Nottingham

Mention Nottingham to many people and there is just one reaction - Robin Hood.

For this historic city is forever linked to the legendary resident of Sherwood Forest and his battle with the infamous sheriff.

But there’s more – much more – to the city than this famous character, for it lays proud claim to having a historical past of equal importance to its more recent one.

For decades Nottingham was famous for its industry which included an international reputation for lace making. But changing times have seen the textile business fade away largely as a result of Far Eastern competition. As a result Nottingham has diversified and is today an important centre for entertainment, culture, shopping and sport.

In 2006, Nottingham was positioned fifth in the shopping league in Britain (CACI Retail Footprint 2006), behind London, Birmingham, Glasgow and Manchester .

Retail is a fast growing part of local life with the planned extension of the established Broadmarsh Shopping Centre and the established Victoria Centre.

Smaller shopping centres are the The Exchange Arcade and the Flying Horse Walk. Two new shopping centres Trinity Square and The Pod have boosted retail space and variety of shopping is enhanced by the The Bridlesmith Gate with its many designer shops.

Nottingham’s historic past is underlined today by the fact that three of its public houses lay claim to the title of being England's Oldest Pub. The contenders for the crown are Ye Olde Trip To Jerusalem near the castle, The Bell on the Old Market Square, and The Old Salutation on Maid Marian Way. Ye Olde Trip To Jerusalem is supposedly named for its role as a meeting point for those going on the Crusades in the Middle Ages.

Further links with the past are with the Nottingham Caves system into which Ye Olde Trip To Jerusalem is partially built. At first provided shelter and sanctuary, but grew to house thriving tanning works and in modern times have becoming a tourist attraction. Part of the network can be viewed by the public at the City of Caves attraction which is accessed from the upper mall of the Broadmarsh Shopping Centre.

For entertainment Nottingham has the Theatre Royal (which together with the neighbouring Royal Concert Hall form the Royal Centre) and a smaller theatre space at the University of Nottingham's Lakeside Arts Centre. There are also several art galleries which often receive national attention, particularly the Nottingham Castle Museum, the Angel Row Gallery (attached to the main library), the University of Nottingham's Djanogly Gallery and Wollaton Park's Yard Gallery. Both of the city's universities also put on a wide range of theatre, music and art events open to the public throughout the year.

The city’s annual Goose Fair in October is always popular, being one of the largest fairs in the country.
Nottingham was two football teams - Nottingham Forest (currently in Football League One) and Notts County (who play in Football League Two).

Trent Bridge cricket ground, located across the river in West Bridgford, Rushcliffe, is the home of Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club.

Getting there
From Scunthorpe: Take the M180 towards Doncaster exiting onto the M18. Stay on M18 for 20miles to M1 junction. Take M1 in direction of The South, London, Nottingham. Leave M1 at junction M1-J26 in direction Nottingham A610.
Total distance from Scunthorpe is 72 miles. Driving time – 1 hour 25 minutes.