Nottingham

Nottingham is a city in England, affectionately known as the "Queen of the Midlands". It is famed for its links with the world-renowned legend of Robin Hood.

Nottingham is one of three major cities in the East Midlands of England, the others being nearby Leicester and Derby. Its prosperity was historically derived mostly from the lace making and coal-mining industries, little of which remains. Nottingham has moved towards a more service-based economy. In the 1960s it was famed for having a gender imbalance.

The centre of Nottingham lies on the River Leen and its southern boundary follows the course of the River Trent, which flows from Stoke to the Humber. According to the 2001 census, Nottingham has an estimated city population of 275,100. The Nottingham Urban Area conurbation (which includes surrounding suburbs outside the city boundary, and neighbouring towns) has a population of 666,358 (2001 Census). Nottingham is a member of the English Core Cities Group.

The heart of the city is the Old Market Square, which underwent a major redevelopment in 2006. Most of the main shopping streets are around the square. The Council House, whose tall dome can be seen for miles around, is at the top end of the square. The inside of the Council House is the Exchange Arcade, a shopping centre. A bohemian quarter of the city known as Hockley has arisen close to the Lace Market area. Nottingham receives a lot of tourism, mostly because of the legend of Robin Hood, visiting Sherwood Forest and Nottingham Castle.

• Nottingham Castle. This is not a castle, but a small stately home with only the original gatehouse remaining from the castle. Museum is a must-see and provides a fascinating insight into the history of Nottingham. The fine mansion also houses the country's first municipal art gallery and the beautifully maintained gardens are ideal for a lazy summer's day stroll. The walls around the 'castle' also offer spectacular views over the Trent Valley. It is closed for refurbishment until 2020
• Robin Hood statue, Castle Road. 24/7. Statue of Nottingham's most famous hero, just outside of the castle walls. Free.
• Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem Inn, Castle Road. Off Maid Marian Way - one of various pubs claiming to be the oldest pub in Britain, the "Trip" traces its existence back over 800 years. Built into the sandstone caves under the castle, it is charming and well worth a visit if you happen to be in the city. It is located at the Brewhouse Yard, home to the Museum of Nottingham Life which shows the social change in Nottingham that has occurred over the last 300 years.
• City of Caves. A visitor attraction which is accessed from the upper mall of the Broadmarsh Shopping Centre. It consists of a network of caves, carved out of sandstone that have been variously used over the years as a tannery, public house cellars, and as air raid shelters. Nottingham has more man-made caves than anywhere else in Britain. £6.95.
• National Justice Museum, Shire Hall, High Pavement, NG1 1HN. Well-worth visiting for a fascinating look at the sometimes rough justice meted out in years gone by.
• Nottingham Contemporary. It presents major exhibitions of contemporary art, with associated education programmes for all ages.
• Wollaton Hall. A beautiful Elizabethan mansion in a large suburban deer park, Wollaton Park. The hall houses the city's Natural History Museum whilst the Industrial Museum is housed in an outbuilding. The Hall was used in the 2012 film, Batman: The Dark Knight Rises as Wayne Manor.
• Nottingham Council House. A neo-Baroque building where the Nottingham City Council meets. It is in the Old Market Square and tours are free (must be pre-booked)
• Industrial Museum, Wollaton Hall, Gardens and Deer Park The Courtyard, Nottingham NG8 2AE, +44 115 915 3936. Sa Su 11AM-4PM. A museum dedicated to industrial heritage, run by volunteers, and housed in the 17th-century stables block of Wollaton Hall. Its collection covers machinery from industries ranging from textile, transport, telecommunications, mining, and engineering technology. They also have a collection of cycles, motorcycles, and motor cars. Among the top pieces are significant lace-making machinery, and operational beam engines from the Basford pumping station. Adults €3, seniors and students €2, children free.

Nottingham Castle. This is not a castle, but a small stately home with only the original gatehouse remaining from the castle. Museum is a must-see and provides a fascinating insight into the history of Nottingham. The fine mansion also houses the country's first municipal art gallery and the beautifully maintained gardens are ideal for a lazy summer's day stroll. The walls around the 'castle' also offer spectacular views over the Trent Valley. It is closed for refurbishment until 2020

Robin Hood statue, Castle Road. 24/7. Statue of Nottingham's most famous hero, just outside of the castle walls. Free.

Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem Inn, Castle Road. Off Maid Marian Way - one of various pubs claiming to be the oldest pub in Britain, the "Trip" traces its existence back over 800 years. Built into the sandstone caves under the castle, it is charming and well worth a visit if you happen to be in the city. It is located at the Brewhouse Yard, home to the Museum of Nottingham Life which shows the social change in Nottingham that has occurred over the last 300 years.

City of Caves. A visitor attraction which is accessed from the upper mall of the Broadmarsh Shopping Centre. It consists of a network of caves, carved out of sandstone that have been variously used over the years as a tannery, public house cellars, and as air raid shelters. Nottingham has more man-made caves than anywhere else in Britain. £6.95.

National Justice Museum, Shire Hall, High Pavement, NG1 1HN. Well-worth visiting for a fascinating look at the sometimes rough justice meted out in years gone by.

Nottingham Contemporary. It presents major exhibitions of contemporary art, with associated education programmes for all ages.

Wollaton Hall. A beautiful Elizabethan mansion in a large suburban deer park, Wollaton Park. The hall houses the city's Natural History Museum whilst the Industrial Museum is housed in an outbuilding. The Hall was used in the 2012 film, Batman: The Dark Knight Rises as Wayne Manor.

Nottingham Council House. A neo-Baroque building where the Nottingham City Council meets. It is in the Old Market Square and tours are free (must be pre-booked)

Industrial Museum, Wollaton Hall, Gardens and Deer Park The Courtyard, Nottingham NG8 2AE, +44 115 915 3936. Sa Su 11AM-4PM. A museum dedicated to industrial heritage, run by volunteers, and housed in the 17th-century stables block of Wollaton Hall. Its collection covers machinery from industries ranging from textile, transport, telecommunications, mining, and engineering technology. They also have a collection of cycles, motorcycles, and motor cars. Among the top pieces are significant lace-making machinery, and operational beam engines from the Basford pumping station. Adults €3, seniors and students €2, children free.

• Newstead Abbey. The beautiful home of local poet Lord Byron is 12 miles (19 km) north of the city. It is well worth a visit, and the website supplies extensive information on how to travel to the site. Lord Byron was buried in Hucknall Church, and his tomb can be seen inside the church at the end of Hucknall's high street, a few minutes walk from the Hucknall tram stop.
• Sherwood Forest Country Park. The ancient royal hunting forest to the North of Nottingham, stretching throughout Nottinghamshire and up to South Yorkshire. The remnants of Sherwood form a number of country parks and estates. Clumber Park, about 30 miles (50 km) north on the A614 near Worksop, is a vast area of parkland and woods owned by the National Trust, good for walking and cycling (bicycle hire available). Sherwood Pines Country Park houses a CenterParcs village, a Go Ape aerial assault course, and woodland walking. And Sherwood Forest Country Park has the historic "Sherwood" which visitors may be looking for - the Major Oak which was said to be the hideout of Robin Hood and his band of outlaws. The tired visitor centre is due for replacement, and many visitors are surprised to find the Oak is actually in the Birklands, an area of birch trees. The Thoresby Hall estate is run by Warner holidays as a "just for adults" centre, and Welbeck Abbey is now a military college.
• Great Central Railway - Nottingham, Mere Way, Ruddington, NG11 6JS (6 miles south of Nottingham, +44 115 940-5705. Sa Su 10AM-5PM. Offers journeys on historic steam and diesel locomotives, has a collection of historic buses on display along with 3 model railway exhibits.

Newstead Abbey. The beautiful home of local poet Lord Byron is 12 miles (19 km) north of the city. It is well worth a visit, and the website supplies extensive information on how to travel to the site. Lord Byron was buried in Hucknall Church, and his tomb can be seen inside the church at the end of Hucknall's high street, a few minutes walk from the Hucknall tram stop.

Sherwood Forest Country Park. The ancient royal hunting forest to the North of Nottingham, stretching throughout Nottinghamshire and up to South Yorkshire. The remnants of Sherwood form a number of country parks and estates. Clumber Park, about 30 miles (50 km) north on the A614 near [[Worksop]], is a vast area of parkland and woods owned by the National Trust, good for walking and cycling (bicycle hire available). Sherwood Pines Country Park houses a CenterParcs village, a Go Ape aerial assault course, and woodland walking. And Sherwood Forest Country Park has the historic "Sherwood" which visitors may be looking for - the Major Oak which was said to be the hideout of Robin Hood and his band of outlaws. The tired visitor centre is due for replacement, and many visitors are surprised to find the Oak is actually in the Birklands, an area of birch trees. The Thoresby Hall estate is run by Warner holidays as a "just for adults" centre, and Welbeck Abbey is now a military college.

