Sometimes the most captivating features of an area are not those which stand out immediately. To discover these gems, you must delve a little deeper. Of any city in Britain, this is perhaps most true of Nottingham, with its vast underground network of curious man-made caves.
From its emergence as a settlement in the 7th century, Nottingham earned the name Tigguo Cobauc, meaning Place of Caves in Old Brythonic. The soft sandstone terrain was quickly identified as ripe for carving out tunnels and caverns, and throughout the centuries a subterranean world was formed, stretching throughout the city and used as homes, storerooms, dungeons, tanneries, hideouts, and for dozens of other uses.
We now embrace these forgotten spaces, with new finds rediscovered and reclaimed daily, the current total lies at over a staggering 800 caves. With an exciting festival coming up in May celebrating this peculiar heritage, and some fabulously quirky venues and museums to check out, it’s time to dig deep into the city of caves....
Known throughout the country as one of the UK’s oldest pubs, don’t expect a tacky tourist trap when you arrive at The Trip. Built into the cliffside, the cosy rooms and nooks are carved from the rock on which Nottingham Castle stands, with tunnels extending far and deep beneath. Filled with timeworn curiosities, near forgotten traditions such as ‘ringing the bull’ and exuding history in every corner, a trip to The Trip is an essential part of the Nottingham experience.
One of few remaining Victorian music halls in the country, The Malt Cross has been restored to its former glory, and in 2014 the caves deep beneath were opened to the public. Today they host poetry nights, drumming circles and heritage tours. Enjoy a pub lunch, live music, regular events and markets, or take tour to learn more!
One of Nottingham’s most extraordinary historical haunts, this 15th century gaol and courtroom features permanent and temporary exhibitions detailing crime and punishment throughout the centuries. Feel the fear of thousands before you as you descend into the depths of the prison, to explore the underground cells and hear tales of the condemned. Medieval banquets, dramatic trials and murder mystery nights are just some of the events that take place here.
Nottingham’s prime destination to learn about the cave system is of course at City of Caves. Along with detailing the history of the Broadmarsh and Lace Market areas, learn about the many purposes of the caves, including their industrial, domestic, and more illicit uses. Audio tours are available throughout the day, or if you fancy a more in-depth experience, book onto a guided performance tour.
You can get more Nottingham history for your money with a joint ticket available for City of Caves and The National Justice Museum!
It wasn’t only medieval city dwellers who took to Nottinghamshire’s caves, but ice age man too! Take a walk around this serene, atmospheric lake set in an extraordinary limestone gauge which is pocketed with curious caves and craggy cliffs. One of the most northerly places visited by ice age man, this site was integral in teaching us about a particularly arduous period of human evolution. Hyena, woolly rhinoceros and mammoth remains have been found in the area, along with the UK’s only Ice Age rock art, which dates back an incredible 13,000 years!
Whether you want a truly distinctive setting for cocktail hour, to discover the industry of medieval England, a romantic candlelit meal, or a tour around a haunted underground dungeon, Nottingham’s caves will excite and delight. Check out the brilliant programme of events taking place around the city during the Nottingham Cave Festival.
to add an item to your Itinerary basket.
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