The Nottinghamshire Travel Guide outlines major attractions, places of interest, entertainment and offers useful tourist information for visitors. The county of Nottinghamshire is located in the East Midlands. The county is landlocked with borders to Lincolnshire, Derbyshire, Yorkshire and Leicestershire. Previously the county was known for its reputation as the home of Robin Hood and the associated attractions, some critics had labelled the county one dimensional. There are a number of interesting attractions in the county for visitors to explore.
Overview and Attractions
The label of being one dimensional is an unfortunate and unfair summary and today Nottinghamshire is known as one of the most contemporary of counties with places such as Nottingham making strides and been known for its quality shopping and thriving nightlife. While the connection with the legendary Robin Hood is alive and well, there is also much else to see and do in the county for visitors.
The county of Nottinghamshire has a rich literary tradition, two of the best known among literacy figures are from the county. Newstead Abbey was the home of romantic poet Lord Byron and was created from the ruins of a 12th century Augustinian priory and is located in over 300 acres of beautiful parkland. In Eastwood is the DH Lawrence Birthplace Museum.
The City of Nottingham has more strings to its bow than its association with Robin Hood and his Merry Men to draw in tourists. Indeed it is now a popular city for its contemporary nature, there is also the great shopping it has become renowned for too. The city has benefited from new developments and a number of stylish restaurants, bars and clubs are now in the city. Nottingham also houses Notts County Football Club, the world's oldest club founded in 1862. There is also Nottingham Forest Football Club in the city.
Nottingham is also famous for its lace as well as other industries, visitors can learn more about the industrial heritage of Nottingham at the Industrial Museum & Yard Gallery at Wollaton Park. The lace market on Victoria Street is popular among visitors and is regarded as a fine example of Victorian architecture. Nottingham is a city that has a great deal of historical attractions; these include from Nottingham Castle, originally built by the Normans and Wollaton Hall, a rather extravagant Tudor manor. Wollaton Hall was built in 1588 and it now houses the Nottingham Natural History Museum.
Newstead Abbey is a wonderful historic house set in a glorious landscape of gardens and parkland within Nottinghamshire. It was founded as a monastic house back in the 12th century; Newstead then became the seat of the Byron family in 1540. The Abbey's most famous owner was the poet Lord Byron, who sold the property in 1818 to his friend Colonel Thomas Wildman. Newstead Abbey remained a private house until 1931, when it was given to the Nottingham Corporation allowing for the general public to enjoy its delights too.
While Newstead Abbey is best known for being the family home of Lord Byron, the site initially housed a group of Augustinian canons. The lake at the front of the abbey features two mock forts and along with a 20-gun warship on the lake were used to re-enact sea battles. Inside the house there are a number of personal possessions of Lord Byron.
Nottingham Castle is a majestic 17th century ducal mansion built on the site of the original medieval castle; it provides visitors with spectacular views across the city of Nottingham. The site also houses a museum and art gallery that houses collections of glass, silver, paintings, glass and armour in addition to Nottingham history for the past fifteen centuries. Facilities at the site include a café located on the ground floor, with access to the East terrace. The east terrace provides some wonderful, panoramic views of the city. In addition there is a children’s playground and a gift shop. Children particularly enjoy coming here for a visit, with interactive displays, and an activity led gallery that bring to life paintings. It makes for an interesting family day out.
The Birthplace of DH Lawrence Museum is located in Eastwood in Nottingham. One of the UK's most celebrated poets, David Herbert (DH) Lawrence was a poet, novelist, playwright and artist was born in the house on 11th September 1885. The house has been very carefully restored and refurbished to reflect the lifestyle of the working class of Victorian times, and to show the early childhood of the celebrated poet himself. The museum contains a number of exhibition rooms, where visitors can learn more about his life and works. The gift shop has some special D H Lawrence gifts along with Victorian children’s toys and games. Visitors can take back a souvenir relating to Victorian times. Address: 8a Victoria Street, Eastwood, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG16 3AW and Telephone: +44 (0) 177 371 7353.
