Nottingham is the cultural and nightlife hub of the East Midlands, with two popular universities. It’s an attractive city centred on a broad market square, with two large shopping centres, a major arts complex and numerous bars and restaurants. In popular imagination, the city is still associated with Sherwood Forest, Robin Hood and the evil sheriff.
Nottingham is a fantastic alternative UK place to explore. There’s plenty to enjoy in this lively city. It’s a firm favourite with families as kids will love its association with Robin Hood!
Nottingham Castle today bears little resemblance to its medieval predecessor (it’s mostly a Victorian construction), but it does provide a splendid home for the Castle Museum and Art Gallery (check the website for up-to-date information, the museum and gallery is currently closed for refurbishment and due to reopen this year), with collections of silver, glass, armour and paintings.
This is Nottingham sightseeing at its best. There are also tours of the castle caves, but be warned, they are quite strenuous.
Go to Ravenshead on the northern outskirts of Nottingham to visit Newstead Abbey. The ancestral home of Lord Byron, the house is surrounded by lakes, terraces and Japanese and Spanish gardens.
A little further north is Clumber Park, one of Nottingham’s famous “Dukeries” or large hunting estates, consisting of a park, farm and woodland, a serpentine lake, and a walled garden enclosing a Victorian apiary, fig house and vineries.
Nottingham is top for shopping experiences in the country. The city was once the place for lace and hosiery and is the birthplace of top designer Sir Paul Smith. With the compact size of the city, it’s easy to get around all the brilliant places to shop. Find a vibrant mix of independent shops, trendy boutiques and your favourite brands dotted all over the city.
The Victorian Centre is a firm favourite. Here is where you’ll find all the big labels from Urban Outfitters to Topshop with a fun Build-a-Bear for little ones. If that’s not enough, intu Broadmarsh is another huge shopping centre in the city.
