Would you say that 300,000 peeps can all be wrong? No we wouldn’t either because that’s how many overseas visitors Nottingham or ‘Nottnum’ (as it’s pronounced by the locals) welcomes each year. Combine that with the gargantuan number of hen and stag groups descending on Nottingham and you have……., well you have a very big number of people coming to visit this fair city! So what is it about this midget gem of middle England?

Nottingham’s name is synonymous with the legend of Robin Hood, however it is also famous for much more than the arrow toting hero and his band of merry men; Nottingham was famously the first UK city to embrace the new drinking laws which extended the opening hours for its bars and clubs, meaning you can party longer and harder on your hen weekend. It is also widely known although maybe not remembered by some who have visited that Nottingham has the highest number of licensed premises in the country – a party lover’s paradise we say!

Due to its central location Nottingham is also a great location for your party weekend if your group are scattered all over the UK. Nottingham wears it ‘party city’ badge with honour and justification, it’s diverse and eclectic mix of nightlife means that there is something to suit everyone; from a relaxed pint in a traditional English pub to a glass of wine on the terrace of a cosmopolitan café. With more than 300 places to eat and drink in Nottingham city centre alone, it’s got enough cafes, bars and restaurants to satisfy even the most discerning of diners.

Nottingham loves to shop! Having consistently been ranked as one of the UK’s leading retail centres, the city has earned an enviable reputation for excellent shopping facilities – particularly for fashion. And Nottingham’s compact city centre means that, unlike London, Birmingham or Manchester, all shops are within convenient walking distance! The retail diversity is another strength – from independent boutiques and specialist shops in the cosmopolitan Hockley area to a roll-call of all the major high street names

On your Nottingham Hen Weekend of mischief and mayhem you may decide that you want to step away from the usual hen party trail and delve into many of its other sights and attractions;

The Caves

Discover a hidden world beneath your feet underneath the streets of Nottingham; enjoy a memorable tour of the labyrinth of sandstone caves and secret passageways on actor-led tours or wander through at your own pace with a fantastic audio tour.

Galleries of Justice Museum

Based at Nottingham’s old courthouse and gaol, there are many ways to explore the Galleries of Justice Museum, with free exhibitions, audio & performance led tours and a themed café.  Whatever you choose to do, you will be delving in to the dark and disturbing past of crime and punishment. 

Nottingham Ghost Walk

Welcome, fellow spirit, and join a supernatural stroll revealing the ghostly secrets of this ancient city of Nottingham! In the shadow of the Castle, in a graveyard, and underground in the living rock, a web of chilling tales are weaved, Nottingham’s ghosts all await you.

Nottingham Castle

Historic site at the heart of the Robin Hood legend and starting point for the English Civil War. Situated on a high rock, Nottingham Castle commands spectacular views over the city and once rivalled the great castles of Windsor and the Tower of London. Its history is chequered with murders and intrigue – better than an episode of Eastender’s any day!

Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem

Reputedly the oldest pub/inn in England. Set in a series of old caves at the foot of Nottingham Castle the pub is unique.  As well as being an attraction in its own right, it also offers great beer and food. Watch out for the ‘Pregnancy Chair’!

National Ice Centre

Gold Medal Olympic Legends and now mentors for Dancing on Ice; Torvill and Dean both hail from Nottingham so why not swap the Jimmy Choos for ice skates and bolero your way around the ice!

Must Have pictures for the Hen Do Memory Book from your Nottingham Hen Weekend:

Robin Hood Statue

Old Market Square

The Left Lion

Some Local Lingo:

Local Lingo – A ‘up me Duck

Pronounced - Ayyup miduk

Translation - Hello

A random fact about Nottingham to finish up: HP Sauce was invented in Nottingham  - where would a bacon butty be without a drizzling of HP Sauce eh!

As you can see, there are plenty of places to visit on your hen weekend in Nottingham - don't forget the places to have your photo taken and also try to blend in with some of the local lingo!  If you need more information about Nottingham, speak to our Party Experts on 01159415282.

Author : Jo Marland

Party Organiser at UKGirlThing

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