abbey in the heart of Nottingham forest, for a number of years, after inheriting it from his great-uncle.
Byron’s works include "Hours of Idleness" (1806) and "The Corsiar" (1814). Like Lawrence, he was criticised on moral grounds by his contemporaries but is now seen as having had an immense influence on European poetry, music, novel, opera, and painting.
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There are many excellent tourist attractions both in Nottingham and the surrounding areas. The following activities have been selected as the ones that we believe have the most to offer, but they are by no means the only places to visit in this vibrant city.
For more information: Nottingham Tourism Centre, 1-4 Smithy Row, Nottingham, NG1 2BS, Tel: 08444 77 5678, E-mail: tourist.information@nottinghamcity.gov.uk.
Theatres
In Nottingham, visitors have the choice of theatrical, musical and dance productions from the Nottingham Playhouse, the Theatre Royal, the Lakeside Arts Centre and the Lace Market Theatre as well as the annual Shakespeare in the Park festival.
Concerts
In addition to the musical productions taking place at the venues mentioned above, Nottingham Arena, with a 10.000 person capacity, as well as Rock City and the smaller venues of The Rescue Rooms and The Social, play host to some of the biggest names in pop, rock and R&B.
Wollaton Hall
Built in 1588 for Sir Frances Willoughby, Wollaton Hall now houses a natural history museum and an industrial museum with a display of textiles, transport and technology from Nottingham’s past. In addition to the magnificent Elizabethan house, visitors are also free to wander around the extensive park, where deer have roamed for over 400 years, as well as the formal flower garden. The Hall is now owned by Nottingham City Council and is about to be restored as part of a £6.75m conservation project.
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Wollaton Hall
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The Rufford Orangerie
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Rufford Abbey
Situated in the heart of a 150 acre park on the edge of Sherwood Forest, Rufford Abbey is a 12th century Cistercian monastery that was later transformed into a country house. The Abbey is also home to a contemporary craft centre with gallery exhibitions and "potters in residence".
Brewhouse Yard Museum of Nottingham Life
This museum, housed in five 17th century cottages next to the "Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem" (see "restaurants") tells the story of Nottingham’s social history over the last 300 years. Visitors can experience a Victorian home and chemists, visit an Edwardian grocer and 1920s style shops and see the rock-cut air raid shelters that were used during the Second World War.
Joint tickets can be purchased that allow entry to both the Museum and Nottingham Castle.
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| Places to Visit: Heritage |
Nottingham Castle
Nottingham Castle was commissioned by the Duke of Newcastle, and built on the castle rock in the 17th century. It is located high above the city and provides spectacular views across Nottingham and its surrounding countryside.
The site on which the castle is constructed is rich in historical importance. William the Conqueror built a wooden castle on the site in 1067, which was later rebuilt in stone by Henry II as the main royal fortress in the Midlands. During the 16th century, the castle was neglected which led to its ruin. King James I sold the castle in 1622 to the Earl of Rutland who stripped it of all valuable materials, such as lead and stone. In 1642, King Charles I raised his royal standard just outside the castle, and so began the Civil War. After the Civil War in 1651, the castle was demolished and rebuilt in 1679 by the first Duke of Newcastle. Gutted by fire in an attack by reform bill rioters in 1831, it was restored and opened as the first municipal museum and art gallery outside London in 1878.
Today, the castle houses a vibrant museum and art gallery. The galleries include historical and contemporary collections of silver, glass, ceramics and fine art. Temporary exhibitions are also held.
The castle is set in beautiful Victorian gardens, with a bandstand, floral displays and many native wild flowers. It is also possible to see some of the old castle ruins in the grounds. Underneath the castle are many man-made caves and tunnels, some of which date back to medieval times. Visitors can also take a guided tour into the caves and see King David’s dungeon and the old wine cellar. The annual Robin Hood Pageant takes place in the castle grounds.
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Nottingham Castle
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Southwell Minster
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Southwell Minster
A Minster and Cathedral located in Southwell, Nottinghamshire. It is considered an outstanding example of Norman and Early English architecture. A Minster was first established in 965, but was rebuilt by the Normans and completed by 1150. It has also undergone some changes such as the octagonal chapter house, built in 1286. It became a cathedral for Nottinghamshire in 1884. The Minster is open for visiting every day.
St Barnabas’ cathedral
St Barnabas’ Cathedral is located on Derby Road, in the heart of Nottingham. It was built by Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin, an important architect for the British Gothic Revival. St Barnabas’ Cathedral is considered to be one of his three best churches.
