Maybe you think about the Robin Hood saga and the Sheriff of Nottingham. Perhaps you know it has the oldest Inn AND one of the oldest trees in England? Maybe it’s neither of these things – but you should definitely try and visit, and do so during Summer as there is a wonderful surprise; a purpose built beach with eateries, amusement park rides, a bar and music – something for the whole family!
We visited Nottingham for my birthday, but how did Feet Do Travel spend a beautiful sunny summer Bank Holiday in the historic City of Nottingham?
Our visit to Nottingham began with a picnic in Sherwood Forest – I mean, why not eh! Sherwood Forest is a 40 minute drive from Nottingham and is famous as the hangout of everyone’s loveable outlaw … Robin Hood, his merry men and Maid Marion. It was the natural choice to check out this ancient forest when we were in this neck of the woods (sorry, pun intended!)
There are a number of benches near the Major Oak which meant we were able to enjoy our picnic in comfort whilst looking at the Robin Hood/period stalls and demonstrations. Various fun days and activities are held here throughout the year so it’s worth checking out www.sherwoodforest.org.uk which also displays various walking trails you can take around the forest.
Nottingham Castle
England is full of castles, and Nottingham Castle is wonderfully preserved. Unfortunately, we didn’t factor a trip to the Castle into our plan and, prior to our lunch time booking at a cat café, we had spent too much time on the beach enjoying some sunshine. From the outside, we could see the gorgeous landscaped grounds which looked very inviting, but we did thoroughly enjoy our leisurely stroll around the outside of the castle.
In the City Centre there was a small fairground ...and a beach! It was awesome! During the day on Deliveroo Beach, children play in the sand or paddle in the “sea”, parents sunbathe in deck chairs, couples and friends sit on the beach enjoying traditional “seaside” favourites such as fish n chips, BBQ or Caribbean dishes from one of the beach huts. Deliveroo Beach is in its 9th year and generally runs during the July/August school holidays.
The purpose of my birthday trip to Nottingham was to visit the cat café. I had read a blog about cat cafes and was intrigued, and decided I must go to one for my special day! I have since visited a few cat café’s in the UK and, if you are wondering which one to visit, please check out my Cat Café Comparison post.
It was lovely watching the cats and kittens running around which included Saffy, the beautiful white Persian. The star of the show had to be Heathcliffe; he is half main-coon, the largest breed of cat in the world and he is so big, his nickname is Aslan! He didn’t just walk into the room, he strutted and posed like a model for many photographs, he definitely wasn’t camera-shy unlike some of the other cats.
The oldest Inn in the UK
I had read that the UK’s oldest Inn was here in Nottingham about five minutes’ walk from the town centre next to Nottingham Castle. We walked down a pretty cobbled street and it was here we found Ye Old Trip to Jerusalem.
As this Inn has the accolade painted onto its white walls stating it is the oldest, and, when researching which truly is the oldest, other establishments have controversy surrounding them as to whether they are actually as old as they state, I’m going to believe that this inn in Nottingham is indeed the oldest.
We sat in the gardens supping a cold, refreshing pint of fruit cider, perfect for someone from the West Country on a beautiful summer’s evening …oh, and of course, let’s not forget it was my birthday!
hat a delightful way to end my special day and reflect on what a wonderful time we had had!
Are you a history buff or Robin Hood fan? Will you consider making your way to middle England sometime soon? Let me know in the comments section below if you plan to visit Nottingham.
You can book your Nottingham hotel, any weekend break or holiday through our website as we have an affiliate partnership with Booking.com. Visit our Hotel Booking Page then search as normal. There is no extra cost to you but you will be helping us!
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