Overview:
Nottingham is a city that has very strong ties with Robin Hood and his merry men and gain reputation and recognition through the industrial revolution from lace making and bicycle industries. The city offers a lot of entertainment that can cater for all budgets and needs. The activity centres’s based in and around the city are well capable of offering a large mixture of experiences. The city is rich in culture and architecture with building that are still in use within the city dating back to the 11,000’s. This culture combined with the two inner city universities creates a contrasting party town that makes for a great location to host your stag do.
Getting Around:
Travel is easy on Nottingham's bus and tram system and there are plenty of park-and-ride stations, making travel to the city centre a breeze. An all-day Kangaroo ticket gives access to any Nottingham bus, tram or train for only £3.40.
Must See/Must Do
• Visit the Robin Hood statue at Nottingham Castle
• Take the Original Nottingham Ghost Walk tour
• Grab a pint at 800-year-old Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem Inn
• Practice your best Robin Hood archery – and a bunch of other outdoor pursuits – at Adrenaline Jungle in Sherwood Forest.
• Attend the annual Goose Fair – the first weekend in October.
• Explore the myriad tunnels of Nottingham caves
• Catch a one-dayer or 20/20 at Trent Bridge cricket grounds
History and Culture:
While Nottingham may be synonymous with Robin Hood, his Merry Men, Maid Marian and the evil Sheriff, there's a fair bit more to the city – though these medieval myths attract a sizable chunk of tourism from abroad. Nottingham made its fortune post-industrial revolution in the Victorian textile and lace industries. A slump in production after World War II led to hard times, but the city now thrives as the headquarters of Boots and a hub of pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors. As tourism becomes a larger part of Nottingham's economy, museums trading on its history and legends have begun popping up. A worthwhile – but particularly tourist-trappy – stop would be the Brewhouse Yard Museum based within five 17th Century cottages at the base of the rock of Nottingham Castle. Nottingham's annual Goose Fair has been running for 700 years and is one of the largest and most prestigious in the country. Nottingham is also interestingly the location for the UK’s first hooters bar, which is obviously popular with Stag groups looking for some good food and even better views.
Nightlife:
Market Square pubs tend to be packed with a younger, student-y crowd, so avoid the area if you're looking for a more sophisticated set and stick to the trendy Lace Market for upscale bars and restaurants. Nottingham has a big club scene, hosting a number of bigger clubs like Social – sister to the famous London club. It also has an active underground music scene – for drum 'n' bass, dubstep and the like seek out clubs in Hockley. For the stag do’s that want a little risqué a good venue for lap dancing is Flirtz. For the mainstream clubbers Oceana is always a venue that can’t go wrong.
Eating & Drinking
Nottingham city is packed with over 300 eateries so you will be spoilt for choice. The hard-to-find Alley Cafe is worth seeking out for vegetarian and vegan dishes accompanied by a DJ. The Cock & Hoop is a well-respected gastropub in the Lace Market area, or grab pre-theatre grub at Punchinello's brasserie.