Final Up to date on 1st July 2024 by Charlotte Nadeau
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Nottingham is a metropolis steeped in historical past, surrounded by legends and extra surprisingly, residence to UK’s largest community of caves. The town the place spirited outlaw Robin Hood labored exhausting to take from the wealthy and provides to the poor, the place positive lace has been woven over the centuries, and the birthplace of ibuprofen! Right here’s your information on find out how to spend the right two days in Nottingham itinerary, in addition to high tricks to know earlier than you go.
Is 2 days sufficient time in Nottingham?
Sure! Though Nottingham is up there with among the largest cities within the UK, it’s completely doable to see town’s principal points of interest and a few of its hidden gems inside two days. This period of time will help you expertise Nottingham however nonetheless go away you with extra to discover the subsequent time you go to.
Steered day 1 in Nottingham Itinerary
Outdated Market Sq.
Start your time in Nottingham’s beating coronary heart, Outdated Market Sq., which has a historical past of over 800 years as a market and is without doubt one of the oldest public squares in the UK.
This large public area hosts a number of cultural occasions all year long and is a central assembly place for locals and vacationers alike. On the head of the sq. is Nottingham Council Home, which is about inside a powerful Neo-Baroque constructing.
In 2007 the sq. was ‘revamped’ with the added function of a reflecting pool and bursts of over 50 fountains taking pictures water and particular lights to light up it, making it notably stunning when seen at evening.
That is additionally the place you’ll discover the vacationer data workplace, the place you may get extra details about points of interest within the city and their opening hours.
Go to Lace Market
Only a 5-minute stroll from Outdated Market Sq. you’ll discover the historic quarter, Lace Market, which takes its title from the very fact it was the previous hub of Britain’s lace trade, and put Nottingham on the style and textiles map worldwide.
Discovered inside this small pocket of town is an abundance of lovely structure together with St Mary’s Church, the oldest parish church of Nottingham, and the Nationwide Justice Museum, housed inside a former Victorian courtroom, jail, and police station.
Wandering down the streets of Lace Market you’ll additionally discover a number of stunning murals and boutique outlets that promote distinctive British craftwork, in addition to varied different outlets.
St Mary’s Church
As talked about, this church is discovered inside the neighbourhood of Lace Market and it’s the oldest parish church in Nottinghamshire, believed to this point again to Saxon instances.
St Mary’s Church was first talked about within the Domesday Guide (1086), which was a survey achieved of a lot of England and Wales. The constructing seen right now is considered at the least the third church constructed on the location and is from the fifteenth century.
A notable legend surrounding this medieval treasure is that Robin Hood was arrested by the Sheriff of Nottingham right here, whereas others declare he managed to flee incarceration by way of a hidden tunnel.
At one time the church was used to deal with the city fireplace engine and by the 18th century it was used as a workhouse. At present, St Mary’s Church is a Grad I listed constructing and thought of to be of nice historic and architectural significance.
Nottingham Up to date Artwork Gallery
Discovered alongside the identical road is an uncommon constructing that acts in stark distinction to the church’s medieval structure, a captivating architectural gem that’s sunk right into a sandstone cliff and crammed with modern artwork, Nottingham Up to date.
This is without doubt one of the largest modern artwork galleries within the UK and hosts common altering exhibitions of latest worldwide artwork. What’s even higher is that it’s free to enter and wander round!
Nottingham Fortress
Subsequent, head to Nottingham Fortress, which sits atop a sandstone hill and is designed within the model of a Stuart Restoration-era ducal mansion. Constructed on the location of a Norman citadel that dates again to 1068, it’s most famously often called the location for which Robin Hood and the Sherif of Nottingham had their adventures!
Stays of medieval structure will be seen all through the citadel grounds, however little of the unique construction continues to be there. The citadel was closed briefly to the general public however in 2018 a £30 million restoration venture came about, and as of 2023 it was reopened.
A common admission ticket prices £15 (grownup) and I might put aside at the least a few hours to discover the citadel and its grounds.
Robin Hood Statue
Immediately exterior of Nottingham Fortress, you’ll discover a solid bronze statue of the legendary heroic outlaw, Robin Hood. The statue of this well-known determine was unveiled in 1952 and has continued to be one of the crucial in style points of interest to go to in all of Nottingham.
Robin Hood has been featured in literature, theatre and cinema, making a primary look as early because the 14th century. Based on legends, he was a extremely expert archer and swordsman who stole from the wealthy and gave to the poor, spreading the wealth amongst individuals evenly.
Though there is no such thing as a historic proof to counsel that Robin Hood existed exterior of English folklore, his character and presence in Nottingham stay iconic and well-loved. A defiant defender who is assumed to signify freedom, power and liberty, Hood’s legacy has grown for hundreds of years and continues to encourage to today!
Ye Olde Journey to Jerusalem
Finish your day like a neighborhood and luxuriate in a drink (or two) in a neighborhood pub! Nonetheless, this pub isn’t simply any native boozer, as a substitute, Ye Olde Journey to Jerusalem is an historic pub which is as enchanting and fairytale-esque as its title may counsel and is wealthy with historical past.
The pub allegedly dates again to 1189, although there’s no concrete proof pointing to the institution present on this date (relying on who you ask) it’s the oldest pub in England!
