Nottingham East Midland Airport - Things to do in and around Nottingham

Nottingham East Midlands airport is located in a rural location just off the M1 at junction 24 about 17 miles from Nottingham city centre.

Places to visit in Nottingham

Stay overnight East Midlands hotel and parking or simply East Midlands airport parking

Nottingham Castle

William the Conqueror first built a wooden castle on the site in 1067, which was later rebuilt by Henry II in stone. King James I sold the castle in 1622 to the Earl of Rutland who stripped it of all valuable materials, such as lead and stone. In 1642, King Charles I raised his royal standard just outside the castle, and so began the Civil War. After the Civil War in 1651, the castle was demolished and rebuilt in 1679 by the first Duke of Newcastle. Gutted by fire in an attack by reform bill rioters in 1831, it was restored and opened as the first municipal museum and art gallery outside London in 1878.

Today, the castle is a museum and art gallery that attracts national and international visitors. The galleries house historical and contemporary collections of silver, glass, ceramics and fine art. A temporary exhibitions programme brings some of the best regional, national and international artists work to the city.

Wollaton Hall & Park

Over five hundred acres of parkland with free roaming deer. Wollaton Park was built in 1588 and is one of the finest examples of Elizabethan houses in the country. The historic deer park is home to a rich diversity of habitats and species with herds of red and fallow deer roaming wild. The extensive parklands include a large lake, formal flower gardens, a green wood mobility walk, a sensory garden designed for people with visual impairments and the Wollaton trail. In addition, a variety of events are held throughout the year ranging from outdoor pop concerts to artists' talks at the Yard Gallery, bat walks, 'have a go' workshops and seasonal family events.

Sherwood Forest Country Park

Sherwood Forest Country Park contains some of the oldest trees in Europe, veteran oaks five centuries old and the world-famous Major Oak, still producing acorns after standing at the heart of Sherwood Forest for an amazing 800 years!

Despite claims from elsewhere, this is the legendary home of the world famous Robin Hood loved by Hollywood for his duels with the Sheriff of Nottingham. The park has over ½ million visitors each year.

Rufford Abbey and Country Park

Located on the edge of the famous Sherwood Forest, this 150-acre park is one of Nottinghamshire's most popular visitor attractions.

A12th century Cistercian monastery is at the heart of the park. There are miles of walks in the woods and lakes. The bonus is a super restaurant that is worth a visit on its own. Around these buildings lie charming gardens, meadows and woodland. The attractions of Rufford range from a contemporary craft centre with gallery exhibitions or just stroll around the woods.

Theatres

Nottingham Playhouse is renowned for drama; the lovingly-restored 18th-Century Theatre Royal showcases world-class theatre, ballet and opera, and The Lace Market Theatre is an intimate independent theatre offering a varied programme of inventive amateur drama, comedy and musicals.

Public Houses

Nottingham can boast some of the oldest recorded public houses in the country that attracts visitors in their droves.

The Bell Inn

Is one of the oldest buildings in the city just off the Old Market Square. The pub is divided into several small rooms oozing with atmosphere and serves cask ales.

Trip to Jerusalem

This is the oldest pub in England built into a cave in 1189. It got its name thanks to the knights who stopped in here on their way to the Crusades back in the Middle Ages.

Ye Olde Salutation

Built in 1240, this is a great pub with loads of atmosphere and a favourite with students and hippies of yester year who used this pub in the 60's and 70's.