What Legends Are Made Of | Experience Nottinghamshire

Posted on 28 April 2016

Arsher Ali shares his favourite places in Notts

We can’t wait to watch to the series finale of BBC Two’s gripping drama Line of Duty tonight – not least because of the homegrown talent in the cast! We caught up with Basford native Arsher Ali to talk all things Notts.

What do you and your family like to get up to in Notts when you’re not busy filming?

I have an office in town – so I spend as much time as I can with my friend and writing partner, Hugh Dichmont.

Other than that – my visits to Nottingham are to my Mum’s house or the other most important place in Nottingham… the City Ground.

Do you have any favourite places to eat

Modest bed for a Duchess credit Andy Tryner

Posted on 24 March 2016

Hardwick’s Last Lady breathes new life into Hall

Today our guest blog is from Nigel Wright, House & Collections Manager at Hardwick Hall, a stunning National Trust property on the Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire border. Here, Nigel tells us about the experience of the new Last Lady of Hardwick exhibition. Duchess Evelyn Devonshire was the last of the Cavendish family to call Hardwick her home and now you can step into her life and experience Hardwick the way she lived it – and cared for it.

The sound of the 1920s now drifts out from the small cinema introducing people to the story of Duchess Evelyn Devonshire, the last member of the Cavendish family to make Hardwick her home. Born in 1870

Shoppers outside Paul Smith Willoughby House Nottingham credit VisitEngland

Posted on 07 January 2016

A Paul Smith-themed shopping weekend in Nottingham

With its lively Creative Quarter, historic Lace Market and more bars, pubs, cafes and restaurants per square mile than any other city in Europe, Nottingham has always been a discerning choice for a UK city break. But here’s another good reason to visit in 2016, and some recommendations from the Good Hotel Guide on places to stay in Nottinghamshire.

Renowned British designer Sir Paul Smith turns 70 in 2016. He was born and bred in Nottingham so a Paul Smith-themed shopping spree here is a fitting way to pay tribute. Sartorially, you’ll be in good hands. After all, this is the man who coined the phrase ‘classic with a twist’ and

Posted on 03 November 2015

Unearth Nottingham’s Hidden History with New Cave App & Trail

They’ve been used as shelter from falling bombs, housing extensions, and secret passageways over the years, now – for the first time ever – a new app gives you the chance to virtually explore Nottingham’s extraordinary man-made caves.

Nottingham’s a city built on caves, and the carefully chiselled, sandstone excavations that sit below the city centre are filled with history and intrigue.

For a long time, these caves have been hidden mysteries, sealed off from the public, and completely inaccessible.

So it’s no surprise that there was a real sense of excitement in the air at Nottingham Castle on Friday – as a brand new smartphone app was launched, designed to provide users

Posted on 14 October 2015

Nottingham welcomes the Pied Piper

The Pied Piper is visiting Nottingham this weekend, along with William Tell, to take part in some legendary events with our very own Robin Hood across the city. We caught up with him for a quick chat ahead of his visit to the city…

How long have you been the official Pied Piper of Hamelin?

Over 20 years, which is nothing in the long 731 year life of the Piper (so far).

Have you ever been to Nottingham before?

Yes, I had the pleasure to visit in 1998 during the Castle Festival. I have the city in fond memory. Had an inspiring guided tour and good eats at the “Sheriffs Lodge” and in a

Posted on 23 April 2015

Four Hollywood studios plan new Robin Hood films

It’s the news legions of Robin Hood fans around the world have been waiting for . . . no less than four major Hollywood studios have announced that they are planning to make films about Nottinghamshire’s famous outlaw.

Warner Brothers, Sony, Disney and Lionsgate could be making major Robin Hood productions with new takes on the popular legend. Although the Warner Brothers’ film has yet to be given a name, Sony is set to release Hood, which will see Robin Merry Men given an Avengers makeover, while Lionsgate is producing Robin Hood: Origins and Disney is planning a Pirates of the Caribbean-style film called Nottingham and Hood.

Following the announcement, Experience Nottinghamshire’s chief executive Jennifer Spencer said: “The myth

Posted on 10 April 2015

A tour around the William Booth Birthplace Museum

A short walk out of Nottingham city centre takes you to the suburb of Sneinton where you will find an elegant redbrick townhouse. Until recently, I didn’t know it was once the family home of William Booth, founder of the world-famous Salvation Army.

For an organisation that provides practical help it is fitting that the William Booth Birthplace Museum, at Notintone Place, is part of the city’s Salvation Army complex which offers community activities and worship. 2015 is also a landmark year for the organisation as it celebrates its 150th anniversary with a congress in London between 1st and 5th July. Around 16,000 Salvation Army members from around the world will attend – and many

The Major Oak needs your help to be crowned European Tree of the Year 2015

Photo credit- Phil Lockwood Photography

Posted on 28 January 2015

Could the Major Oak become European Tree of the Year?

Many of you will know that since my last blog, the Major Oak has successfully been awarded the accolade of England’s Tree of the Year. It is incredible news for our famous veteran oak, which dates back over 500-years and is inextricably linked to the legend of Robin Hood.

Now the Major Oak needs your vote once again. The next big step in the competition sees the Major Oak challenge trees from across Europe as they battle it out to be crowned European Tree of the Year 2015.

With fierce competition from 13 other countries in Europe, including France, Italy, Slovakia, Ireland and Belgium, voting for the European Tree of the Year 2015 takes place from

Major Oak at Sherwood Forest (credit Les Churchman)

Posted on 28 October 2014

The Major Oak needs your vote

Think of Sherwood Forest and Robin Hood and what springs to mind? For most of you it is likely to be the Major Oak. Estimated to be 800 to 1,000 years old, weighing in at 23 tonnes and supposedly the hiding place for Robin Hood and his Merry Men, this is one impressive tree.

Now, the Major Oak needs your help! It is in the running to be named England’s Tree of the Year, a national competition ran by the Woodland Trust. The charity has received over 200 nominations, which has now been shortlisted down to only ten – and the Major Oak is one of them.

To cast your vote, visit the

Posted on 05 September 2014

Spotlight on Robin Hood in the run-up to the Major Oak Woodland Festival

This weekend, our famous outlaw Robin Hood will be making an appearance in the BBC television show Dr Who as Robot of Sherwood. Just a week later, Shewood Forest, which is celebrating 60 years of being a Site of Special Scientific Interest, will once again take centre stage as the Major Oak Woodland Festival gets underway. In today’s guest blog, Deborah Hibbert from the Tourist Information Centre at Rufford Abbey, tells us more about the event and others planned for the Diamond Jubilee.

It’s now 60 years since Sherwood Forest was designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and in recognition of this milestone, there are a number of events taking