Nonetheless, most elements of the constructing you see right now date again to between 1650 and 1660, and the pub is Grade II listed, making it a heritage constructing and of necessary historic and cultural significance.
The pub is hewn out of the rock on which the citadel stands, its wonky inside holds a sure attraction to it and takes its title from the truth that crusaders and pilgrims alike would seemingly have stopped in on the inn on their approach to Jerusalem.
As quickly as you enter the pub you’ll be greeted by darkish wood tables, a convivial atmosphere, and interiors which have been adorned akin to a museum with all types of distinctive artefacts on show. What higher place to finish a day of exploring, with a Nottingham ale in hand!
Steered day 2 in Nottingham Itinerary
Breakfast at Cosy Membership Cafe
Begin your day with a scrumptious brunch from the Cosy Membership, which is only a few minutes stroll from Outdated Market Sq.. Set inside a former Reform Membership, the constructing is elegantly adorned and feels fairly luxurious when indulging on a full English breakfast right here!
Breakfast is served till midday they usually provide vegetarian and vegan-friendly choices too, see their menu right here!
Arboretum
An absolute should when visiting is a visit to Nottingham Arboretum, which will be reached by way of a 20-minute stroll or 10-minute tram from town centre, permitting you to flee into nature from the hustle and bustle of metropolis life inside minutes.
This stunning and historic park is Nottingham’s oldest public park, opening in 1852, it’s residence to a formidable assortment of over 800 timber (and it’s utterly free to go to!)
There are two principal trails, the Tree Path and the Heritage Path, each crammed with treasures value exploring: Alongside the Tree Path, you’ll be able to comply with a guided map which particulars the tree species, starting from Japanese Pink Cedar timber to a Caucasian Wingnut tree from Iran.
And, on the Heritage Path, you’ll come throughout a Chinese language Bell Tower standing atop a pink sandstone platform, the Outdated Rose Backyard and the Victorian Flower Backyard.
This magical spot can also be stated to be the setting during which J.M. Barri drew inspiration for the world of Neverland from the story of Peter Pan! I’d put aside at the least 1 hour to discover the Arboretum totally.
Highfields Park
One other inexperienced oasis value exploring is Highfields Park, which is located round a 20-minute tram experience away from the Arboretum. This Grade II listed public park is residence to The College of Nottingham, surrounded by most of the stunning historic constructing of the college campus, but the park is totally free and open to the general public.
Specific highlights of Highfields Park embrace a leap between stepping stones that sit on the tranquil lake and a stroll (or boat experience) alongside the water’s fringe of the Boating Lake. This enchanting inexperienced area feels as if stepping again in time to a Bridgerton-styled novel of some variety, the park was designed to go with the encompassing structure.
Metropolis of Caves
Subsequent head to essentially the most stunning facet of town, a community of caves! Due to the delicate sandstone upon which Nottingham is constructed, town has the biggest community of underground caves within the UK, some 800 of which survive to today.
Hidden beneath the streets you’ll be able to stroll by means of historical past and discover the underground community of caves which have had many makes use of over the centuries, together with getting used as a tannery, public home cellars, and as an air raid shelter.
The doorway to the Metropolis of Caves is close to Nottingham Up to date, and you’ll solely go to for a payment and within the allotted time slots. Because it’s underground, I like to recommend bringing a jacket because the caves stay at a continuing temperature of round 14 levels. Click on right here to guide your ticket on their official website.
Sky Mirror
Make sure you get right here earlier than or throughout nightfall! This distinctive 6-meter-wide concave dish is a public sculpture by artist Anish Kapoor that was commissioned in 2015 to mirror the ever-changing atmosphere. It’s the excellent place to snap a photograph in entrance!
Pitcher and Piano
Take pleasure in a drink with a powerful view of a surprising and complex stained glass window! The particularity of this bar restaurant is that it’s nestled inside an previous Nineteenth-century church. Pitcher & Piano is a series the place you may get a chunk to eat or get pleasure from a few of their distinctive home cocktails.
The place to remain in Nottingham
Nottingham is well-connected by public transport, a tram system runs by means of a lot of town making it simple to go from place to position. It’s additionally a really inexpensive place to spend an evening or two and an incredible metropolis to base your self whereas exploring the broader area of Northern England. Listed here are a number of options of the place to remain (based mostly on internet critiques):
Tremendous-saver: Igloo Hybrid – A mixed-gender rooms hostel which is a minute stroll from Outdated Market Sq. and round 6 minutes stroll from Nottingham Fortress. This capsule-style sleeping hostel affords primary rooms (non-public ones can be found too) at budget-friendly costs with out compromising on the placement. Examine costs and availability right here.
Mid-range: Hart’s Resort – This 4-star upscale boutique resort is a 6-minute stroll from Nottingham Fortress and superbly adorned in modern decor (boasting Egyptian cotton sheets) it’s an affordable sufficient worth per evening and has a small backyard for company to calm down in. Examine costs and availability right here.
Luxurious: Colwick Corridor Resort – Keep on the outskirts of Nottingham in a Georgian nation home mansion, only a 15-minute drive from town centre. Providing a really feel of luxurious, some rooms have 4-poster beds and a hearth place and all of the rooms have interval furnishings and fittings. Examine costs and availability right here.
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