The city combines the best of old and new. Shoppers have excellent modern shopping centres and traditional markets. Cultural life thrives, with a superb modern concert hall attracting well know names from the classical, pop and rock worlds, and two theatres - including the lovingly restored Theatre Royal. These provide both repertory productions and touring opera, drama and ballet from major national companies - and offer student discounts. Film buffs have varied viewings at multi-screen and arts cinemas, and there is a lively rock scene.
Many fine old buildings remain in the city, including the 15th century
church of St Mary on High Pavement, Georgian town houses and several
picturesque pubs. Some have medieval origins: The Trip to Jerusalem at the
foot of Castle Rock, reputedly the oldest pub in England, the Bell Inn, the
Royal Children and the Salutation Inn. A former Unitarian church on the
fringe of the city's Lace Market area is now converted into a Lace Hall,
illustrating the history of Nottingham's most famous product.
Early October brings Goose Fair, the country's largest three-day fair,
believed to date back more that 1,000 years. The modern fair, packed with
hundreds of amusements, becomes at night a spectacular carpet of lights.
Nottingham and the surrounding county offer the chance to explore literary associations. Contemporary writer Alan Sillitoe grew up in the industrial outskirts of Nottingham, enjoying his frequent roaming of the nearby University Park and lake. D H Lawrence made famous the mining town of Eastwood and the surrounding Nottinghamshire countryside.
Nottingham is twinned with Karlsruhe, and you can find information about there by clicking here Based in the outskirts of Nottingham is the University of Nottingham