Nottingham

Written: April 3rd, 2008  Print This Page  Email This Page

Nottingham is a large urban city located within the ceremonial county of Nottinghamshire. Designated as one of England’s core cities, it is home to numerous business enterprises as well as being considered as centre of culture and social life in the region.

Sights & Activities

At the centre of the city is the Old Market Square, considered as the largest market square in the country. The square has undergone recent redevelopment and several new features have been installed, including a large fountain. The square has been the venue of large community and social events of the city. At the eastern end of the square is the Nottingham Council House, which was built in 1929. The high dome of this Neo-Baroque building has long dominated the city’s skyline. Notable features of the structure include the huge pillars around it, the two large stone lions on its steps, the carvings on the façade, and its bells that locals fondly called Little John. Inside, an upscale shopping centre is located.

The Church of St. Mary the Virgin is located within the Lace Market district and is also known as the St. Mary’s in the Lace Market. This grade I listed building is considered as the oldest religious foundation in the city, with parts of it believed to be built during the Saxon times. The church is described to be of perpendicular gothic style and is the venue of some concerts and other public events.

Another historic religious structure is the Cathedral Church of St. Barnabas, a Roman Catholic cathedral located along North Circuit Street. Built in 1844, it is designated as a grade II listed building.

Visitors should also take the time to visit the Wollaton Hall, a country house built in 1588 and set in the center of the extensive Wollaton Park. The structure contains several interesting items, including a pipe organ that is considered the oldest in the city. The hall is also where the Nottingham City Museum & Galleries Natural History Collections can be viewed. On the grounds of Wollaton Park is the City’s Industrial Museum, which showcases collections of vintage tractors and Fowler ploughing engines. The Steam Engine House is also located within the park. The park is also the venue of the annual Intercounties Cross Country trial every March.

Though located outside the limits of the city itself, the National Watersports Centre is still worth a visit by the whole family. It is one the National Sports Centres of the country and is set within extensive parkland. The establishment features a large lake for rowing, a white water canoe slalom course and a water ski lagoon.

Weather

Nottingham experiences four seasons every year. Like the rest of England, the city’s climate is classified as temperate marine. Nottingham rarely experiences drastic weather changes, though conditions are known to change within a single day. As a sunny and warm day can change into a cloudy and rainy one, visitors and locals are advised to bring an umbrella or a coat when venturing outdoors. The summer months of June to August are generally warm to hot, while winter can be chilly and damp. Spring and autumn are described to be mild.