Nottingham
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© OpenStreetMap, CARTO
Ay up me duck! | Hello there, mate! (Nottingham greeting)
Why visit
Nottingham punches above its weight. Tour Nottingham Castle, rebuilt as a museum on the rocky outcrop where the Sheriff supposedly held court, the City of Caves beneath includes 800+ man-made sandstone caves used as cellars, tanneries, and WWII air-raid shelters. Drink at Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, claimed to be England's oldest pub (1189). Wollaton Hall (used as Wayne Manor in The Dark Knight Rises) sits in deer parkland on the edge of town. Visit Sherwood Forest with its 1,000-year-old Major Oak. Eat Bramley apples (originated nearby) and Stilton cheese.
When to avoid
Nottingham has had real problems with knife crime and gang violence in some neighborhoods, stick to central areas (Lace Market, Hockley) at night and avoid St Ann's and Radford after dark unless with locals. The Goose Fair in early October packs the city to bursting with crowds and pickpockets. Robin Hood tourism is heavily commercialized and underwhelming, set expectations. The accent (East Midlands, somewhat distinct from Yorkshire or Birmingham) can be tricky. Riverside areas can flood after heavy rain. Some pubs become rough on weekend football match nights.
