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Offered languages
- English
- English
Step through nearly a thousand years of history on this self-guided audio walking tour of Nottingham. Over 32 stops and 1.8 miles, wander from medieval lanes to striking modern landmarks, with GPS-triggered narration playing to your headphones, so you go at your own pace and pause anytime.
Begin at The Lacehouse in the historic Lace Market, then explore St. Mary's Church, the City of Caves, and the legendary Ye Olde Trip To Jerusalem, one of England's oldest inns. Discover a pub hidden inside a converted church, admire the bronze Robin Hood statue, and pass Nottingham Castle and the Theatre Royal. The route finishes in the leafy Arboretum park.
Key takeaways:
- Nottingham's Lace Market was once a global hub of the 19th-century lace industry, shaping the city's skyline.
- The City of Caves and Ye Olde Trip To Jerusalem trace back to medieval Nottingham.
- The route spans centuries of architecture, from medieval churches to Victorian and modern civic buildings.
No crowds, just you!
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
The tour starts at Lacehouse (The Lacehouse 14, Broadway, Nottingham). There's a light blue door on your right. You might walk up the hill and then down to the next stop. This street is usually quiet and has old lace factories mixed with new buildings, such as offices, apartments, and shops.
The tour ends at the Arboretum.
Itinerary
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(Pass by)
Kick off the tour at this stylish cocktail bar located in Nottingham’s historic lace and textiles hub. Learn about the city’s industrial past and how it transformed Nottingham into a significant player during the industrial revolution.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Explore one of the oldest religious sites in Nottingham, offering a glimpse into the city’s medieval roots. St. Mary’s Church stands as a testament to the city's rich history and architectural heritage.
Admission ticket free -
National Justice Museum (Pass by)
Discover Nottingham’s legal history at this museum, housed in a former courthouse and goal. Learn about the city’s judicial past and its role in shaping contemporary law enforcement.
Admission ticket free -
Pitcher & Piano (Pass by)
Visit this unique pub housed in a converted historic church. Enjoy the ambiance while learning about the creative repurposing of Nottingham’s historic buildings.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
As you walk, on your right is the Nottingham Contemporary Museum, which opened in 2009 and features a green design by Caruso St John Architects. This RIBA Award-winning building, inspired by the city's Lace Market quarter, boasts a concrete facade embedded with a mid-19th-century cherry blossom lace design by Richard Birkin, unearthed from a time capsule buried on the building’s site.
Admission ticket free -
Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem (Pass by)
Step into one of England’s oldest inns, with a history that dates back to the 12th century. This iconic pub is steeped in legend and tradition, providing a charming stop on your tour.
Admission ticket free -
Robin Hood Statue (Pass by)
Admire the statue of Nottingham’s most famous folk hero, Robin Hood. Learn about the legend and the historical context that made Robin Hood an enduring symbol of the city.
Admission ticket free -
The City Of Caves (Pass by)
Delve into Nottingham’s underground network of caves that date back to medieval times. These ancient caves offer a fascinating glimpse into the city’s hidden history and its early inhabitants.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Situated near Nottingham Castle, its location is steeped in centuries of rich heritage. The pub itself exudes a cozy yet vibrant atmosphere, offering a warm welcome to locals and visitors alike. Inside, patrons can enjoy a wide selection of beers, ales, and spirits, accompanied by delicious pub fare crafted from locally sourced ingredients. It boasts a traditional yet stylish interior, adorned with vintage accents and cozy seating areas, making it perfect for hearty conversations with friends and family.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
This historic location is named after the legendary character Maid Marian from Robin Hood folklore. Constructed in the mid-1900s as part of a major redevelopment project aimed at improving traffic flow and urban connectivity in the city. Before the construction of Maid Marian Way, the area was a mix of narrow streets and older buildings. The new road, completed in the 1960s, provided a modern thoroughfare connecting the southern and northern parts of Nottingham, significantly easing traffic congestion in the city center. Today, Maid Marian Way serves as a vital artery in Nottingham's transportation network, accommodating high volumes of traffic and linking key areas such as Nottingham Castle, the Lace Market, and the city's commercial district.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
This old street in the middle of town has a fascinating history dating back centuries, originally part of Nottingham's medieval town plan as a thoroughfare linking parts of the settlement. Its name points to the wheelwright trade, suggesting it was a hub for craftsmen who built wagon wheels. As Nottingham grew, the street evolved into a bustling commercial and residential area, with merchants and tradespeople setting up shops and homes along its length. Over the centuries it witnessed major events, including the English Civil War and the Industrial Revolution. By the Victorian era it had become a thriving commercial center lined with shops and warehouses, its architecture reflecting the styles of the time. Through the 1900s it kept adapting to changing conditions, including the impact of World War II and later urban renewal. Today the street is a mix of old and new buildings, home to all kinds of shops selling clothes, food, and more, plus plenty of places to grab a bite to eat.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Take in Nottingham’s premier venues for live performances. Learn about the cultural significance of these institutions and their contributions to the city’s artistic landscape.
Admission ticket free -
Old Market Square (Pass by)
Explore the heart of Nottingham’s city center, surrounded by historic buildings, shops, and eateries. Old Market Square is a bustling hub of activity and a perfect place to experience the city’s vibrant atmosphere.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Conclude your tour at Nottingham’s first public park. Enjoy the natural beauty and tranquility of The Arboretum while reflecting on the city’s rich history and cultural heritage.
Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Additional info
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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