Nottingham has a rich history when it comes to industry and invention. From delicate lace-making to gritty coal mining, the fruits of long gone industry are still present today in many heritage attractions, making for great days out for the curious minded.
Set in the 17th century stable block of Wollaton Hall, Nottingham Industrial Museum is a volunteer run museum open every Saturday, Sunday and some Bank Holidays. The museum boasts many wonderful artefacts and exhibits including a working Basford Beam engine and an original Thomas Humber Bicycle. On the last Sunday of every month a working day is held where you can see a selection of engines running.
One of the finest working Victorian water pumping stations in Britain. The site has undergone extensive restoration and once again stands proud as a spectacular example of Victorian craftsmanship. It boasts a range of original features including an ornate Engine House, ornamental cooling pond and a Boiler House complete with six Lancashire Boilers, all set amidst formal landscaped grounds. Along with being a popular wedding venue, the Pumping Station holds regular steaming events throughout the year where visitors can see the boilers and pumping engines in steam and take guided tours into the underground reservoir.
Set in the tranquil grounds of Bestwood Country Park the winding engine house is a beautifully restored piece of our Victorian and mining heritage. Take the glass sided lift to learn more about how the engine worked and what life was like for a miner. Dating back to 1876, the heyday of Victorian industrial engineering, the winding engine lowered colliers into the mine shaft, and winched mined coal up to the surface.
If you fancy trying your hand at knitting on a 19th century sock machine, then why not visit Ruddington Framework Knitters Museum. Walk around to see how a local Victorian community lived and worked, watch live demonstrations of their machines and see a collection of hosiery spanning 200 years.
Green's Windmill in Sneinton was built by the father of notable scientist and mathematician George Green in 1807. Today the working Mill is a popular museum and science centre, which teaches new generations of children about the valuable work of George Green.
The astonishing Iron Giant of the Erewash Valley, Bennerley Viaduct is a survivor from the age of steam and coal, the longest Victorian wrought iron viaduct still standing the UK. Built in 1878 to carry a branch of the Great Northern Railway between Nottingham Victoria and Derby Friargate stations, it crosses the Notts/Derbyshire border near Ilkeston. It closed to trains in the 1960s, and is now popular with walkers, cyclists and railway enthusiasts.
Visit one of our many museums around Nottinghamshire, where you'll be able to take a step back in time into Nottinghamshire past and learn about the industrious heritage of Nottingham's caves, local coal mines, the Civil War and much more.
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