The city of Nottingham has a notorious past, from ancient underground caves and famous lace industry, to the turbulent and dramatic history of the castle with its links to monarchs and legends. From the legend of the infamous outlaw Robin Hood to the adventurous Pilgrim Fathers, from the passionate verse of Lord Byron to the working-class heroes of DH Lawrence, Nottinghamshire is proud of its contribution to world heritage.

The origins of Nottingham have been shrouded in mystery for centuries. In 1820, a prominent historian concluded that “perhaps there is no other town in the kingdom whose origin is hid in greater obscurity than Nottingham”. However, Neolithic, Iron Age and Bronze Age artefacts have all been discovered in the River Trent and the city’s remarkable series of caves are believed to date back to the medieval period.

Many centuries on, Nottingham was granted city status by Queen Victoria and this once small fortified town finally came of age. As a county, Nottinghamshire is steeped in heritage, taking pride in its rich and varied history. The English Civil War began in Nottingham when Charles I raised his standard here in 1642 and also ended in the county, in Newark. Interesting attractions remain, such as the Queen’s Sconce, which is an original civil war fortification.

While waiting for the Semi-Finals or Grand Final, why not take time to visit some of the many attractions that Nottingham has to offer.  

The Nottingham Castle, commissioned by the Duke of Newcastle, this magnificent 17th century ducal mansion was built on the Castle Rock. Perched high above the city, it provides spectacular views across the city and surrounding countryside.

The site on which the castle is constructed is rich in historical importance. William the Conqueror built a wooden castle on the site in 1067, which was later rebuilt in stone by Henry II as the main royal fortress in the Midlands. The 16th century was a time of neglect for the castle, leading to its ruin. King James I sold the castle in 1622 to the Earl of Rutland who stripped it of all valuable materials, such as lead and stone. In 1642, King Charles I raised his royal standard just outside the castle, and so began the Civil War. After the Civil War in 1651, the castle was demolished and rebuilt in 1679 by the first Duke of Newcastle. Gutted by fire in an attack by reform bill rioters in 1831, it was restored and opened as the first municipal museum and art gallery outside London in 1878.

Today, the castle is a vibrant museum and art gallery which attracts national and international visitors. The galleries house historical and contemporary collections of silver, glass, ceramics and fine art. A temporary exhibitions programme brings some of the best regional, national and international artists work to the city.

Set in beautiful Victorian gardens, with a bandstand, floral displays and many native wild flowers, it is possible to still see some of the old castle ruins in the grounds. Underneath the castle are many man-made caves and tunnels, some of which date back to medieval times. Visitors can also take a guided tour into the caves and see King David’s dungeon and the old wine cellar. The annual Robin Hood Pageant takes place in the castle grounds.

The Museum of Nottingham Life is housed in a group of five restored 17th century cottages nestled in the rock beneath Nottingham Castle. It offers tourists a tantalising ‘time travel’ experience, with a realistic glimpse of everyday domestic and working life in Nottingham during the past 300 years.

Visitors can experience living in a Victorian home and visiting numerous shops including an Edwardian grocers and a Victorian chemist. A 1920s shopping experience is recreated in a row of shops including a barbers, pawn shop, doctors, ironmongers, music shop and cobblers. The museum also recreates the experiences of Nottingham residents of World War II in the air raid shelter built in the caves under the site. The old school room transports visitors back to school in Edwardian times.

A variety of events are held here throughout the year, ranging from reminiscence sessions, 1940s extravaganzas, ‘have a go’ workshops and seasonal family events.

Galleries of Justice Museum, Based at Nottingham's old courthouse and gaol, you will be delving in to the dark and disturbing past of crime and punishment at the Galleries of Justice Museum. Travel back in time to the days when Nottingham Shire Hall was the only place in the UK where you could be tried, incarcerated and hanged on the front steps, all in the name of justice.

The Nottingham Caves. The area which now makes up Nottingham city centre was once known as Tiggua Cobaucc which means ‘Place of Caves’.

Enter and explore a whole new world in the caves underneath Nottingham city and descend into the dark depths of the original Anglo-Saxon tunnels, meeting real cave-dwellers from its dramatic hidden past. See how these caves have been used and adapted over the centuries by local people to escape and take refuge from the world above.

This set of man made caves was almost lost forever when the modern Broadmarsh Shopping Centre was built. Thanks to local voluntary groups, the caves were saved and are now open to visitors. Also visit the Rock shop for fossils, rare stones, minerals and authentic sharks teeth. Previously voted Tour of the Year and Family Attraction of the Year.

Nottingham’s Lace Market district is renowned for its opulence, breath-taking architecture and hotels, and restaurants and bars of outstanding quality.

The name of this elegant and trendy area originates from the 18th century. Local entrepreneurs and industrialists transformed the Lace Market from a popular residential area to a commercial capital.

The thriving local industry was dependent on two key inventions. In 1589 William Lee, a local inventor, developed a framework knitting machine which enabled high volumes of lace to be manufactured. By 1808 entrepreneur John Heathcoate further developed this into a hand operated machine and the machine lace industry was born. With the introduction of steam power in the 1800s the production of Chantilly and other luxury weaves brought an economic boom to the district. Over 130 factories were based in the Lace Market along with a population of 50,000.

Lace was a symbol of high fashion, good living and well-dressed homes. The demand for Nottingham’s luxury product grew.

Fashion trends changed in the early 1900s and the demand for easy care synthetic fibres increased. This started a downward spiral for the lace industry and after the Second World War it struggled to recover.

The area remained predominantly commercial and continued to play an important part in Nottingham’s economic development. More recently the district has become a popular location for up-and-coming businesses. It is also a much sought after residential area with stylish apartments offering a luxurious and city chic lifestyle.

Today the Lace Market remains true to its heritage as a busy and popular centre of style with some of the city’s best bars and restaurants hidden along cobbled streets. Must go restaurants include city newcomer Geisha and opulent dining at Merchants.

In keeping with the Lace Market’s unique feel, the Pitcher and Piano pub - a converted church – is to be found alongside contemporary bars and eateries including the leather clad Living Room and quirky Brass Monkey.

The cutting edge of style still beats at the heart of Nottingham in and around the Lace Market area. Home of internationally-renowned designer Paul Smith and with streets packed with boutique and original stores, Nottingham is still capital for fashion long after the lace knitting machines shut down