Nottingham doesn't get enough credit as a treasure trove of historic landmarks. There's the iconic city hall, the austere Nottingham Castle, and grand Wollaton Hall, and many more. Even as one of the biggest cities in the UK, Nottingham still tends to get overlooked for the likes of London, Leeds, and Manchester. But whether you're a tourist or you're moving to the city altogether, you can still expect a lot of history in what is perhaps one of the oldest cities in the UK. Some would even argue that Nottingham is a history buff's haven, and that's not far from the truth!
Nottingham Castle
Let's start with Nottingham Castle, perhaps the most famous historic landmark in the city. It's not even far-fetched to say that most tourists travel to Nottingham just to see its famous fortress in person. And who can blame them? Not only is this one of the most well-preserved Medieval structures in all of the UK, but it has also played various vital roles throughout British history. Among the most well-known is the English Civil War, wherein King Charles I raised his royal standard here and essentially began this years-long conflict.
Wollaton Hall
Wollaton Hall is one of those
grand mansions in the UK that never fail to draw in history buffs and sightseers alike. It's a striking Grade 1 listed Elizabethan building that dates as far back as the 1580s. Set within the 500-acre park of the same name, the place looks straight out of a British period film. It's no wonder, then, that many films have been shot here, making it as much an English movie star as Hugh Grant or Colin Firth.
Nottingham Council House
As famous as Nottingham Castle or Wollaton Hall are, they're not exactly the “face” of Nottingham. They're not the representative landmark of the city in the same vein as the Eiffel Tower is for Paris or the Colosseum is for Rome. That privilege is more aptly given to the Nottingham Council House, located right at the heart of the
central districts. Imposing with its grand Neoclassical architecture and serving as the center of the city, it's no wonder the building is what many typically visualize as Nottingham. At the time it was finished in 1927, it became the country's biggest stone building constructed after World War I.
St. Mary's Church
The mere fact that St. Mary's Church is the oldest parish in all of Nottinghamshire already makes it one of the historic landmarks in the city. As old as the city is, there aren't that many places that have been around for centuries. The church's construction finished in 1475 and has stood the test of time. Even the English Civil War didn't destroy it, and the battles transpired right here in the city.
Source: Flickr.com/ Zoe Clarke
Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem
You probably didn't expect to see a pub on this list, did you? Castles and churches, sure! But a pub? Well, Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem is the only
restaurant in Nottingham that deserves a place on this list! Having supposedly opened in 1189, it's said to be the oldest pub in all of England. It's even possible that it's one of the oldest culinary establishments on the planet, at least one that's still operating as such. The name also got its name from how crusaders stopped and dined here on their journeys to the Holy Land.
Sherwood Forest
Most of the world's forests have been around since the dawn of time, but they're rarely regarded as historic spots in any country or city. This is why Sherwood Forest stands out as one of the most famous historic woodlands in the UK. Most famously associated with the legend of Robin Hood, the ancient forest also served as a royal hunting ground in the 10th century. Though you'll likely encounter other woodlands that may be older, there are very few that are as known for their history as Sherwood Forest.
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ Nilfanion
The Major Oak
If you never expected a pub or even a forest to make this list, you definitely wouldn't have thought a single tree would, did you? And what's funny about it is that its most well-known history is a legend that's widely considered to be untrue. Said to be a thousand years old, the Major Oak is undoubtedly the most famous tree in Nottingham's Sherwood Forest and one of the oldest oak trees in England. People know of it as the hideaway of Robin Hood and his merry men, possibly where they stored most of the gold they stole from the rich to give to the poor.
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ Javier Carro
University of Nottingham
Most of the UK's best universities are historic, and the
University of Nottingham is no different. It was founded as a public research educational institution in 1881 and remains one of the most prestigious in the entire country. Admittedly, it's not as old as many of the other landmarks on this list, but this doesn't make it any less fascinating. And even if you're not interested in its history at all, the campus itself features a beautiful park that you shouldn't miss!
Newark Castle
Let's go back to castles for this next one. Newark Castle may be in a market town that's mostly a
suburb of Nottingham and is a fair distance away from the city center, but it's still one of the most fascinating landmarks in the city. From what began as a wooden structure in the 1130s, it eventually became the striking stone Medieval fortress it is today. Having seen countless wars, battles, conflicts, and the like over the years, its halls have some of the most interesting stories to tell about British history.
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ Geograph Britain and Ireland/ Martin Froggatt
Newstead Abbey
One of the most
interesting things to know about Nottingham is that the famous English poet, Lord Byron, was born and raised here. And where did he live? Newstead Abbey. Much like Wollaton Hall, it's one of those grand English mansions that's worth visiting for the architecture and atmosphere alone. But the building itself also has a fascinating history to it. King Henry III founded Newstead Abbey as an Augustinian priory in the 12th century. In 1539, King Henry VIII dissolved it as a monastery and granted it to Sir John Byron, who then turned it into his family's country home.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
From castles and manors to caves and forests, Nottingham is filled with fascinating historic landmarks. The city is a paradise for history buffs, offering a treasure trove of some of the most interesting spots in all of Nottinghamshire.
