Out & About in Nottingham

Nottingham has a turbulent past, mainly due to the legendary links to Robin Hood and the violent history of its castle. Standing on an ancient settlement which was founded in the days of the Saxons, from its beginnings caves were dug out of its sandstone. A Norman castle was built in the eleventh century beside the River Trent and the city grew up around it. In later centuries, surprisingly, the network of caves was enlarged and the caves became the homes of poor people mainly employed in the tanning industry. During the Second World War the caves were used as air-raid shelters. The ones that lie underneath Broad Marsh Shopping Centre were opened up not long ago and now form a tourist attraction.

Nottingham today is a thriving regional centre with great shopping, an excellent arts scene and vibrant nightlife. In days of old, Nottingham was famous for its lace but today is a centre of fashion offering a huge range of shops both independent and national. Nottingham is also an important centre for tourism. Nottingham University is regularly ranked among the top ten of the UK's higher education institutions and it is a leading teaching and research university.

Not for nothing is Nottingham known as the Queen of the Midlands. Around a quarter of a million people live here and many more travel into the city to work and shop. Forever linked to Robin Hood and his men, Nottingham is a dynamic mix of modern and medieval buildings. Amongst car parks and architectural eyesores are centuries-old landmarks that the crusaders probably saw. The 19th century lace industry brought riches and the city developed into a centre of manufacturing. Raleigh bicycles, Boots pharmacy products, cigarettes - all were made here. Now those industries have declined and shopping and nightlife are mostly what bring people to the city. Although lovers of sport are well-served too - Trent Bridge draws good crowds to the cricket and Nottingham Forest Football Club has a good following.

Shopping

Shopaholics are spoilt for choice in Nottingham as the city is rated in the top five UK shopping cities and is ranked above Manchester and Liverpool. Paul Smith who was born here opened a flagship store in Nottingham's Willoughby House at Low Pavement. Hugo Boss, Vivienne Westwood and Kurt Geiger have followed suit, opening branches in Nottingham. In Bridlesmith Gate there are designer stores and retailers who stock the best names in haute couture. There are also small independents offering an individual range of goods such as alternative clothing and stylish furnishings. There are undercover shopping centres as well from exclusive stores to large commercial centres. Some of the big department stores are in the centres and in the out of town retail outlets too.

Food and Drink

Nottingham is a busy, multicultural city and therefore, as you would expect, almost every type of food is on offer. From Indian to Chinese, Thai to Caribbean, British to French - you are spoiled for choice. There are great takeaways and superb restaurants to suit all tastes and budgets. Vegetarians are not left out either - there is the Café Nomad with an excellent reputation and which serves vegetarian and vegan food in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere as well as Alley Café with internationally-inspired vegetarian food and music too. As its name suggests, it is hidden away - so make sure you find it! Charlie's Steak House and Greek Taverna cater for those who prefer their food to be of the meaty kind!

Arts and Entertainment

Generally Nottingham is known as one of the UK's top destinations for stag and hen nights. This is probably because most bars and clubs are located centrally and close to one another. The clubs and bars have music to suit all tastes so there is something for everyone. Although the atmosphere can be rowdy, away from the clubs are pubs and inns, quietly located, where you can enjoy good conversation whilst dining. Nottingham is a friendly city and the pubs and restaurants provide a warm welcome to all.

Hotels and Travel

For buses and trains, Nottingham is well situated. The train station is just South of the town centre and has frequent trips to Birmingham, Manchester and London. Buses operate from Broadmarsh Bus Station. There are services direct to London and Birmingham. There are reliable bus services to outlying villages as well.

Nottingham Airport lies a few miles South East of the city centre which makes it one of the closest airports to the centre of any city in the UK. Flights depart to many major cities in the UK and Western Europe.