The lace market
Nottingham is famous for its lace industry. The lace market, a region covering a quarter of a mile in the city centre, is a protected heritage area with examples of 18th century industrial architecture. This area had salesrooms and warehouses to display and sell the lace. Over 130 factories were based in the lace market along with a population of around 50,000. Lace was most popular in the 18th century as it was a symbol of good living, and there was a high demand. However, trends changed in the 1900s causing a downward spiral for the lace industry which struggled to recover after the Second World War.
The lace market today is a trendy area, full of quality bars and restaurants, and a popular residential area. However, the stunning architecture from the lace industry can still be seen.
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| Places to Visit: For Young People |
The Tales of Robin Hood
The legend of Robin Hood lives on at Nottingham’s most popular tourist attraction, which allows visitors to step back in time 700 years into the mystery and merriment of medieval Nottingham. Features include the "Travel back in time adventure ride", the "Silver Arrow trail" detective game, "Shoot the sheriff" archery practice, storytelling and living history workshops, the "Case for Robin Hood" cinema show, falconry displays in the centre or castle grounds and brass rubbing. This is an educational and enjoyable experience for all the family, presenting the medieval history of Nottingham, particularly the legend of Robin Hood, in an original manner.
City Of Caves
This attraction allows you to explore the man-made sandstone caves that lie beneath Nottingham City. Visitors can learn about how the caves have been used by Nottingham’s citizens over the centuries to take refuge from the world above. Amongst other features you can visit the enchanted well and the medieval tanneries, and learn what it was like to take shelter from the Blitz.
Farms
White Post Farm Centre (Newark) and Ferry Farm Park (Hoveringham) provide an enjoyable day out for young families. Children can see animals ranging from the familiar to the more exotic, as well as playing on adventure playgrounds and go-kart tracks. White Post Farm also has a 60ft indoor sledge run.
Sherwood Forest
There are plenty of things to do for the whole family in this famous Nottinghamshire landmark. There is an arts and crafts centre, a farm, a country park and a theme park to add to the beautiful scenery and unique heritage of this area.
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Sherwood Forest
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Alton Towers
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Theme Parks
There are several theme parks in the surrounding area. Wonderland Pleasure Park is situated within Nottinghamshire and the American Adventure Theme Park is very close by in Derbyshire. However, the best and largest theme park is Alton Towers in Staffordshire, it is well worth the trip for those who enjoy pushing their nerves to the limit on an impressive selection of wild roller coasters!
The Goose Fair
This is one of Europe’s largest travelling fairs with over 500 attractions and a history dating back 700 years. It is held on the Forest Recreation Ground, 1 mile north of Nottingham City Centre for five days during the first week of October.
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| Places to Visit: Sports and Outdoor Activities |
Horse Riding
Horses and their riders are permitted in many forests and woodlands, and are welcome to enjoy their bridleways, forest roads and riding trails.
Cycling
There are some beautiful places to cycle within Nottinghamshire, and various publications are available to help you plan your route. Nottinghamshire County Council also runs the guided rural rides programme free of charge with rides suitable for all ages and abilities. The top four cycling destinations in Nottinghamshire are Clumber Park, Sherwood Forest Country Park and Visitor Centre, Teversal Trails Visitor Centre and the Timberland Trail.
Go Ape
A high wire forest adventure course, taking visitors over 30 zip slides, scramble nets and rope bridges up to 35ft above the forest floor! The completely safe but exciting aerial assault course in a forest setting is great fun for adults and older children. An exciting way to explore and enjoy the forest. Minimum age 10 years. Minimum height 1.4m. Under 18s must be accompanied by a participating adult. Pre-booking essential.
Walking
There are many walking trails in Nottinghamshire that give visitors a chance to experience its beautiful countryside. For a day-long route try the 27 mile circular route known as Robin Hood Way. Alternatively you could spend a day wandering at a more leisurely pace through some of the 200 hectares of woodland that Sherwood Forest encompasses. Free guides and maps on walks in Nottinghamshire are available on line.
Water Sports
Nottingham is home to the National Water Sports Centre where you can try activities such as water skiing and white water rafting on the River Trent. It is best to book in advance to avoid disappointment.
National Ice Centre
The ice rink is open to the public for skating during much of the week and there are also ice hockey matches to see. Furthermore, from 1st-4th February 2007, the Peter Pan ice dance show will be coming to Nottingham.
Trent Bridge
Test cricket, a famous English sport, has been played at Trent Bridge for over a century, making it famous throughout the sporting world. The majority of matches take place in the summer months.
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Go Ape!