Great Central Railway - Nottingham, Mere Way, Ruddington, NG11 6JS (6 miles south of Nottingham, +44 115 940-5705. Sa Su 10AM-5PM. Offers journeys on historic steam and diesel locomotives, has a collection of historic buses on display along with 3 model railway exhibits.

• Theatre Royal, Theatre Square, NG1 5ND, +44 115 989-5555. Opened in 1865 this is one of the finest Victorian theatres in the UK. The Theatre Royal is Nottingham's main touring house, offering a wide range of productions including musicals, opera, ballet, drama and the annual pantomime. The world's longest-running stage play, Agatha Christie's The Mousetrap had its premiere here. Auditorium seats 1186 on four levels. Licensed bars, cafe and restaurant. The Theatre Royal is integrated into the Royal Centre which also includes the state-of-the-art Royal Concert Hall which has excellent acoustics, seats 2499, and welcomes world-class orchestras, rock bands and solo artists.
• Nottingham Playhouse, Wellington Circus, Derby Road, NG1 5AF, +44 115 941-9419. Opened in 1963 to the designs of Peter Moro and heritage-listed as Grade II*, the Playhouse is one of the most architecturally-striking modern theatres in the UK. Its resident company has acquired a national and international reputation since 1948. Main auditorium seats 750 on two levels, Studio seats 90. Licensed bars and restaurant. Outside the theatre is the 'Sky Mirror' public sculpture by Turner-Prize winner Anish Kapoor.
• Lace Market Theatre, Halifax Place, near Fletcher Gate, NG1 1QN, +44 115 950-7201. Small, independent amateur theatre with an excellent reputation for its range of productions. Main auditorium seats 118, Studio seats 50. Licensed bar.
• Nottingham Arts Theatre, George Street, NG1 3BE, +44 115 947-6096. Community theatre offering about 10 productions per year, including comedy, drama, musicals and opera. Main auditorium seats 320, Studio seats 50. Coffee Bar.
• Lakeside Arts Centre, East Drive, University Park, NG7 2RD, +44 115 846-7777. Further out of town, in University Park is the 225-seat Djanogly Theatre. The diverse programme includes drama, dance, comedy, jazz, world music and family events. Cafe.

Theatre Royal, Theatre Square, NG1 5ND, +44 115 989-5555. Opened in 1865 this is one of the finest Victorian theatres in the UK. The Theatre Royal is Nottingham's main touring house, offering a wide range of productions including musicals, opera, ballet, drama and the annual pantomime. The world's longest-running stage play, Agatha Christie's The Mousetrap had its premiere here. Auditorium seats 1186 on four levels. Licensed bars, cafe and restaurant. The Theatre Royal is integrated into the Royal Centre which also includes the state-of-the-art Royal Concert Hall which has excellent acoustics, seats 2499, and welcomes world-class orchestras, rock bands and solo artists.

Nottingham Playhouse, Wellington Circus, Derby Road, NG1 5AF, +44 115 941-9419. Opened in 1963 to the designs of Peter Moro and heritage-listed as Grade II*, the Playhouse is one of the most architecturally-striking modern theatres in the UK. Its resident company has acquired a national and international reputation since 1948. Main auditorium seats 750 on two levels, Studio seats 90. Licensed bars and restaurant. Outside the theatre is the 'Sky Mirror' public sculpture by Turner-Prize winner Anish Kapoor.

Lace Market Theatre, Halifax Place, near Fletcher Gate, NG1 1QN, +44 115 950-7201. Small, independent amateur theatre with an excellent reputation for its range of productions. Main auditorium seats 118, Studio seats 50. Licensed bar.

Nottingham Arts Theatre, George Street, NG1 3BE, +44 115 947-6096. Community theatre offering about 10 productions per year, including comedy, drama, musicals and opera. Main auditorium seats 320, Studio seats 50. Coffee Bar.

Lakeside Arts Centre, East Drive, University Park, NG7 2RD, +44 115 846-7777. Further out of town, in University Park is the 225-seat Djanogly Theatre. The diverse programme includes drama, dance, comedy, jazz, world music and family events. Cafe.

