Scotland

UK vacations are extremely popular at the moment and while many put this increase (in the nummber of visitors) down to the low strength of the £ I would like to think that much has to do with the fact that there is simply so much to see and do in England, Scotland and Wales. Obviously the rich and long histories of each respective country means that there are plenty of fine country houses, fortified houses, castles and the likes. One of the places I am considering spending some time in early next year is the city of Nottingham.

I have never spent much time in Nottingham and most of us only really know of the place in relation to the legendary outlaw Robin Hood and the stories of Sherwood Forest,  the gang of merry men, Friar Tuck, Little John, Maid Marion and the Sheriff of Nottingham. While there are a few places which cater for the demand for things relating to the green clad hero Nottingham has a number of places worth taking a look at.

The Lace Market

Once the heart of the worldwide lace industry, at the time of the British Empire, the Lace Market in Nottingham is, now, a protected heritage area. It  is home to a great many examples of 19th Century industrial architecture. Even at it’s peak the Lace Market was unlike other markets, instead of featuring stalls and salespersons, it was made up of a significant number of warehouses and salesrooms, virtually all selling and displaying lace and items relating to the lace industry. After the collapse in the lace industry, due to the influx of cheaper foreign alternatives, the Lace Market suffered terribly and it eventually fell into neglect and disrepair, happily, nowadays, the majority of the fine old warehouses have been fully renovated for other purposes such apartment accommodation, photographic studios or similar ventures. With this high level of investment the Lace Market is now one of the most popular visitor attractions in Nottingham.

Shire Hall & Galleries of Justice

Just around the corner from the Lace Market are the Galleries of Justice (located in Shire Hall). Shire Hall is a stylish Georgian-built civic building which features such things as Neoclassical pilasters, columns and dome. The front of the hall has, if you examine it carefully, a spelling mistake Goal instead of Gaol.  This has clearly been corrected but the mistake is still clearly visible.

Shire Hall and the Galleries of Justice also has 2 preserved Victorian courtrooms, a women’s prison and bath house, old cells, a prisoner’s exercise yard and an Edwardian police station. If you are in a family group it may interest you to know that there are highly interesting (and fun) guided tours.

Nottingham is a superb place to take a short vacation. There is plenty to see and do around the city and a huge number of tourist attractions which are readily accessible. Nearby places to visit include; Newstead Abbey, Wollaton Hall and Hardwick Hall.

Sites Offering Nottingham Accommodation & Information

Nottingham Hotels -  http://www.simplytop.com/England/nottingham.php

Bed & Breakfast in Nottingham - http://www.bedandbreakfastdir.co.uk/uk/nottingham.php

Hotels in Nottingham – http://www.bedandbreakfastdir.co.uk/uk/nottingham.php