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Trent Bridge
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HOTELS IN THE CITY CENTRE
Park Plaza Hotel
41 Maid Marian Way, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG1 6GD, Tel:0115 947 7200
Reservations: 0845 36 77 300 / www.parkplaza.com/nottinghamuk
The Park Plaza Hotel is located on Maid Marion Way in the heart of Nottingham city centre. It is close to a number of Nottingham's top attractions, such as the Tales of Robin Hood and Nottingham Castle. The Lace Centre, the City of Caves and the National Ice Arena are also not too far away.
The Lace Market Hotel
29-31 High Pavement, Nottingham, NG1 1HE,
Reservations: Tel: 0115 852 3232, Fax: 0115 852 3223, http://www.lacemarkethotel.co.uk
One of Nottingham’s 500 former lace factories, this is a trendy hotel that also hosts celebrities, including numerous boy bands and even Tony Blair, in its rooms, bar and restaurants. The rooms have views of St. Mary’s church, the Lace Market, the Galleries of Justice or Shire Hall. The Lace Market Hotel is ideally situated for the Arena and the Royal Centre is only a ten-minute walk or a short tram ride away.
HOTELS OUT OF THE CITY
Colwick Hall Hotel
Colwick Park, Racecourse Road, Nottingham, NG2 4BH, http://www.colwick-hall.co.uk/
Bookings: reservations@colwick-hall.co.uk, Tel: 0870 755 7756, Fax: 0115 924 3797
Colwick Hall Hotel is a magnificent palladian style Georgian country house mansion nestling in over 60 acres of parkland. A grade II listed historic building dating back to Saxon time and once the ancestral home of Lord Byron, it has now been restored to its former glory. It is just two miles from Nottingham City Centre and overlooks Nottingham racecourse.
The Nottingham Belfry Hotel
Mellor's Way, Off Woodhouse Way, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG8 6PY, http://www.marstonhotels.com/hotels/the-nottingham-belfry-nottingham-nottinghamshire/
Bookings: Tel: 0115 9739393, Fax: 0115 9739494, Email: nottingham@marstonhotels.com
The Nottingham Belfry is superbly situated on the edge of Nottingham, just minutes from Junction 26 of the M1. A contemporary feel and design run throughout the hotel with a range of unique artwork themed to the area. There are also superb leisure facilities where guests can relax.
RESTAURANTS
Nottingham has over 300 bars and restaurants meaning that whatever your budget or taste, there is plenty of choice. The following are some recommendations:
Sinatras
12-16 Chapel Bar, Nottingham, NG1 6JQ
European and Asian cuisine is served in a stylish yet informal restaurant. Booking necessary at the weekend.
Fat Cat
11 Chapel Bar, Nottingham, NG1 6JQ
A comfortable and modern restaurant which has an informal cafe bar as well as a more formal restaurant.
Restaurant Sat Bains
Trentside, Old Lenton Lane, Nottingham, NG7 2SA
A very expensive restaurant, named England’s restaurant of the year.
Ye Olde Trip To Jerusalem
Brewhouse Yard, Nottingham NG1 6AD
The pub is situated at the foot of castle rock and is famous for its caves. It claims to be the oldest pub in England, dating from 1189AD.
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Travel: getting to Nottingham
The city is easily accessible from anywhere in the world thanks to its location near to two airports, Nottingham East Midlands airport and the newly opened Robin Hood airport. Nottingham has direct train links to many major towns and cities in England including London, Manchester, Birmingham and Liverpool. Travelling by car is also easy as the city is close to the M1 motorway.
Travel: getting around Nottingham
Within the city centre, transport is generally not needed as most major attractions are a short walk away. However, if you wish to explore beyond the city centre and visit places further afield then the excellent public transport system means this is not a problem.
Buses connect the surrounding towns to the city centre. Tickets can be bought on board but make sure you have the correct money as drivers cannot give change. All-day tickets generally cost £2.50 but prices change occasionally so it is worth checking before you travel.
Trams run from the train station to Hucknall in the north of Nottingham. Two new tram lines have been proposed to reach other parts of the city, but they are not expected to open until 2013.
Driving in the city centre can be difficult because of the one-way system and tram lines, therefore it is advisable to make use of the park and ride service. Five park and ride carparks are located on the tram route making it the easiest option for parking. However, if you would rather leave your car in the city centre then there are many secure carparks which are clearly signposted.
Taxis can also be used and are fairly reasonably priced.
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Nottingham is a great city to visit at any time of year but the markets and decorations make it particularly vibrant in the run up to Christmas.
Like any major city, some suburbs of Nottingham have problems regarding crime, but the city centre itself is very secure. There is something that everyone will enjoy, whether it be an excursion to the surrounding countryside, a visit to the shops or a walk around the many heritage sites.
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The caves, part of Nottingham's heritage
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What are you waiting for, discover Nottingham today!
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