Nottingham has a long history of underground dwellings and caves right under the heart of the city centre. The cave systems have changed over the years especially with the arrivals of the railways and city centre buildings but evidence of their former use is still able to be seen. As of 2018, more than 800 caves have been documented. None of the caves are natural, they have all been cut in to the sandstone ridge.
The caves have had their share of controversy over the years; in 1845 the St Mary’s Inclosure Act banned the renting of cellars and caves for homes for the poor and in the 1960s there was public uproar when the Broadmarsh shopping centre was being built and there were proposals to fill the caves with concrete.
Some of the caves are currently open to visitors as City of Caves from their new entrance on Garner’s Hill.
City of Caves
The cave complex under Nottingham is extensive and sprawling but a small area has been excavated and is now open to the public. The first part of the caves includes a tour, I think this is usually an audio tour but we were lucky enough to have Gareth take us round. If you do get Gareth as your tour guide then you are in for a real treat as he really brings the history of the caves to life and hams up the disgusting history.
The tour takes you through several periods of history when the caves have had different uses, everything from cesspits, beer storage and tanneries to bomb shelters. Nearly all the stories involve some kind of poo or bodily fluids.
The guided part of the tour ends around World War Two and then you are free to explore the remaining area at your own pace including some of the housing that was abandoned to make way for the railway.
Tickets
Tickets are available online from the City of Caves website where you can also buy a combination ticket for a visit to the National Justice Museum. In quieter periods you can probably buy tickets on the day but as space is limited underground booking in advance is advisable.
Accessibility
Unfortunately due to being a cave system that is hundreds of years old it is not suitable for wheelchair users or those with limited mobility. The ground is uneven and there are steps down to the caves from the entrance. For other access requirements and carers tickets you can contact the Caves directly.
Parking
There is no parking on site. The nearest public car park is either Stoney Street multi-storey or the Lace Market.
Facilities
There is a small shop at the caves selling souvenirs. There are no toilets on site but you can use the toilets at the national Justice Museum or Art Gallery, both are a 5 minute walk away. Refreshments are also available at both.
Top tips
The caves are underground (obviously) so can be quite chilly, if you feel the cold then a jumper or jacket would be a good idea.
The flooring of the cave is uneven so sensible shoes are also a good idea.
We visited in August 2023 when Pip was 11.
Go everywhere, Do everything 