Nottingham Mini Guide
The city of Nottingham in the Midlands is famed for its connections with the old English hero Robin Hood who robbed from the rich and gave to the poor. The River Leen runs through Nottingham city centre while its southern boundary follows the course of the River Trent. The airport most regularly used to get to Nottingham is
East Midlands and you can pick up your rental car from there. It is also possible to fly into
Birmingham Airport.
If you prefer to take the train to Nottingham and then collect your car there is a rail service from St Pancras station in
London. Having a car is the only way to see one of the most intriguing and beautiful parts of Nottingham – Sherwood Forest. In Sherwood Forest you will see the huge oak where Robin Hood and his band of outlaws is said to have hidden. Also try taking the A416 to Clumber Park for a fun filled day out with activities such as Go Ape treetop climbing courses.
When you return to Nottingham there are many things to see and do in this historically fascinating city. One of the best of them is Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem Inn which claims to be the oldest pub in Britain and has been around for more than 800 years. You can also stop in and see the interesting Museum of Nottingham Life which is located here.
Why not go to the stately home which is known as Nottingham Castle? It houses an art gallery and has some excellent gardens in which to take a relaxing walk. This is where you will see a statue of Robin Hood. Also don’t miss the award-winning City of Caves which is accessed from the upper mall of the Broadmarsh Shopping Centre. These man-made caves were fashioned out of sandstone to be used as tanneries, public house cellars and air raid shelters.
Nottingham is situated in the County of Nottinghamshire in the centre of England. The nearest airports to the city are East Midlands, approximately 19 km, Birmingham International and
Coventry Airport which are both approximately 69 km and
Manchester Airport which is approximately 85 km. Car hire and taxis are available at all these airports. Nottingham railway station is in the city centre. If travelling by car leave the M1 motorway at junction 25 and take the A52 into the city centre. Public transport in the city is provided by an efficient bus service.
The county of Nottinghamshire is an area of outstanding natural beauty which includes Sherwood Forest, (and the legend of Robin Hood), traditional market towns and many magnificent historic buildings. Eating out is a pleasure with award winning restaurants, lively bars and a good nightlife.
The Victoria Centre and Westfield Broadmarsh are the two main shopping centres and both have a wide variety of shops. Nottingham has two large theatres, the Nottingham Playhouse and the Theatre Royal, and also the Nottingham Royal Concert Hall. Classical music concerts are provided by the city’s Symphony Orchestra and Philharmonic Orchestra. There are also smaller theatres and art galleries.