The final stop (besides Heathrow) of our UK road trip lead us to Nottingham, which happened to be the destination all along. When my favorite band announced a UK/Ireland arena tour, where they would be opening for a popular UK band, I gave David a list of cities with weekend dates that we could plan a short trip around. Now dear reader, he had the choice of some heavy hitters for weekend dates– Dublin, London, Belfast, Glasgow, and Manchester were all weekend dates; however, he looked at me and immediately said, “Nottingham.” I know my husband very well and there was no need for further explanation, he wanted to live out his Robin Hood dreams. This particular tale will be full of nods to the famed outlaw, so get your tights on, we’re going on an adventure.

Stepping Back in Time

Once a modest Saxon settlement known for its caves carved into the sandstone cliffs, Nottingham gradually evolved into a bustling medieval market town. Its strategic location at the intersection of major trade routes contributed to its growth, with the city becoming renowned for its lace-making industry and vibrant markets. Nottingham Castle, perched atop a sandstone bluff overlooking the city, became a symbol of power and authority, witnessing key moments in English history, including the tumultuous Civil War siege of the 17th century.

Yet, amidst Nottingham’s historical tapestry, one figure stands out above all: the legendary outlaw, Robin Hood. Whether fact or folklore, the tales of Robin Hood and his Merry Men have woven themselves deeply into the fabric of Nottingham’s identity. Sherwood Forest, just a short distance from the city center, served as the mythical backdrop for Robin Hood’s daring escapades, where he and his band of merry outlaws defied tyranny and championed justice. Today, visitors can explore the ancient oaks of Sherwood Forest and discover the legends that continue to captivate imaginations around the world.

Beyond the folklore of Robin Hood, Nottingham boasts a wealth of historical landmarks and attractions that offer glimpses into its diverse past. From the grandeur of Nottingham Castle to the medieval charm of the Lace Market district, each corner of the city resonates with echoes of bygone eras. Take a stroll along the cobblestone streets of the Old Market Square, the largest public square in England, or venture underground to explore the labyrinthine network of caves that lie beneath the city’s surface. In Nottingham, history isn’t confined to museums and monuments—it’s a living, breathing presence that infuses every aspect of this vibrant city.

Robin Hood’s Legacy

Our journey through Nottingham was a thrilling adventure into the heart of Robin Hood’s legendary realm. Our first stop was the imposing Nottingham Castle, which loomed over the cityscape like a silent sentinel of history. Eager to uncover its secrets, we embarked on a captivating cave tour beneath the castle’s ancient walls. Here is where “we” becomes just David, as during the steep decent, I bowed out. I broke my leg trekking in Peru several years ago (a story for another time) and was not too interested in experiencing the NHS firsthand. Although David couldn’t confirm if these caverns were truly the stomping grounds of the legendary outlaw, the sense of mystery and intrigue apparently only heightened his fascination with Nottingham’s most famous inhabitant.

At the base of the castle’s caves, our eyes were drawn to the gleaming statue of Robin Hood standing guard, proudly. With his bow at the ready and a mischievous grin upon his face, the statue seemed to beckon us into the timeless tales of adventure and heroism that have captivated generations. The stone statue is surrounded by small statues of Little John, Friar Tuck, Alan A Dale and Will Scarlett, whilst wall plaques illustrate scenes from the tales of Robin Hood and his Merry Men. This is most definitely the spot for some fun photos and after a couple pints at Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, the snaps got a little silly.

While the call of Sherwood Forest tugged at our adventurous spirits, time constraints meant we had to sadly forgo the opportunity to explore its legendary depths. Yet, the mere mention of Sherwood Forest conjured visions of ancient oaks and hidden glades, where Robin Hood and his companions once roamed free. Despite missing out on this iconic destination, we found solace in knowing that the forest’s timeless allure would remain for future explorers. Nottingham also offered a plethora of Robin Hood-themed tours, each promising to unveil the secrets of the legendary outlaw’s adventures. Although we ultimately chose to blaze our own trail through the city’s rich history, the abundance of tours served as a testament to the enduring fascination with Nottingham’s most famous hero.

A Place to Sleep in Robin’s Realm

I’m not here to sugar-coat anything and I strive to be as honest as possible because I appreciate authenticity in the travel content that I consume. With that in mind, I’d like to say that our accommodation in Nottingham was underwhelming. While located in the heart of Nottingham, the Mercure Nottingham City Centre was nothing more than a place to sleep. On the plus side, the hotel is situated within walking distance of the city’s major attractions, including Nottingham Castle and the Lace Market, convenience was at our fingertips. The hotel’s central location allowed us to easily explore the vibrant streets filled with shops, restaurants, and historical landmarks. Additionally, with excellent transport links nearby, accessing other parts of the city was a breeze. Outside of location, the hotel was a miss for us.

