Nottingham

A vibrant medieval city famous for its Robin Hood legend, Nottingham Castle, and the historic Lace Market district. The city offers excellent museums, galleries, shopping, and a lively cultural scene with plenty of restaurants and nightlife.

Things to do

• Nottingham Castle — Explore this iconic hilltop fortress with its museum, art gallery, and sweeping views over the city, famous for its connection to the Robin Hood legend.
• Lace Market District — Wander the charming cobbled streets lined with Victorian lace warehouses, now converted into independent shops, cafes, and galleries celebrating Nottingham's historic lace industry.
• Nottingham Caves — Descend into the man-made sandstone caves beneath the city center to discover medieval passages and learn about Nottingham's unique underground heritage.
• Sherwood Forest — Visit the legendary woodland home of Robin Hood, located just north of the city, featuring ancient oak trees, walking trails, and a visitor center dedicated to the outlaw's tale.
• Nottingham Contemporary — Browse cutting-edge contemporary art exhibitions in this striking modern gallery housed in a converted tobacco warehouse in the city center.
• City of Caves Museum — Experience a guided tour through interconnected medieval and Victorian caves beneath Nottingham's streets, including a recreated Victorian home inside the caverns.

Food to try

• Nottingham Goose Fair Food — Sample traditional fairground fare and local specialties during the famous annual Goose Fair, a tradition dating back centuries featuring roasted meats and seasonal produce.
• Stilton Cheese — Taste the creamy blue cheese made in the East Midlands region, often served at local restaurants and available at cheese shops throughout the city.
• Nottingham Cured Meats — Try local cured pork products and sausages that reflect the city's traditional butchery heritage, available at markets and specialist food shops.
• Lace Market Brunch Culture — Experience the trendy independent cafes and bistros in the Lace Market district serving artisanal coffee, fresh pastries, and contemporary brunch dishes.
• Brewery Ales and Cask Beers — Enjoy locally-brewed ales from Nottingham's craft breweries and traditional pubs serving cask-conditioned beers reflective of the region's brewing heritage.

Local customs & good to know

• Robin Hood Pride — Nottingham embraces its Robin Hood legacy deeply throughout the city; locals are proud of this connection and enjoy sharing the legend's historical context and cultural significance.
• Lace Heritage Respect — The historic lace industry was central to Nottingham's prosperity, and visitors should appreciate the craftsmanship displayed in converted warehouses and appreciate the skill involved in traditional lace-making.
• Pub Culture and Etiquette — Nottingham has a strong pub tradition; visitors should expect friendly banter, order at the bar rather than table service in many establishments, and respect the locals' enthusiasm for real ales and cask beers.
• Market Square Gathering — The historic Market Square remains the social heart of Nottingham where locals gather for events, markets, and celebrations; it's a good place to experience authentic city life and seasonal festivals.