Nottingham

Most people when they think of Nottingham first think of Robin Hood, the Sheriff of Nottingham and Nottingham Castle. Well, there is an official "Robin Hood" who along with his Maid Marion and sometimes Friar Tuck or Little John can be seen wandering through town, meeting and greeting people in full outfit, sword and bow and arrows included. He's the 'official' Robin Hood; paid by the town council. There is still an official ceremonial Sheriff of Nottingham role. Most of past recent ones have been women.

What Nottingham is probably best known for, is its caves. Due to the soft, easy to carve, rock beneath the whole city, Nottingham has the most man-made caves underneath any city in the world. Many are quite ancient, and now unsafe, and have sparked rumour and theories about occult and esoteric origins. In reality, most were used as workshops, storage and ideal beer cellars. Many older pubs in the town still have caves as their beer cellar because of its ideal conditions.

Due to the compact nature of its city centre, Nottingham has an excellent selection of pubs and restaurants within a five-minute walk from the central city market space. Nottingham has a convenient tram system and is known for its exceptional shopping choices for a city of this size.

If in doubt stop in the Rohan shop, only a minute from the centre, and ask the staff for a recommendation. Rachel's the resident expert on the best place for good cocktails, Minka is well up on Nottingham's alternative scene, and Iain, well he likes his beer and food.