• Broadway, 14-18 Broad St, NG1 3AL, +44 115 952-6611. Four screens, cafes, bars and a mix of independent, foreign-language and mainstream releases. Standard adult ticket: £8.80.
• Cineworld, Cornerhouse, Forman St, NG1 4AA, 0844 815 7747 (high cost charge number). Has 14 screens, including an IMAX facility. Standard adult ticket: £11.20.
• Savoy Cinemas, 233 Derby Rd, Lenton, NG7 1QN, +44 115 947-2580. Four screens, a licensed bar and due to its location is popular with uni students. Standard adult ticket: £6.50.
• Showcase Cinemas, Redfield Way, Lenton, NG7 2UW, 0871 220 1000 (high cost charge number). A 12-screen American-style multiplex just off the A52/Clifton Boulevard ring road. Standard adult ticket: £10.50.

Broadway, 14-18 Broad St, NG1 3AL, +44 115 952-6611. Four screens, cafes, bars and a mix of independent, foreign-language and mainstream releases. Standard adult ticket: £8.80.

Cineworld, Cornerhouse, Forman St, NG1 4AA, 0844 815 7747 (high cost charge number). Has 14 screens, including an IMAX facility. Standard adult ticket: £11.20.

Savoy Cinemas, 233 Derby Rd, Lenton, NG7 1QN, +44 115 947-2580. Four screens, a licensed bar and due to its location is popular with uni students. Standard adult ticket: £6.50.

Showcase Cinemas, Redfield Way, Lenton, NG7 2UW, 0871 220 1000 (high cost charge number). A 12-screen American-style multiplex just off the A52/Clifton Boulevard ring road. Standard adult ticket: £10.50.

• Nottingham Forest FC, Trentside N, West Bridgford NG2 5FJ. Forest play in the Championship, the second tier of English football. Their home stadium (capacity 30,000) is City Ground, just south of the Trent, a one-mile walk from city centre. Notable for being the only team to win more European titles (two) than domestic league titles (one).
• Notts County FC, Meadow Ln NG2 3HJ. County are the world's oldest professional football club, founded in 1862, but nowadays overshadowed by Forest. They were relegated in 2019 so they now play in the National League, the fifth tier of English football. Their home stadium is Meadow Lane, fairly central and north of the river.
• National Ice Centre, Bolero Square, Belward St, NG1 1LA, +44 843 373 3000. M-Sa 9AM-9PM, Su 8AM-5PM. The city's ice skating rink where visitors can skate themselves or watch the GMB Nottingham Panthers, the UK's oldest and best supported team. Get your tickets in advance and ask for tickets at the 'bowl end' in order to be in amongst the locals (and at the end where the 'Panthers' shoot twice). If you happen to be visiting Nottingham at the same time that they are taking on arch rivals the Sheffield Steelers then get your tickets in advance as these games nearly always sell out - prepare yourself for 7000 people screaming on their team and a war on the ice - these teams do not like each other (though there is never any fan based violence). Another Ice Hockey match worth going to is the Nottingham Trent University vs University of Nottingham Varsity match held once a year and is the biggest varsity outside North America.
• National Watersports Centre, Adbolton Ln, Holme Pierrepont, NG12 2LU, +44 115 982 1212.
• Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, Bridgford Rd, West Bridgford NG2 6AG. This is the home ground of Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club: they were relegated in 2019 and now play in Division 2 of the County Championship. Inter-county matches last up to four days. They also field a limited-overs team, Notts Outlaws. Trent Bridge frequently hosts Test Matches ie internationals, which may last five days. The stadium is about a mile south of city centre. Walk south on London Rd (A60) over the Trent.
• Nottingham Tennis Centre. Hosts the Nottingham Open each year in the week running up to Wimbledon.
• Nottingham Hockey Centre. Home ground of the Beeston Hockey Club (the Bees), whose Men's and Women's team play in the Premier Division. Often hosts Premier League Play-offs and Finals
• Nottingham Activity Centre. The professional's choice for quality clay shooting. Stag and Hen, Corporate and private tuition available
• Nottingham & District Gun Club. Try your hand at clay shooting.

Nottingham Forest FC, Trentside N, West Bridgford NG2 5FJ. Forest play in the Championship, the second tier of English football. Their home stadium (capacity 30,000) is City Ground, just south of the Trent, a one-mile walk from city centre. Notable for being the only team to win more European titles (two) than domestic league titles (one).

