The city of Espoo is sending me to a Chinese language teachers' conference to Nottingham in early July. There won't be much time for sightseeing but I'd like to see the castle. Any other places worth visiting, which are within an easy reach? The conference will be held at the University of Nottingham and as Espoo is booking my hotels, I don't know where the hotel will be, as of yet. Also any good traditional ale houses or breweries? SteveG, where do Robin and the sheriff hang around? I will only be there for three nights and two (and a half) days. Depending on the train schedule to London.
Quite interesting and maybe scary, too, as this will be my first nights in England north of Islington.
arcadianagain wrote:Am I right in thinking England`s oldest pub is in Nottingham, something to do with Jerusalem?
Yes, The Trip to Jerusalem has a history going back to 1189 and is built into the castle rock, I was in it about two months ago! Nottingham has a huge real ale scene, I'll post some links later when I can get on a proper computer.
Here you are BG, this link has a map with some of the better pubs in the city centre: http://www.experiencenottinghamshire.co ... 0Final.pdf
The "Vat and Fiddle" (it's near the HQ of the Inland Revenue!), is the home pub of Castle Rock which is the most succesful local real ale brewery.
"The Trip to Jerusalem" isn't on that map as it's run by a rival brewery but it's easy to find as it's below the castle.
Another fine old pub is "The Bell" in the square which dates back to 1437: http://www.bellinnnottingham.co.uk/
Got my tickets yesterday. Flying to Manchester and then will take the train to Nottingham. Three nights there and then train to London (need to update my Arsenal gear , maybe Alexis No. 7 shirt as my Arsenal Finland fan club membership number is 7). Any suggestions for a good bookshop in London concerning books about East- and South-east Asia?
There have always been a few specialist bookshops / galleries opposite the main entrance to the British Museum. Many years ago, when working at Red Lion Sq. I used to wander across there and wonder! Found a couple on the net (basically same store, two locations, two criteria):