Before you start, take a tram to Market Square. Here you can see the Council House and the new fountains. More importantly, you can pop to the Tourist Information Centre where you can pick up a well designed and easy to use tourist map.
Nottingham Castle
If you have seen Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves then you have been misled in more ways than one. For one thing, you do not have to cross Hadrian's Wall to get from Nottingham to the south and, for another, the castle doesn't look the same as the film. The original castle was destroyed during the civil war and a ducal palace stands in its place. The castle contains a museum that has held prestigious collections. A few years ago it was the only place in Britain to hold a prominent collection of pre-Raphaelite art. The grounds are also worth a wander. After this it is just a short walk along the walls to
Ye Olde Trip To Jerusalem Inn
The Trip is the oldest inn in the world. It is built right into the walls of the cliff the castle stands on. After a refreshing drink you can continue on to the Brewhouse Yard, which contains a museum of an authentically furnished house and school from various periods in Nottingham history. From here you can also pop to the Nottingham Lace Centre, as all are based in the same area. The Salutation Inn, also nearby, is a lovely spot to eat.
Shopping
Nottingham is the third best city in Britain for shopping. There are the shopping centres, Broadmarsh and Victoria, for high street shops. There are also the boutiques along the Hockley area. While in Hockley stop for a cup of tea at Lee Rosy's Tea Shop. A great selection of teas, smoothies, coffee, sandwiches and cakes surrounded by the work of local artists. Atmospheric and also very tasty!
Sherwood Forest
Sherwood Forest is a bus ride or a drive from the city. You can see the Major Oak, where Robin and his Merry Men spent their time hiding out. Interestingly, there is still a Sheriff of Nottingham. You will recognise his car from its NTV2 number plate, NTV1 belonging to the Mayor. Resist the urge to throw rotten fruit at his car, he's far nicer nowadays!
The Caves
Caves run under much of Nottingham. These were used for smuggling, for storage and other exciting subterranean activity. You can access the caves from the basement of the Trip, organised tours from the castle or from the entrance in the Broadmarsh shopping centre. No, really you can. The shopping centre entrance will be the most worthwhile tour, and while you are there you can head down the road to the Galleries of Justice, a museum of crime and punishment.
The Tales Of Robin Hood
This is more aimed at children, or the young at heart. You go on a cable car journey through “Sherwood Forest”. It is handily placed between Market Square and the Castle.
The World's Smallest Cinema
Rather cheekily placed across the road from the Arts Cinema, Broadway, is the Screen Room. This is officially the world's smallest cinema. It shows mostly indie films, and serves the best vegan cake around. It's in the Hockley area, so you can combine your trip with some shopping.
Music
There are endless music venues in Nottingham. There's the Arena for all your skating and large band needs, as well as the world famous Rock City, the Rescue Rooms, Stealth, Junktion 7, The Maze, The Theatre Royal, The Social… chances are you will find the sort of music you like.
Sports
For Soccer fans the Notts County and Nottingham Forest ground are handily placed next to Trent Bridge Cricket Ground. There is also the Tennis Centre and the National Water Sports Centre, for all you active types.
Enjoy your trip to Nottingham!