Notts County FC, Meadow Ln NG2 3HJ. County are the world's oldest professional football club, founded in 1862, but nowadays overshadowed by Forest. They were relegated in 2019 so they now play in the National League, the fifth tier of English football. Their home stadium is Meadow Lane, fairly central and north of the river.

National Ice Centre, Bolero Square, Belward St, NG1 1LA, +44 843 373 3000. M-Sa 9AM-9PM, Su 8AM-5PM. The city's ice skating rink where visitors can skate themselves or watch the GMB Nottingham Panthers, the UK's oldest and best supported team. Get your tickets in advance and ask for tickets at the 'bowl end' in order to be in amongst the locals (and at the end where the 'Panthers' shoot twice). If you happen to be visiting Nottingham at the same time that they are taking on arch rivals the Sheffield Steelers then get your tickets in advance as these games nearly always sell out - prepare yourself for 7000 people screaming on their team and a war on the ice - these teams do not like each other (though there is never any fan based violence). Another Ice Hockey match worth going to is the Nottingham Trent University vs University of Nottingham Varsity match held once a year and is the biggest varsity outside North America.

National Watersports Centre, Adbolton Ln, Holme Pierrepont, NG12 2LU, +44 115 982 1212.

Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, Bridgford Rd, West Bridgford NG2 6AG. This is the home ground of Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club: they were relegated in 2019 and now play in Division 2 of the County Championship. Inter-county matches last up to four days. They also field a limited-overs team, Notts Outlaws. Trent Bridge frequently hosts Test Matches ie internationals, which may last five days. The stadium is about a mile south of city centre. Walk south on London Rd (A60) over the Trent.

Nottingham Tennis Centre. Hosts the Nottingham Open each year in the week running up to Wimbledon.

Nottingham Hockey Centre. Home ground of the Beeston Hockey Club (the Bees), whose Men's and Women's team play in the Premier Division. Often hosts Premier League Play-offs and Finals

Nottingham Activity Centre. The professional's choice for quality clay shooting. Stag and Hen, Corporate and private tuition available

Nottingham & District Gun Club. Try your hand at clay shooting.

• In the summer you can hire a rowing boat on the beautiful grounds of the University of Nottingham.
• Nottingham Castle has extensive grounds, which are planted beautifully in the summer time. Each summer open air theatre performances are held in the grounds.

• Arboretum, Waverley St, Nottingham NG7 4HF (between Nottingham Trent University tram stop and High School tram stop. Daily 8AM-8PM. Botanical garden, hosts open air music in the park at weekends in summer.

Arboretum, Waverley St, Nottingham NG7 4HF (between Nottingham Trent University tram stop and High School tram stop. Daily 8AM-8PM. Botanical garden, hosts open air music in the park at weekends in summer.

• Nottingham's Goose Fair is held on the Forest Recreation Ground (at the Forest tram stop) on the first weekend of October each year. It is one of Britain's largest funfairs and has existed more than 700 years, but nowadays you won't see any geese! Entry is free. To see it at its best, go after dark, although it's likely to be less busy during the day.
• The Forest Recreation Ground also plays host to the city's annual Bonfire Night fireworks display, which also has a funfair.
• The Riverside Festival at Victoria Embankment is held on a weekend at the start of August each year. It features live music, markets and fairs topped off with a huge fireworks display.
• The varsity sports series between the city's two universities, the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University, is the largest outside of North America.
• Nottinghamshire Pride is held annually in the last weekend of July at the Forest Recreation Ground. The event consists of numerous stages of music and comedy, as well as many stalls and stands from organisations, including food and drink areas! It attracts people not just from the Nottingham area; but from neighbouring counties and regions such as South Yorkshire and Derbyshire. Nottingham is therefore a gay friendly city and is accepting of LGBT people with a notable gay visibility. (The city has the third highest percentage of people in same sex partnerships, according to the 2001 census, of the eight English core cities after Manchester and Bristol.) It is referred to as the gay capital of the Midlands - or "Queen of the Midlands"; and the LGBT community are down to earth and friendly; as is the general culture of Nottingham.
• LBC is a monthly electronic music event held at The Bodega featuring upcoming artists from all over the world. Entry is fairly cheap and is predominantly aimed at the student population of the city. Recently featured in The Guardian, it is seen as Nottingham's forward thinking Music and Arts event.

