Attractions in Nottingham
Nottingham Playhouse
Encompasses timeless classics, enchanting family shows made in Nottingham as well as visiting dance, comedy and theatre.
The Lace Market Theatre
A small amateur theatre which has a good reputation for its varied program of modern and traditional drama, comedy and musicals.
Lakeside Arts Centre
The University of Nottingham’s public arts centre, presenting an eclectic program of music, dance, theatre, visual art and family events. The Nottingham Arts Theatre supports training and development of the performing arts and features an eight-show season of resident company productions, as well as hosting visiting dance, theatre and operatic companies.
The Nottingham Arts Theatre
A dedicated community theatre run by a dedicated group of volunteers and has an in house theatre company that regularly presents plays and musicals. They also stage joint productions and host a number visiting dance, theatre and operatic companies.
Wollaton Hall & Park
Set within five hundred acres of historical deer park, Wollaton Hall is one of the finest Elizabethan houses in England. A grade I listed building, the hall was built in 1588 and designed by Robert Smythson in the English Renaissance style. It was repaired and remodeled in 1801 by Sir Jeffrey Wyatt who, in 1822, also designed the grade II listed Camellia House which is set within the grounds. Wollaton Hall is now home to a natural history museum: an educational delight for children and adults alike. The 18th century stable block in the grounds has been converted into a visitor centre and gallery. Meanwhile, the nationally acclaimed Yard Gallery is an exciting exhibition space hosting a changing program of visual arts exhibitions exploring art, science and the environment. The historic deer park is home to a rich diversity of habitats and species with herds of red and fallow deer roaming wild. The extensive parklands include a large lake, formal flower gardens, a green wood mobility walk, a sensory garden designed for people with visual impairments and the Wollaton trail. In addition, a variety of events are held throughout the year ranging from outdoor pop concerts to artists’ talks at the Yard Gallery, bat walks, ‘have a go’ workshops and seasonal family events.
The Museum of Nottingham Life at Brewhouse Yard
The Museum of Nottingham Life is housed in a group of five restored 17th century cottages nestled in the rock beneath Nottingham Castle. It offers tourists a tantalizing ‘time travel’ experience, with a realistic glimpse of everyday domestic and working life in Nottingham during the past 300 years. Visitors can experience living in a Victorian home and visiting numerous shops including an Edwardian grocers and a Victorian chemist. A 1920s shopping experience is recreated in a row of shops including a barbers, pawn shop, doctors, ironmongers, music shop and cobblers. The museum also recreates the experiences of Nottingham residents of World War II in the air raid shelter built in the caves under the site. The old school room transports visitors back to school in Edwardian times.
Newark Castle
Newark Castle remains, without doubt, the most significant landmark in the town. Built in 1133 by Alexander, Bishop of Lincoln, it remained a seat of the Bishops of Lincoln until 1547 when King Henry VIII took it for the Crown. During the Civil War, the castle became an important Royalist garrison, holding out against three long sieges in 1643, 1644 and 1646. On May 5, 1646 King Charles I was captured at nearby Southwell and ordered Newark to surrender. The Parliamentarians subsequently destroyed the castle. The majority of the castle we know today was built by Alexander the Magnificent, the Bishop of Lincoln and the Lord of the Manor of Newark in the early 12th century. The curtain wall that runs alongside the River Trent was rebuilt in the 14th century and remains today.
Galleries of Justice Museum
Based at Nottingham's old courthouse and gaol, you will be delving in to the dark and disturbing past of crime and punishment at the Galleries of Justice Museum. Travel back in time to the days when Nottingham Shire Hall was the only place in the UK where you could be tried, incarcerated and hanged on the front steps, all in the name of justice.
Belvoir Castle
The family home of the 11th Duke and Duchess of Rutland. The present castle is the fourth to have stood on the site since Norman times the existing Castle was completed in the early 19 century after previous buildings suffered destruction after the War of the Roses. From the elegance of the Elizabeth Saloon and the majesty of the State Dining Room to the delights of the Regents Gallery and the military splendor of the Guards Room, Belvoir possesses some of the most stunning interiors of this period. Nottinghamshire's myriad of museums bring to life the past, present and future – spanning subjects as diverse as literature, science, fashion, childhood and justice. Go discover! At the Brewhouse Yard Museum find out what it was like to live in a Victorian house. Peer into 1920's shop windows and relive World War II in an air raid shelter built into the caves. Based at Nottingham's old courthouse and gaol, you will be delving in to the dark and disturbing past of crime and punishment at the Galleries of Justice Museum. Travel back in time to the days when Nottingham Shire Hall was the only place in the UK where you could be tried, incarcerated and hanged on the front steps, all in the name of justice.