Nottingham Hotels

Nottingham Rundown

Nottingham became ‘Queen of the Midlands’ because of coal and lace – but its success as a top tourist destination is down to a certain man in Lincoln green tights, the fabled 13^th Century hero Robin Hood. It seems people will never tire of this romantic story - flocking to Nottingham attractions such asNottingham Castle and Sherwood Forest , where tradition has it he robbed the rich, gave to the poor and fought his arch enemy, the dastardly Sheriff of Nottingham.

But there is so much more to Nottingham than Mr Hood. For a start, it’s possible to get very merry indeed during a stay here. The city is home to the oldest Inn in the UK, dating back 800 years - Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem is just one of over 100 licensed premises in the centre mile of Nottingham.

Nottingham also has a lively club scene, and is home to Nottingham Trent University. There are also loads of places to watch or participate in sports. Cricket at Trent Bridge Cricket Grounds is a top day out, as is taking in a football match at The City Ground, home to Notts Forest FC, whose fans are still waiting patiently for past glories to be repeated.

Nottingham's Top 10

Nottingham Events

The Robin Hood Beer Festival at Nottingham Castle takes place in October. Real ale lovers can sup to their heart’s content with over 600 beers on offer, as well as live entertainment and food.

The Nottingham Riviera is a July to September fixture. You could be forgiven for thinking you are at the seaside when Old Market Square is transformed into a beach paradise with its own promenade.

Nottingham Gay Pride is a popular annual event, taking place at the Forest Recreation Ground at the end of July. Stand up and be counted and proud.

The Nottingham Riverside Festival draws the crowds to Victoria Embankment each July – a riot of colour and entertainment.

The Robin Hood Pageant Nottingham Castle plays host to a mass of outlaws and Sheriff’s men – not something you don’t see every day.

Nottingham’s Goose Fair in October at the Forest Recreation Ground is one of Europe’s biggest, most spectacular travelling fairs. There’s plenty of fun to be had with over 500 attractions to choose from.

Nottingham Arboretum is the place to head for on a weekend for free music throughout the summer.

Nottingham Castle offers open air theatre in its grounds in the summer.

Nottingham NEAT – that’s Nottingham European Arts and Theatre Festival – with performances at various venues right across the city during May and June.

Nottingham Food and Drink Festival is free and takes place in the city centre during the month of June.

When To Go

All four British seasons have their say in Nottingham’s weather, from spring showers, warm summers to mild autumns and frosty winters.

Summer temperatures can reach 25 °C and above, with summery conditions sometimes extending well into September. It snows rarely during the winter but temperatures drop to °C and below.

There is a possibility of rain at any time of year – from spring showers onwards.

Getting There

East Midlands Airport is Nottingham’s closest, located just south west of the city where numerous domestic and international flights take off. Skylink runs a service with a journey time of around 30-40 minutes at a cost of £5.

Nottingham Railway station connects directly to London St Pancras, as well as to Birmingham, Leeds and Sheffield.

National Express run a regular service from Broadmarsh and Victoria. It’s sometimes possible to get a one way ticket into London Victoria for a mere £1.

General Information

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