History & Heritage Trails

Our selection of history and heritage trails celebrate a variety of architectural styles and Nottinghamshire’s rich history. Follow the footsteps of the English Civil War heroes and villains with the Nottinghamshire Civil War trail, tour around the city with Watson Fothergill Architect Trail featuring many of the architect’s finest buildings including places where you can sample and enjoy Castle Rock’s Watson Fothergill celebration beer, or take a journey through the heart of DH Lawrence country with the Blue Line trail. Now you can also take a deeper look into Nottingham’s past than ever before - discovering the city’s hidden history -  thanks to the new Cave Trail.

Nottinghamshire's Civil War trail includes sites and landmarks across Nottingham, Southwell and Newark. Nottinghamshire played a pivotal role during the tumultuous years of the English Civil War as King Charles I’s Royalist army and Oliver Cromwell’s Parliamentarians fought to control the country. Embark on a journey across the county and discover sites related to this crucial period in the history of Nottinghamshire.

Along the Watson Fothergill Architect Trail you will discover a range of buildings from grand banking and newspaper offices to warehouses and of course the magnificent showpiece that was Fothergill’s office on George Street. All have their own story to tell and each will surprise you with their detail and their carvings.

Walk in the steps of one of the most controversial novelists of the 20th century. DH Lawrence was brought up in the small mining community of Eastwood, in Nottingham – referred to as DH Lawrence’s country. Key points along the route include the likes of the DH Lawrence Birthplace Museum, Vine Cottage and Haggs Farm, just to name a few, and all with a significant relation to the writer’s life.

Nottingham’s riddled with manmade caves, which date back as far as the Medieval period and beyond. The brand new Nottingham Cave App is the perfect way to explore the wonders which stretch below the city’s streets, featuring stunning flythrough videos that give virtual access to the city's sealed off sandstone caves. Follow the Top 10 Cave Trail using the app or printed trail, and you'll be taken on a tour of the city centre, stopping off at cave pubs, underground attractions, and hidden passageways. 

For more tours, trails and guided walks around the city and the county please go to our Tours & Trails page.