Nottingham Castle

The castle sits at the heart of the city and was built to enforce the Norman rule of the city. The original castle gradually fell into disrepair after many centuries of Royal patronage.

On August 2nd 1642, King Charles I raised his standard at Nottingham Castle and started the English Civil War, after his defeat the remains of the castle were demolished.

The Duke of Newcastle later purchased the land and this magnificent ducal palace was built in 1674 and was converted into a museum and art gallery in 1875. The castle is open for visitors daily from 10a.m. till 5p.m. and admission is free on weekdays.

• Nottingham Castle
• Nottinghamshire Castle

Council House

Design by Cecil Howitt in the 1920's, it replaced the 200yr old Exchange. At the base of its 200 foot high dome, four statues stand, representing Commerce, Civic Law, Prosperity and Knowledge, the hallmarks of the City of Nottingham.

Two stone lions guard its fine colonnaded facade, while behind its pillars, cherubs toil at traditional Nottingham trades.

Brewhouse Museum

Brewhouse Yard Museum presents a realistic glimpse of everyday domestic and commercial life in Nottingham over the last 300 years. There are displays of recreational and educational life and working conditions of local people.

The Canal Museum

Canal Museum is situated in a restored Warehouse on the banks of the Nottingham-Beeston Canal. It gives an insight into the history of local canals, the River Trent, bridges and floods.

Wollaton Hall and Park

Wollaton Hall was built during the period 1580-1588. It is one of the most ornate Tudor buildings in Britain.

Robert Smythson designed it on the commission of Sir Francis Willoughby. Much of the original building remains, showing the style of architecture contemporaneous with the Spanish Armada.

The Hall contains the City's Natural History Museum. The surrounding 500 acre park was landscaped by the outstanding Georgian gardener Capability Brown.

It features a large lake and an iron-framed Camelia House, built in 1823 and is now home to a herd of red deer.

• Wollaton Hall

See also:

• Museums