Tied up in Notts
Take a Robin Hood walk to see why Nottingham’s past and present make it one merry escape
This modest Midlands city certainly packs in the history, from legendary hero Robin Hood and a love affair with lace to the oldest inn in England, Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem.
Last December another bit of history was made when Prince Harry and Meghan Markle made a tour of the city their first official engagement. And it is gearing up for even more star treatment in November, when movie Robin Hood, with Taron Egerton, is released.
Walking is the best way to explore the cobbled streets of the Lace Market. And the city’s tram system is a pleasant way of getting around, with some trams named after Nottinghamshire celebs.
Line of Duty star Vicky McClure is one of the most recent, with ice skaters Torvill and Dean, cricketer Stuart Broad and writer DH Lawrence among others.
SHOP TIL YOU DROP
Nottingham is a top shopping spot, with a real pedigree. It is home to the first Boots, which opened in 1849 on Goose Gate. In 1933 the first John Lewis outside London opened, while 1970 saw the launch of a Paul Smith’s fashion store.
Look out for craft beers and local cheeses in Flying Horse Walk.
For quirky fashion and boutiques, go to bohemian Hockley in the creative quarter.
And high street fave Zara is in an impressive Art Nouveau building on Clumber Street.
WHAT TO SEE
Voted the UK’s most haunted building, the Galleries of Justice Museum in the old courthouse and prison reopened last year as the National Justice Museum.
It showcases a programme of exhibitions, performances and activities proving crime doesn’t pay (£10.95 adults/ £7.95 under-18s, national justicemuseum.org.uk).
FOR KIDS
There are three fun-filled floors of interactive games and activities where little and big ones can go wild at the National Videogame Arcade.
It’s the first dedicated to video games, from vintage arcades to virtual reality and Minecraft workshops (£10.50 adults/£8.50 kids, thenva.com).
SELFIE SPOT
Get a shot with the 7ft bronze statue of the city’s famous outlaw, with bow and arrow primed. He’s been in the shadow of Nottingham Castle since 1952.
DO TRY
Join Robin Hood’s merry band on an entertaining walking tour with the city’s legendary son played by a flamboyant Ade Andrews.
See the Italian-style exterior of former lace warehouse the Adam and Page building, in the Lace Market district. Lace making was at the heart of the city’s industrial revolution but there’s only one firm left making Nottingham lace, used in Diana’s and Kate’s wedding dresses (£12, ezekialbone.com).
WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK
At Broadway, Annie’s Burger Shack flips authentic American Rhode Island burgers – Annie hails from New England. Variations include The Lemmy ( from £8.90, anniesburgershack.com).
For a meal out that won’t break the bank, Bistrot Pierre on Milton Street combines classic dishes including steak frites with regional favourites such as tarte flambées (two-course prix fixe from £11.95, bistrotpierre.co.uk).
Reserve a table at exclusive “secret” bar Lost Property for a cocktail. It’s decorated with artfully stacked suitcases (lostpropertynottingham.co.uk).
WHERE TO STAY
The city’s oldest hotel, the Mercure City Centre George Hotel, blends period features with modern design. Doubles from £65 pn (accorhotels.com, 0115 959 9777).
WHAT’S HAPPENING
Headline acts at Splendour Festival in Wollaton Park include Paloma Faith, The Charlatans and The Stranglers ( July 21, splendourfestival.com).
Free fun at the Riverside Festival with theatre and music by the River Trent (August 3-5, canalrivertrust.org.uk).
And the Goose Fair rolls up with 500 attractions at the Forest Recreation Ground (October 3-7).