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In a busy city like Nottingham, it's easy to become consumed with our phones whilst rushing along the pavement to get to work. But we say - STOP! Stop looking down and look up! You are missing some fabulous sites which you probably didn’t even realise were there.
Nottingham has a vast history of amazing architecture and art installations, both old and new, so we have pulled together 10 locations across the city for you to explore which will hopefully have you saying – “I’ve never seen that before”. So, why not walk in to work or take a stroll on your lunch break, grab your family and friends and head into the city one weekend to make a day of it. You won’t be disappointed.
First up, Theatre Royal
Situated on Theatre Square is the Theatre Royal itself. Built in 1865, its one of the UK’s finest examples of Victorian architecture and stands proudly at the top of Market Street as you walk up from Nottingham’s Old Market Square. It’s a beautiful building to look up at and admire.
Cock & Hoop
Situated on High Pavement is the Cock & Hoop pub, a Victorian drinking establishment which dates to 1833 and links internally with the Lace Market Hotel. The best way to view this building and enjoy its true beauty is by standing
across the road and looking up at the woodwork and herringbone brick wall frontage. It really does have that Wow Factor.
Broadway
Sitting big and proud on Broad Street is the Broadway Cinema. With its glass frontage it really stands out and invites you inside. Next to the cinema is an equally impressive site! On the left-hand side as you stand and look at the cinema is the exterior artwork which adorns the wall to the side of the cinema. Created by local graffiti artists, you’ll spot something new every time you walk past.
Nottingham Playhouse
Tucked away on Wellington Circus just behind Maid Marian Way is Nottingham Playhouse. Outside in the courtyard you will find the Sky Mirror, a 6-metre-wide concave dish of polished stainless steel angled up towards the sky. Once said to be “capable of barbecuing birds in its path” we can assure you no birds have been barbecued since it was installed in 2001.
Shoppers Sculpture
Standing at the top of Chapel Quarter is the easily missed bronze sculpture by Richard Perry depicting shoppers in the city going about their day. Should you be heading into for a spot of lunch or shopping with friends from the North of the city, this makes for a handy meeting place to wait as people rush by to catch their bus or head down into Old Market Square.
The Exchange
Situated behind the Council House is The Exchange shopping arcade. Inside The Exchange you will find high street names either side of a beautiful boulevard which leads down to a large open space. Its when you get to the middle of this space that you need to look up and marvel at the glass dome. Surrounded by beautiful artwork and stone arches, it really is a hidden gem just meters away from the hustle and bustle of the streets just meters away.
Fothergill Buildings
One of the largest Watson Fothergill buildings in the city sits on the corner of King and Queen Street just off Old Market Square. The beautiful red brick medieval façade which greets you as you turn the corner off Smithy Row really can take your breath away as you look up as the amazing detail. This building is one of many that Watson Fothergill put his fingerprints on between 1841 and 1928.
And there you have it, 10 locations across the city to get you putting your phone down and looking up instead. So, what you waiting for? Get those comfy shoes on and get yourself out there.
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