For those that like the great outdoors the famous Sherwood Forest Country Park is a must see. Relax with nature and the natural environment, the country park was set up a number of years ago to help and encourage everyone enjoy the lovely countryside. Currently the park welcomes over a million people per year, including local residents and school groups to UK wide and overseas tourists. Visitors can relax in a tranquil, serene environment, or the more adventurous can explore this wonderful area and enjoy an adventure.
There is plenty to do here in term of adventure you can go walking, cycling or horse riding. You can return to the times of Robin Hood with walks through Sherwood Forest including a route which takes you past the Major Oak, in which Robin reputedly hid to escape the Sheriff's men. There is also a Robin Hood exhibition where visitors can learn more about the legendary outlaw.
The City of Caves is a fascinating subterranean attraction and the only remaining underground medieval tannery in the UK. There is a World War II air raid shelter and visitors can learn more about Nottingham's legendary ale in the pub cellar. Visitors can also learn about the awful living conditions in the Victorian slum. It is situated beneath the Broadmarsh Shopping Centre, visitors can experience over 750 years of Nottingham's history told via this unique man-made sandstone cave system.
Learn more about the original Anglo-Saxon tunnels and meet real cave-dwellers from its hidden past. Visitors can see how the caves have been used and adapted over the years by the local people trying to escape from the outside world. This is where history comes alive at this fascinating look the caves.
Sherwood Forest Art and Craft Centre is located in the former Coach House and Stables of Edwinstowe Hall in the legendary Sherwood Forest. In this great location the buildings have been converted into among the most creatively designed craft centres in the UK. There are a number of studios that are enclosed by a glazed atrium making sure weather cannot spoil your visit. Outside the main building there are more studios centred around another courtyard, there is also a popular small picnic area close by. The Centre functions as a working art and craft centre with a wide variety of arts and crafts. You may see craft workers working completing the craft gifts that are then sold.
Theatre aficionados are catered for at the Nottingham Playhouse, a proscenium theatre with an auditorium that can seat over 750 people. The foyer areas allow for the presenting of smaller scale productions, concerts and exhibitions. The Playhouse presents a diverse selection of plays and performances that cater for a wide range of tastes, all of which change regularly; there is also a bar and refreshment area, the result of extensive refurbishment work at the venue. There are a number of artists that come to the playhouse and exhibitions that take place there, are based on art projects from the UK and abroad.
The Living Room Restaurant is located in Nottingham and is part of a growing national chain. Features include the dark wood interior, comfortable sofas and subtle lighting as trademarks. There is an eclectic menu that offers diners a wide array of dishes to choose from. The restaurant is upstairs with the bar downstairs, in the bar you ca see the staff showing their bar skills. The restaurant is flooded with natural light through the glass atrium; the Living Room has been a success in the city of Nottingham. The menu is based on using fresh ingredients to prepared dishes that are high on flavour and texture.
The Pitcher & Piano is housed in a deconsecrated church, it has become the party landmark of Nottingham. The setting and atmosphere come alive on the weekend and it can accommodate an event of all sizes ensuring a great night out. The bar has a party feel and is an adaptable venue; private parties can be cosy to altogether larger more grand affairs. There are a range of canapé menus to choose from. The venue has been described as stunning; bar has a chilled vibe during the day and lively atmosphere in the evenings. This hip and fashionable venue is a favourite for many in the area.
Nottinghamshire offers visitors a number of attractions bearing the name of Robin Hood, from the visitor centre to the Robin Hood tours there is plenty to see and do for fans of the outlaw. The region has a rich literary tradition with the likes of DH Lawrence hailing from the county; the birthplace of the famed writer is now a museum for visitors to see. The landlocked county has good transport links, with East Midlands Airport serving the Nottinghamshire region, there are also good road and rail links making it easily assessable.
Disclaimer: The information given in on this website is given in good faith and to the best of our knowledge. If there are any discrepancies in no way do we intend to mislead. Important travel details and arrangements should be confirmed and verified with the relevant authorities.