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Photo: No machine-readable author provided. Olaf1541 assumed (based on copyright claims)., CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Statue of Nottingham's most famous hero, just outside of the castle walls.
Robin Hood is a legendary heroic outlaw originally depicted in English folklore and subsequently featured in literature, theatre, and cinema. According to legend, he was a highly skilled archer and swordsman. In some versions of the legend, he is depicted as being of noble birth, and in modern retellings he is sometimes depicted as having fought in the Crusades before returning to England to find his lands taken by the Sheriff of Nottingham. In the oldest known versions, he is instead a member of the yeoman class. He is traditionally depicted dressed in Lincoln green. Today, he is most closely associated with his practice of "robbing the rich to give to the poor".
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Off Maid Marian Way, it is one of various pubs claiming to be the oldest pub in Britain, the "Trip" traces its existence back over 800 years. Built into the sandstone caves under the castle, it is charming and well worth a visit if you happen to be in the city. It is located at the Brewhouse Yard, home to the Museum of Nottingham Life which shows the social change in Nottingham that has occurred over the last 300 years.
Visitors with Hollywood expectations of Robin Hood films should be aware that this is not a medieval castle, but a small stately home with only the gatehouse remaining from the original castle. The castle includes grounds with a children’s play area and extensive views over the region, and a museum with various exhibitions inside the house itself (including the country's first municipal art gallery). After a refurbishment the castle reopened in 2021 with a number of interactive exhibits and games. A tour of the caves under the castle can also be booked for an additional fee.
A neo-Baroque building where the Nottingham City Council meets. It is in the Old Market Square and tours are free (must be pre-booked)
A visitor attraction accessed from Garner’s Hill, in a temporary entrance created from what used to be a fire exit of the now demolished Broadmarsh Shopping Centre. It consists of a network of caves, carved out of sandstone that have been variously used over the years as a tannery, public house cellars, and as air raid shelters. Nottingham has more man-made caves than anywhere else in Britain.
Opened in 1963 to the designs of Peter Moro and heritage-listed as Grade II*, the Playhouse is one of the most architecturally-striking modern theatres in the UK. Its resident company has acquired a national and international reputation since 1948. Main auditorium seats 750 on two levels, Studio seats 90. Licensed bars and restaurant. Outside the theatre is the 'Sky Mirror' public sculpture by Turner-Prize winner Anish Kapoor.
Presents major exhibitions of contemporary art, with associated education programmes for all ages.