Feasting Fit for a Sheriff

Nottingham’s dining scene, like the rest of the United Kingdom, is a captivating tapestry of flavors and experiences! From the moment we stepped into Mowgli Street Food, we were swept away by the vibrant atmosphere and the tantalizing aromas of Indian-inspired dishes. The décor was overwhelming in the best way, with bright colors, florals, and even swinging benches to dine on! Dinner there was a culinary journey through the streets of India, with each dish telling its own unique story. The menu plays out kind of in a tapas way, so it’s best to order a few things and share. The eclectic mix of flavors, from fragrant curries to crispy chaats, left us utterly enchanted and eager for more. We found out during our meal that Mowgli is a chain, I wouldn’t hesitate to search one out the next time that I find myself across the pond.

The following morning, we found ourselves at Ugly Bread Bakery for a delightful breakfast experience. The cozy ambiance and freshly baked goods set the perfect tone for the day ahead. We indulged in a couple of their folded mezzalunas, on artisanal bread with fresh veggies and flavorful cheese.

After wandering the city for a bit, we tucked into lunch at Kilpin Beer Cafe. The intimate setting paired with an impressive selection of craft and import (very Belgian heavy) made for a memorable dining affair. Their small plates were bursting with creativity and flavor, perfectly complementing the diverse beer offerings. It was an experience that left us both satisfied and inspired us to try some of the pairings out at home.

And let’s not forget the cheeky little afternoon treat from the Mr. Whippy truck off of Market Square! Mr. Whippy, a beloved icon of British summertime, serves up creamy soft-serve ice cream with a nostalgic twist. We passed the truck on the way to our concert and could not resist a cone!

Raising a Tankard

As I do with any city that I visit, I researched breweries in the area before the trip. Upon arrival in Nottingham, we ventured to the only one within walking distance to our hotel, The Angel Microbrewery. Set in a 17th century building, the art of craft brewing is celebrated with a diverse range of innovative and flavorsome beers. They offered their beer on both draught and hand-pulled cask, which is always a treat. We enjoyed this spot so much, that we came back and met friends for drinks before the concert the next day.

When David initially suggested Nottingham, my mind immediately went to a picture I had seen in CAMRA’s Good Beer Guide years ago, of a pub with a name that I’ll never forget– Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem. The pub just so happened to be at the base of the castle hill and while David trekked down the cave system, I put a pint or two down. Nestled snugly beneath the imposing Nottingham Castle, the ancient inn claims to be one of England’s oldest pubs, with a history dating back to the 12th century. As I stepped inside, the atmosphere transported me back in time, with low ceilings, worn stone walls, and cozy nooks (or snugs) perfect for enjoying a pint. Legends abound here, including tales Robin Hood and his men visiting, and of the Crusaders stopping for a drink before their journey to the Holy Land, adding an extra layer of mystique to the experience. David eventually met me, we enjoyed a few pints and then went on our merry way.

On the recommendation from one of the employees at the North Cotswold Brewery, we found ourselves at Piano & Pitcher, a bar and restaurant housed within a former church. Amidst the lofty arches and stained glass windows, we took down a pint, and enjoyed the raucous atmosphere. The place was quite busy and we had more drinks ahead of us. Finally, to cap off our Nottingham drinking adventure, we made a pit stop at Junkyard Bottle Shop & Pour House.

Our last stop before the concert was a fun one that we quite literally stumbled out of, Billy Bootleggers, which advertises itself as an “American-ish dive bar.” The sign outside advertised pickleback shots and as responsible adults, with need for electrolytes, we indulged. With a vast selection of whiskey and many different varieties of bracing pickle juice, it was a familiar and delightful combination that left us craving more.

Beyond the Puns: The Last Sights, Shops, and Tips

As previously mentioned, our main reason for visiting Nottingham was to see a concert at Motorpoint Arena. Maybe I’m not used to arenas anymore because I typically attend shows in smaller venues or maybe the UK arena game is just that much better than what we have in the US, but the concession amenities at this arena were amazing. I’m talking a candy stand where you could fill an entire tub with candy for £5, a great variety of beer at reasonable prices, and a stand that was selling chicken curry. Couple all of that with a great show and a meet and greet beforehand, and we were living the dream.

I typically try to find a shop or two that sell items made by local artists whenever we travel to a new city, in Nottingham, I found that in Handmade Nottingham. We walked away with some gifts for friends at home and a lovely Robin Hood print by Jasmin Issaka that we had Hanson sign before the show to commemorate the trip.

If you’re planning a visit to Nottingham, getting to this vibrant city is a breeze, with excellent transport links from major cities across the UK. Whether you’re coming from London, Manchester, or Birmingham, there convenient train and bus services that will whisk you right into the heart of Nottingham in no time. If like us, you choose to drive to the city, parking is a cinch too, especially if you’re headed to the city center. The Lace Market Car park offers secure and centrally located parking options, making it an ideal choice for those wanting to explore the city on foot. With its proximity to all of the best of Nottingham (which is a lot)!