Local knowledge to help make your stay in Robin Hood Country extra special

Nottingham

Nottingham Castle is synonymous with Robin Hood. Legend has it that Robin was held in the dungeons by the Sheriff of Nottingham but miraculously escaped through a convenient tunnel.  This strange tail recently gained credence with the discovery of a tunnel leading from one of the cells and with the labyrinth of caves below the streets of Nottingham, is highly likely to be true. 

Nottingham Castle dates from 1068 when William the Conqueror ordered its construction. On 22nd August 1642 Charles I began the civil war outside the walls where today the infamous statue of Robin Hood is located. In 1831 Reform Bill rioters destroyed the castle, which was restored as a museum 40 years later. 

The grand historic 'Nottingham Council House', another famous landmark is not actually that historic and dates back from only 1927, but does have the saving grace of being built from the same Portland stone used to build St Paul's Cathedral. The eight huge columns are impressive with the 10.5 ton hour bell, known as Little John, having the deepest 'tones' in Britain.

On the first weekend of October each year Nottingham is host to the phenomenon of the Goose Fair., a fair that has take place since before medieval times. Showmen from all over Britain head for the city to create an extravaganza that is not to be missed. 

Nottingham Castle, Goose Fair, Council House.

Nottingham