All eyes on Nottinghamshire’s literary legend, D.H. Lawrence

With a new adaptation of Lady Chatterley's Lover hitting our screens this week, now is a great time to discover more about its iconic author. D.H. Lawrence, one of the most controversial novelists in the 20^th century, was born in the small mining town of Eastwood, on the outskirts of Nottingham. And you don’t have to stray too far to find some of the places that inspired his famous novels. With all eyes soon to be on one of our greatest literary legends, there is no better time to discover all things Lawrence in Nottinghamshire! Top of the list for any Lawrence fan is the annual D.H. Lawrence Festival of Culture, which this year takes place from 22 August - 19 September. The events take place at the Heritage Centre in Eastwood and the surrounding area – and many of them are FREE to attend. The festival has something for all ages and one of the highlights is an exhibition entitled No Right to Exist? 'The Rainbow' and Other Books that Shocked, which looks at banned and controversial novels, to coincide with the 100 year anniversary of The Rainbow by D.H. Lawrence. Take time to explore D.H.  Lawrence Heritage, a multi award winning visitor attraction that celebrates the life and works of D.H. Lawrence. Here, the re-creation of the birthplace and early home of Lawrence gives a fascinating glimpse into the cramped realities of a Victorian mining family. Visitors can enjoy a guided tour to discover more about this famous writer's working class roots and the community that influenced his life and work. Outside you will also find the Blue Line Trail which allows you to walk in the footsteps of Lawrence, stopping by several points of interest along the way. Visitors can rest their tired legs at The Sun Inn, which features in Sons and Lovers. Just a short drive away you will find Felley Priory & Gardens, thought to have inspired The White Peacock, with Felley Mill Farm being renamed to Strelley Mill in the novel. In Teversal, a pretty village near Sutton-in-Ashfield, you can take a walk along the landscaped trails and stop to admire Teversal Manor which is believed to be Wragby Hall in Lady Chatterley’s Lover. The trails are easily accessible from Teversal Visitor Centre. Tune in to see a new BBC One television adaptation of Lady Chatterley's Lover this Sunday 6 September, and then find out more about Lawrence and his inspiration at the D.H Lawrence Heritage Centre when it opens for free on 12 and 13 September as part of Heritage Open Days. Will you be attending this year’s festival, or planning to visit one of the sites associated with D. H. Lawrence? Let us know on Facebook and Twitter.