Nottingham: More than just Rock City and Robin Hood

But will they still get a mention in this eulogy of ‘The Queen of the Midlands’? Quite possibly

To paraphrase a popular football chant around these parts, Nottingham is full of fun. Staid as that song may be, it’s difficult to argue when you take a squizz at what’s available. Whether it’s history, culture or a day at the races you’re after, this place has your back. And even if you do get bored, a quick trip to its surrounding areas can throw up gems such as glorious Sherwood Forest (more on that later).

This might be one of the UK’s youngest cities, but it sure does punch above its weight when it comes to historical sights. Nottingham Castle is, unfortunately, overshadowed by the big hitters such as Warwick, Windsor, and even Belvoir Castle down the road. This is due to there not being that much of It left, having been laid waste to after the English Civil War. It’ll never be restored to its former glory, but the big bucks have rolled in to once again make it a tourist attraction worth visiting. Here, Charles I picked what turned out to be his last fight with Oliver Cromwell. Yes, Nottingham Castle really was where that pesky Civil War started. Man, those Roundheads really knew how to bear a grudge.

Boots the Chemist was founded in Nottingham, whilst the Goose Fair – one of Europe’s largest travelling funfairs – dates back to the 13th-century. That literary great D.H. Lawrence was born and raised here, his home now the D.H. Lawrence Birthplace Museum. For ale enthusiasts there’s Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, which at over 800 years old lays a genuine claim to being England’s oldest inn, and how’s this for a list of inventions? Tarmac, HP sauce, the video tape recorder… need we go on? Actually, yes we do. Ibuprofen, the MRI scanner and a little thing called the traffic light were all cooked up here – and people keep banging on about what the Romans did for us!

There’s no way a feature such as this would be anything without a look at the music scene, and no way we couldn’t begin with one of the UK’s pre-eminent clubs: it can only be Rock City! When you’ve been named Kerrang! magazine’s ‘Venue of the Year’ for an entire decade, you’ve earned the right to go first. ‘City’s sister venue, The Rescue Rooms, and the nearby Bodega Social are more about the up-and-coming, they both still attract some big names. Meanwhile, the Nottingham Ice Arena is often on the roster for world famous acts touring the UK and Europe. With all of these, it’s safe to assume Nottingham would’ve been on Elvis‘s radar had The King himself ever got close to a few dates here in Blighty.

If someone were to ask you which city is England’s official home of sport, you’d probably guess at London, Birmingham or Manchester. However, in 2015 Nottingham took that particular crown, and if you ponder for the time it takes for a Stuart Broad delivery to whistle past (yes, another native), it’s hardly surprising. Sticking with cricket, Trent Bridge is the world’s third-oldest test venue and has witnessed many dramatic Ashes scenes over the decades. Way before the Champions League was a glint in UEFA’s eye, Brian Clough guided Forest to back-to-back European Cup victories, plus there’s the oldest league club in the world, Notts County. National treasures Torville and Dean, who skated their way to Olympic glory, hail from this city, that’s also home to the National Water Sports Centre. Finally, let’s not forget how it’s played host to Dan Green getting the better of Stephen Gray on the green baize on countless occasions.

But long before all that, there was another sportsman of sorts doing the rounds, that infamous archer-come-philanthropist Robin Hood. A quick tram ride from the city centre (one of the best public transport systems going, by the way) and you’ll soon be in Sherwood Forest if following in the Merry Men’s footsteps. The big draw is their hideout, Major Oak, weighing in at 23 tonnes, with a girth of 10 metres and spread of 28. That makes it Britain’s biggest oak tree, not to mention the focal point for the annual Robin Hood Festival. Back in the centre there’s the Robin Hood Experience, a fully immersive, educational adventure back in time, a walking tour, the charmingly named escape room ‘Robin of Lockskey’, and that’s aside from roads named Maid Marian Way and Friar Lane. Whether you believe in the legend or not, Nottingham really has made the most of it. If it’s good enough for Loch Ness…

And if all that’s still not enough, there’s the 800+ caves under the streets – another British record – that ‘The City of Caves‘ has to explore. Well, all great places have more than one nickname, don’t they? If you’re a local, a keen visitor, or just someone who feels like checking Nottingham out after reading this, do leave your comments in the usual place.