Nottingham is a city in England known as the "Queen of the Midlands" which is famed for its links with the world-renowned legend Robin Hood.The heart of the city is the Old Market Square, which underwent a major redevelopment in 2006. Most of the main shopping streets are around the square. The Council House, whose disproportionately tall dome can be seen for miles around, is at the top of the square. The inside of the Council House is the Exchange Arcade, a shopping centre. A bohemian quarter of the city known as Hockley has arisen in recent years, situated close to the Lace Market area. Nottingham receives a lot of tourism, mostly because of the legend of Robin Hood, visiting Sherwood Forest and Nottingham Castle.
PLACE TO VISIT
Nottingham Castle - Museum is a must-see and provides a fascinating insight into the history of Nottingham. The fine mansion also houses the country's first municipal art gallery and the beautifully maintained gardens are ideal for a lazy summer's day stroll. The famous Robin Hood statue is located just outside the castle walls.
City of Caves - is an award-winning visitor attraction which is accessed from the upper mall of the Broadmarsh Shopping Centre. It consists of a network of caves, carved out of sandstone that have been variously used over the years as a tannery, public house cellars, and as air raid shelters. Nottingham has more man-made caves than anywhere else in Britain.
Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem Inn - One of various pubs claiming to be the oldest pub in Britain, the "Trip" traces its existence back over 800 years. Charming and well worth a visit if you happen to be in the city. It is located at the Brewhouse Yard, home to the Museum of Nottingham Life which shows the social change in Nottingham that has occurred over the last 300 years.
Wollaton Hall - is a beautiful Elizabethan mansion in a large suburban deer park, Wollaton Park. The hall itself houses the city's Natural History Museum whilst the Industrial Museum is housed in an outbuilding. This is now fully open following restoration works.
Newstead Abbey - the beautiful home of local poet Lord Byron is located 12 miles north of the city. It is well worth a visit, and the website supplies extensive information on how to travel to the site. Lord Byron was buried in Hucknall Church, and his tomb can be seen inside the church which is situated at the end of Hucknall's high street, a few minutes walk from the Hucknall tram stop.
Sherwood Forest Country Park - is the ancient royal hunting forest situated to the North of Nottingham, stretching throughout Nottinghamshire and up to South Yorkshire. The remnants of Sherwood form a number of country parks and estates. Clumber Park, about 30 miles north on the A614, is a vast area of parkland and woods owned by the National Trust, good for walking and cycling (bicycle hire available). Sherwood Pines Country Park houses a CenterParcs village, a Go Ape aerial assault course, and woodland walking. And Sherwood Forest Country Park has the historic "Sherwood" which visitors may be looking for - the Major Oak which was said to be the hideout of Robin Hood and his band of outlaws.
The Riverside Festival - at Victoria Embankment is held on a weekend at the start of August each year. It features live music, markets and fairs topped off with a huge fireworks display.
Nottingham's Goose Fair - is held on the Forest recreation ground (at the Forest tram stop) on the first weekend of October each year. It is one of Britain's largest funfairs and has existed more than 700 years. Entry is free.
Nottingham LGBT Pride - is usually held on the last Saturday of July in Arboretum Park, 5/10 minutes walk from the city centre however, from 24 July 2010, it will be held at its new venue of Forest Fields Recreational Ground; the site of the famous Goose Fair. The event consists of numerous stages of music,acts;etc aswell as many stalls and stands from organisations etc - and , of course, food and drink areas!
HOW TO REACH
By plane - East Midlands Airport - Nottingham, Leicester, Derby lies south-west of Nottingham and flights are available to many international destinations. The Skylink bus runs between the airport and city centre every 30 minutes 4am-11pm and hourly 11pm-4am. The bus journey takes approximately 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic conditions, and costs £5 for a single or day return ticket.
By train - Nottingham is on the main line out of London St Pancras. The cheapest tickets between London and Nottingham are available from EM Trains but must be bought well in advance. There are also regular connections to Birmingham, Derby, Leicester, Crewe, Sheffield, and Leeds. Note that trains from London to Sheffield do not stop at Nottingham.
By car - From the south, travel on the M1 and exit at junction 24. From the North take the M1 junction 25 or 26. There is a choice of 7 Park and Ride sites with over 4000 spaces, located at easy points around the City.
By bus - Nottingham has two sizeable bus stations, Broadmarsh and Victoria. Bus operators offer services to most other UK destinations. National Express provides cheap advance tickets on a Nottingham-London route, often for as little as a pound each way if booked early enough online. National Express also offers cheap tickets (called funfares) to many other major cities from Nottingham.