Nottingham's Goose Fair is held on the Forest Recreation Ground (at the Forest tram stop) on the first weekend of October each year. It is one of Britain's largest funfairs and has existed more than 700 years, but nowadays you won't see any geese! Entry is free. To see it at its best, go after dark, although it's likely to be less busy during the day.

The Riverside Festival at Victoria Embankment is held on a weekend at the start of August each year. It features live music, markets and fairs topped off with a huge fireworks display.

Nottinghamshire Pride is held annually in the last weekend of July at the Forest Recreation Ground. The event consists of numerous stages of music and comedy, as well as many stalls and stands from organisations, including food and drink areas! It attracts people not just from the Nottingham area; but from neighbouring counties and regions such as South Yorkshire and Derbyshire. Nottingham is therefore a gay friendly city and is accepting of LGBT people with a notable gay visibility. (The city has the third highest percentage of people in same sex partnerships, according to the 2001 census, of the eight English core cities after Manchester and Bristol.) It is referred to as the gay capital of the Midlands - or "Queen of the Midlands"; and the LGBT community are down to earth and friendly; as is the general culture of Nottingham.

LBC is a monthly electronic music event held at The Bodega featuring upcoming artists from all over the world. Entry is fairly cheap and is predominantly aimed at the student population of the city. Recently featured in The Guardian, it is seen as Nottingham's forward thinking Music and Arts event.

Nottingham has two large excellent shopping centres at either end of the City Centre "The Victoria Centre" and "Broadmarsh". The Victoria Centre is the more modern of the two, and has more shops & facilities, although Broadmarsh is on the eve of a huge redevelopment which will more than double its size.

• intu Victoria Centre, 222 Victoria Centre, NG1 3QN, +44 115 912 1111.
• intu Broadmarsh, Lister Gate, NG1 7LB, +44 115 840 4555.

Between the two are the main shopping streets: Lister Gate and Clumber Street are home to High Street names, while designer labels can be found on Bridlesmith Gate, Victoria Street and in the Exchange Arcade, within the Council House on Market Square. The alternative shopper will find Hockley Village a haven, focused around Goose Gate, the city's Bohemian district. To buy a Nottingham memento, go to the Lace Centre on the corner of Castle Gate, opposite the Robin Hood statue, to buy traditional Nottingham lace.

With regards to the alternative music and fashion scene, Nottingham is highly regarded and caters well for obscure and eclectic tastes. Selectadisc, just a short walk from the Market Square is one of just two in the country, the other being in Soho, London. Selectadisc is widely considered to stock the best indie and alternative music selection in the city, yet it is commonly felt that, for more helpful and down-to-earth staff, the Fopp store (on the next road) is more reliable. Now one of just six Fopp stores in the country, this store often stages in store sessions and offers a wide selection of independent DVDs and fanzines and CDs from unsigned acts. Void, Wild (and its sister store Wilder) and the local favourite Ice Nine can all be found in the bohemian district of Hockley. These stores can often become busy over the weekend in particular, but many original retro and vintage fashion items can be found for very cheap prices here.

intu Victoria Centre, 222 Victoria Centre, NG1 3QN, +44 115 912 1111.

intu Broadmarsh, Lister Gate, NG1 7LB, +44 115 840 4555.

• Annie's burger shack, The Navigation, 6 Wilford Street, +44 115 837 1930. Daily noon-1AM. An eating institution to a number of locals. It is in The Navigation, this doubles up as a place for high quality burgers (generally in the £10 range) and real ale with canal side seating.
• Wagamama, The Cornerhouse, Burton Street, Nottingham NG1 4DB, +44 115 924-1797. M-Sa 11:30-11PM, Su 11:30AM-10PM. Open late every day. Chain serving affordable Japanese-style ramen, as well as fried noodle and rice dishes. £5 to £8 per main. It's usually busy and cafeteria-style benches mean you will rub elbows with your fellow diners.
• The Kean's Head, 46 St. Mary's Gate, Nottingham NG1 1QA, +44 115 947-4052. M-Th 11AM-11PM, F-Su 11AM-midnight. Open daily from late morning until late. This small pub in the Lace Market area serves simple but tasty food, ranging from sandwiches to traditional English pub food to more Italian-influenced fare. £4 to £8 per dish. Non-smoking, and an excellent selection of beers to match your food.

