This visit to Nottingham was primarily to visit my brother who was in City Hospital. But I did find a little spare time to explore the central area of the city. Nottingham is reached via East Midland Railway from London St Pancreas and I had an easy though longish journey up that way.
The Old Market Square is the meeting place in the City centre. Used as a market square from mediaeval times it has been reconstructed over the years, the latest in 2007, and bears little resemblance to its predecessor. As well as a meeting place, it is used for special occasions like Christmas Fayres and is also a hub of the City tram network. Adjacent is the splendid Nottingham Council House, the City Hall, and used on official occasions. It can be viewed with guided walks which need booking in advance.
I stayed in the Travelodge, five minutes walk from the square. My sixth floor room offered good views of the City. Birds in the Old Market Square, none of the water features were turned on.
Outside the Council House are two stone lions guarding the building. The left lion is named Leo and has been since adopted as a meeting point. A little way from the square is a statue of footballer Brian Clough unveiled in 2008.
The Concert Hall and nearby the relatively small Trinity square.
Nottingham Castle is one of the 'must see' places in the City. But the original castle, built inn 1068, was demolished after the English Civil war in 1651. In its place is a mansion house, built in 1670 and redeveloped several times since, which contains an art gallery. Only the original gatehouse and a few bits of rampart remain of the original castle.
Within the grounds a memorial to Captain Albert Ball VC, a local WW1 pilot. Lions guard the entrance to the mansion.
Excellent views from the top of the 'Rock'.
The mansion on top of the 'Rock'.Another view of the Albert Ball statue.
After a second visit to the hospital I made my way back to the station and the journey home. Here is Nottingham Canal. The train line passes Radcliffe-on-Soar power station, the final coal fired power station in the UK which closed in September 2024. A huge construction now sitting unused awaiting its fate.
A second trip to Nottingham to visit my brother and some more exploring.
Outside the castle walls is a statue of Robin Hood and various sculptures and information boards about him.
Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem claiming to be the oldest pub in England from 1189 is nestled in the castle walls. The walls themselves built into Castle Rock. Beneath the rock are many tunnels, some of which can be explored but I had no time to do this.
Then a visit to the Museum of Justice which has displays on crime and related themes. Across the road is the church of St Mary's, a grand building and inside quite magnificent.
More views of the church.