ARTICLE SUMMARY: Here is a fun way to find out about some of Nottingham's rich history whilst having a jolly good time. A Guide to Drinking and Thinking in Nottingham. Getting To Nottingham Nottingham train station is on the south side of the city centre, a five- to ten-minute walk from the Market Square - just follow the signs. Long-distance buses arrive at the Broad Marsh bus station down the street from the train station on the way to the centre. The city's tourist office is on the Market Square, on the ground floor of the Council House, at 1 Smithy Row . Travelling to the city by car is very easy, as the M1 & A1 motorways are close by and well sign posted. As you might expect of a big city, Nottingham has a good range of accommodation, with the more expensive hotels concentrated in the centre, the cheaper places and the B&Bs mostly located on the outskirts and the main approach roads. Finding a room is rarely difficult, but the tourist office can always help out. |
Controlling a strategic crossing point over the Trent, the Saxon town of NOTTINGHAM was built on one of a pair of sandstone hills whose 130-foot cliffs looked out over the river valley. In 1068, William the Conqueror built a castle on the other hill, and the Saxon and Norman communities traded on the low ground in between, the Market Square. In the second half of the eighteenth century, the town was transformed by the expansion of the lace and hosiery industries. Within the space of fifty years, Nottingham's population increased from ten thousand to fifty thousand, the resulting slum becoming a hotbed of radicalism. In the 1810s, a recession provoked the hard-pressed workers into action. They struck against the employers and, calling themselves Luddites , after an apprentice-protester by the name of Ned Ludd, raided the factories to smash the knitting machines. Recent redevelopment of the city centre has earned Nottingham the reputation of the "Midland's Party Capital". Nottingham's nightclub scene is boisterous and fast-moving, with places moving in and out of cool all the time. The pubs around Market Square have a tough edge to them, especially on the weekend, but within a few minutes' walk there's a selection of equally lively and more enjoyable drinking-holes. For live music , both popular and classical, most big names play at the Royal Centre Concert Hall on Wollaton Street, and nearby Rock City pulls in some star turns too along with the Ice Stadium. Nottingham's restaurant scene has improved immeasurably in the last three years. French and Mediterranean cuisine are in vogue at present, but the Asian places continue to prosper. A gallon of beer and a red hot "Ruby" (Ruby Murry = Curry) is still regarded as a good night out by the locals. Nottingham Castle  Nottingham Castle is a magnificent 17th century mansion built on the site of the original Medieval Castle, with spectacular views across the city. A vibrant museum and art gallery housing collections of silver, glass, armour and paintings, plus fifteen centuries of Nottingham history.
The galleries also bring the best regional, national and international artist's work to the city. Nottingham Castle is 10 minutes walk from Nottingham City centre, with easy access from train and bus stations. Parking is close by.
In the castle grounds there is a statue of Albert Ball. He was the most famous British flying ace of the First World War. He is credited with 42 air combat victories against German aircraft and was awarded the MC, DSO, Russian Order of St. George, French Legion d'Honneur and the Victoria Cross. He achieved all this in just two years before he was killed in 1917, aged 20.Underneath the Castle are many manmade caves and tunnels, some of which date back to medieval times.Visitors can take a guided tour to see Mortimer’s Hole, King David’s dungeon and the old wine cellar.The tour is strenuous and includes steep steps.Many visitors choose to descend through hundreds of years of history, learning on the way gruesome tales about Roger Mortimer and King David of Scotland. Nottingham City Council's what's on events guide and LIVE web cam of the Market Square. Panoramic Images of Nottingham Nottingham Playhouse Sky Mirror Front View Saint Patrick's Day Market Square Nottingham Cathedral Church of St Barnabas NottinghamWelcome to the thinking person's guide to Nottingham. Here is a fun way to find out about some of Nottingham's rich history whilst having a jolly good time! Nags head
Start your tour at the Nags Head public house on Mansfield road. This used to be the 'last' stop for many unfortunate souls on their way to Gallows Hill. Prisoners were offered their last drink here. It is reported that one such prisoner refused his last drink and was duly hanged just as his reprieve was granted - too late- if only he'd took his last drink! Lincolnshire Poacher
Walk a little further down the road and cross over to reach your next stop. A warm friendly welcome awaits you at The Lincolnshire Poacher. On offer are a fine selection of 'real ales' and whiskies in an atmosphere that encourages conversation - no TV's or thumping beats here! Originally known as the 'Old Grey Nags Head', there has been a pub here since 1831. The Peacock
Onwards to The Peacock. This pub has a Victorian feel to it. Comprising of two bars complete with buttons for service - you can get a decent pint of Guinness here. Golden Fleece
Ever onwards to the Golden Fleece. You can view the deep sandstone cellars through the glass floor whilst drinking a fine malt whiskey or one of twelve polish vodkas on sale. Nottingham is built on sandstone through which run a labrynth of caves and tunnels. They were used for all sorts of reasons including air raid shelters during WW11. Bell Inn
You will need a bit of a walk after that - so it's on into the centre of town and the Bell Inn. This is one of the oldest pubs in England. Originally two buildings, you can walk down the old alley which separated them. There are tours available if you want to know more about the history whilst enjoying a good pint of Refectory Ale. The Royal Children
Walk towards the Castle and find the Royal Children on Hounds Gate.
It is thought that the pub got its name when the grandchildren of King James 1 were accommodated here during the last days of his reign in the seventeenth century. The sign outside incorporates a whalebone from the days when whale oil was used as fuel. The Salutation Inn
A stones throw from the Royal Children you will find the Salutation Inn. Dating from the fifteenth century, it is thought to have been a guest house owned by a religious order. The name refers to the 'Salutation' given to Mary by the Archangel Gabriel as depicted on the sign.
Beneath the pub are caves which are said to be haunted. Ghost walks start from here each week. I've been down there - it really is quite spooky!  Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem
If you're still standing this pub offers a fitting end to your journey. Built in 1189, this is purportedly the oldest pub in England (if not the world); it was a favourite of Crusaders en route to Jerusalem in the times of Richard the Lionheart. Built into the castle rock the place is steeped in history and legend. Discover and discuss over one of many hand- pulled ales on offer - the foods good too! Finish your tour with a stroll up cobbled streets and view the floodlit Castle and statue of Robin Hood. Nottingham also has a lot of hotels in and around the City centre. Please don't try to sleep-off your pub tour on a park bench!
Destination Guides > Europe & Russia > Europe > England > East Midlands > Nottinghamshire > Nottingham Author Resource:- Ann Coveney http://www.askann.co.uk is a freelance writer and part time school teacher. She can be hired to write articles on a wide range of topics. The web site she uses the most for low cost travel and hotel booking is http://www.AskVicki.co.uk Article From The Laughing Camel Tickler Search for Other JackC Articles Using These Tags:
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