Nottingham also has the usual range of chain restaurants and bars that you can find in many cities across the UK - for a budget meal (and drink) JD Wetherspoons is always worth trying - there are also a number of budget restaurants along Mansfield Road not far from the Victoria Shopping Centre

There is a pedestrianised street full of eateries of varying quality next to the Cornerhouse. These restaurants range from a Pizza Hut and a Subway, to a brassiere (Punchinellos) with an excellent pre-theatre menu. There is also a wide variety of takeaways in Nottingham, catering for many different tastes.

Annie's burger shack, The Navigation, 6 Wilford Street, +44 115 837 1930. Daily noon-1AM. An eating institution to a number of locals. It is in The Navigation, this doubles up as a place for high quality burgers (generally in the £10 range) and real ale with canal side seating.

Wagamama, The Cornerhouse, Burton Street, Nottingham NG1 4DB, +44 115 924-1797. M-Sa 11:30-11PM, Su 11:30AM-10PM. Open late every day. Chain serving affordable Japanese-style ramen, as well as fried noodle and rice dishes. £5 to £8 per main. It's usually busy and cafeteria-style benches mean you will rub elbows with your fellow diners.

The Kean's Head, 46 St. Mary's Gate, Nottingham NG1 1QA, +44 115 947-4052. M-Th 11AM-11PM, F-Su 11AM-midnight. Open daily from late morning until late. This small pub in the Lace Market area serves simple but tasty food, ranging from sandwiches to traditional English pub food to more Italian-influenced fare. £4 to £8 per dish. Non-smoking, and an excellent selection of beers to match your food.

• French Living, 27 King Street, Nottingham NG1 2AY, +44 115 958-5885. Tu-F noon-2PM, 6PM-10PM; Sa noon-2:30PM, 6PM-10PM.
• Las Iguanas, Chapel Quarter Chapel Bar, 4, Nottingham NG1 6JS, +44 115 959-6390. M-Th noon-11PM, F-Su noon-11:30PM. This is a wonderful Brazilian restaurant.

French Living, 27 King Street, Nottingham NG1 2AY, +44 115 958-5885. Tu-F noon-2PM, 6PM-10PM; Sa noon-2:30PM, 6PM-10PM.

Las Iguanas, Chapel Quarter Chapel Bar, 4, Nottingham NG1 6JS, +44 115 959-6390. M-Th noon-11PM, F-Su noon-11:30PM. This is a wonderful Brazilian restaurant.

• Hart's Restaurant, Standard Hill, Park Row, Nottingham NG1 6GN, +44 115 988 1900. Owned by Tim Hart of Hambleton Hall fame. At lunch time the Hart's formula includes "lunch for less" with two or three courses from a shorted menu for £16-18 per person. There are various fixed price menus in the evenings too. Meal prices for two with three courses and wine in the evening will approach £80.
• World Service, Newdigate House, Castlegate, Nottingham NG1 6AF, +44 115 847 5587. Similar formula to Hart's - some of the owners used to work there! Regularly top of the pops in the "Nottingham Restaurant of the Year" awards.

Hart's Restaurant, Standard Hill, Park Row, Nottingham NG1 6GN, +44 115 988 1900. Owned by Tim Hart of Hambleton Hall fame. At lunch time the Hart's formula includes "lunch for less" with two or three courses from a shorted menu for £16-18 per person. There are various fixed price menus in the evenings too. Meal prices for two with three courses and wine in the evening will approach £80.

World Service, Newdigate House, Castlegate, Nottingham NG1 6AF, +44 115 847 5587. Similar formula to Hart's - some of the owners used to work there! Regularly top of the pops in the "Nottingham Restaurant of the Year" awards.

There are at least three pubs in Nottingham which claim to be amongst the oldest in the city (and the country) - so there is no shortage of drinking establishments for visitors. The city has a range of pubs and bars serving drinks late into the night.

