Nottingham Castle
is not a proper castle at all, since it was built in the late 19th Century on
the site of previous castles. So there is very little of the Sheriff and Robin
Hood in it, except for the statue nearby. It contains the town’s municipal
museum and art gallery. There is medieval bridge that connected the Outer and
Middle Baileys of the castle, built in the late 12th century and one of the few
surviving remains of the medieval castle. The gate house is also impressive.
There are some dungeons one can explore.
Tales of Robin Hood
For those who prefer the legend to the reality, this is a kind of
commercialized tribute to the famous robber from the rich and giver to the
poor. It’s a Robin Hood theme park, with a simulated ride through the
Nottingham of Robin and the Sheriff, along with a lot of other attractions.
It’s great fun for the kids, though. There’s also a medieval style banquet
available at night, with a Robin Hood show.
Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem
England's
oldest pub has been selling ale and beer to thirsty travelers in the same place
since 1189. The food is pretty average pub grub, but the inn serves an excellent
Jerusalem bitter. It can be reached
from the castle by an underground passage known as Mortimer’s Hole. It is said
that King Edward III and a band of nobles caught Roger Mortimer and the Queen
there, killing Mortimer and locking the Queen up. The Old Salutation is
also a good place for a pint.
Newstead Abbey
This is the magnificent former home of the flamboyant poet, Lord Byron, a
romantic Gothic style house incorporating the remains of a 13th century priory.
There are picturesque formal gardens and a lake. The library has displays and
reading material. The wood paneling in the Great Hall is reputed to have come
from a single oak. While the living area maintains its 19th Century ambiance,
the cloisters and chapter house hearken back to the house’s medieval past.