Visiting Nottingham Castle
Sometimes the most exciting attractions are those closest to home - and we never make the time to visit. We figure there will always be time to get there. I discovered one of those attractions on my recent visit to England. I’d lived in Nottingham for around eight years, yet had never visited Nottingham Castle. And it probably wouldn’t have occurred to me to make it a priority had it not been for my daughter.
Model of Nottingham Castle
We’ve been reading the tales of Robin Hood at home, and once she knew we would be visiting Nottingham, she asked if she could see the castle. We agreed, and I have to say that it’s the best £3.50 I’ve ever spent. We approached from Castle Gate, one of the old entrances to the walled city. Outside the castle is a statue of Robin Hood, as well as plaques depicting scenes from the well known tales.
Once inside, there was plenty to look at. We bypassed the children’s play area, where kids could sit on tiny horses and pretend to joust or clamber over a wooden climbing frame. Instead, we headed to the top level, which gave a panoramic view of the city. You could see why that was a good location for a castle, as inhabitants would have been able to spot their enemies from any angle.
We then went into the castle itself, hopeful of going even higher, but alas, the top level was closed off as it was too unstable to permit visitors. Perfectly acceptable in a castle that dates back to the 1670s. The site itself has housed a castle at least since the Norman Conquest. Inside there were three art exhibitions, ornate decorations, including a stunning coat of arms mosaic on the ground floor, and an entertaining video showing some of the uses of the caves under the castle.
For me, though, the highlight was the history of Nottingham City exhibition, which starts with the earliest known information and works its way to the present. You can see armor, chain mail, spears, saddles, clothing and more which bring the different periods to life. There are also several good models of the city at different eras. This is one location that’s well worth a visit.
Tags: Attractions, england, nottingham
June 16th, 2009 at 5:26 pm
Looks like you had a fantastic time right in your own back yard. I lived in AZ for three years and never went to the Grand Canyon, I wish I had.
June 17th, 2009 at 9:01 am
You’ll have to do what I did and go back for a trip to appreciate it as a tourist.