A good place to start is the trendy Lace Market area east of Market Square where you will also find many good restaurants. Pubs around the Market Square tend to appeal to younger drinkers with a Wetherspoon's and Yates's Wine Lodge, but the area on the canal side around the Canal House pub tends to be a little more discerning. The Hockley area also provides a range of pleasant bars to suit a range of budgets. The Cornerhouse complex (near the Royal Centre tram stop) contains some really nice bars, particularly Revolution, and close to this is The Orange Tree on Shakespeare Street. Slightly further out of the centre in the multicultural and vibrant area known as Sneinton is a wonderful pub called the Lord Nelson with a great garden and real ales. The other historic pubs include The Bell Inn, situated in the Market Square, and the Salutation, on Maid Marian Way, both of which can trace a long history and lay claim to having resident ghosts. Ask at a quiet moment for a tour of the Salutation's cellars, dug by hand into the sandstone rock below the pub and used in centuries past as a secure brewing area. The Ned Ludd is also located near the Old Market square and serves local ale from Nottingham Brewery. Rock City hosts one of the biggest student disco nights in town, with standard dance/pop music, when popular live rock bands aren't playing in town. For a different experience, try The Pitcher and Piano bar, with a slightly more mature crowd. Built as a large Unitarian church it has been stylishly modernised but still contains the church's architectural history with gothic decor and stained glass windows.

• Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, 1 Brewhouse Yard, +44 115 9473171. Su, M-Th: 11AM-11PM, Sa: 11AM-midnight. Claims to be the oldest pub in the UK, allegedly built in 1189, and is below the castle and often on the tourist trail.
• Canalhouse, 48-52 Canal Street, +44 115 955 5060.
• The Cornerhouse, Burton Street, +44 115 950 5168.
• The Playwright 38, 38 Shakespeare Street, +44 1159 473239.
• The Lord Nelson, Lord Nelson Street, Sneinton, +44 115 911 0069.
• The Bell Inn, 18 Angel Row, +44 115 9475241. Originally the site of a friary from the 12th century, it became an inn following the Dissolution of the Monasteries. Now a pub with food, drink, and sports on TV.
• Ye Olde Salutation Inn, Maid Marian Way, +44 115 958 9819. The building has existed since 1240, and the pub's caves date from the 9th century. Serves food and drink in a typical pub setting.
• The Ned Ludd, 27 Friar Lane, +44 115 924 3415.
• Rock City, 8 Talbot Street, +44 115 950 6547.
• Pitcher and Piano, The Unitarian Church, High Pavement, +44 115 958 6081.

Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, 1 Brewhouse Yard, +44 115 9473171. Su, M-Th: 11AM-11PM, Sa: 11AM-midnight. Claims to be the oldest pub in the UK, allegedly built in 1189, and is below the castle and often on the tourist trail.

Canalhouse, 48-52 Canal Street, +44 115 955 5060.

The Cornerhouse, Burton Street, +44 115 950 5168.

The Playwright 38, 38 Shakespeare Street, +44 1159 473239.

The Lord Nelson, Lord Nelson Street, Sneinton, +44 115 911 0069.

The Bell Inn, 18 Angel Row, +44 115 9475241. Originally the site of a friary from the 12th century, it became an inn following the Dissolution of the Monasteries. Now a pub with food, drink, and sports on TV.

Ye Olde Salutation Inn, Maid Marian Way, +44 115 958 9819. The building has existed since 1240, and the pub's caves date from the 9th century. Serves food and drink in a typical pub setting.

The Ned Ludd, 27 Friar Lane, +44 115 924 3415.

Rock City, 8 Talbot Street, +44 115 950 6547.

Pitcher and Piano, The Unitarian Church, High Pavement, +44 115 958 6081.

While overall a safe city, Nottingham has been highlighted by the media for gun and knife crime in its suburbs, acquiring the (mostly tongue-in-cheek) nickname 'Shottingham'; although the actual incidence in 2004/5 was 19 offences per 100,000 population (compared to 50 per 100,000 population for both Greater Manchester and London). It is best to avoid walking late at night through St Ann's (a council estate northeast of the Victoria shopping centre) and The Meadows (between the railway station and the river). Normal precautions for large western European cities should be undertaken by individuals after dark, especially for lone females.

• For keen walkers, Matlock and the Derbyshire Peak District can be reached in about an hour by car. To get there by public transport, catch the Red Arrow (£6 'zigzag' day ticket, takes 30 min, every 10 min) from the Victoria Bus station to Derby, and change to the TransPeak (£5.90 each way, takes about an hour, hourly). An alternative for the more budget conscious traveller is the 6.1 bus from Derby to Bakewell, which takes longer but is included in the trentbarton 'zigzag' day ticket.
• Derby is a neighboring city and is easily accessible by bus (£6 day ticket).
• Lincoln is not too far away by rail.
• Sheffield, about an hour away from Nottingham by rail or road, is a slightly larger city and a popular cultural and shopping destination.
• There are direct trains from Nottingham to the famous seaside resort of Skegness.