Nottingham is the undisputed capital of the East Midlands. It is the 9th largest travel-to-work area in England with a population of 260,000 and 3 million people within an hour's drive. It is also the fastest growing major city in the UK in terms of job creation (RICS Foundation).

Nottingham is close to the centre of England at the heart of the East Midlands. It is approximately 120 miles from London and 50 miles north of Birmingham.

History is never far away however, with reminders of Nottingham's legendary hero Robin Hood and his historic adversary the Sheriff of Nottingham. The Sheriff of Nottingham along with the Lord Mayor of Nottingham is elected annually from city councillors and still has an important role in 21st century civic life, working alongside the Lord Mayor to represent the city.

Among Nottingham's important historical sites and features are its unique labyrinth of caves under the city, the splendid mansion that is now Nottingham Castle Museum and Art Gallery, with, close by, the spot where Charles I raised his standard to begin the English Civil War, and Wollaton Hall, one of the most ornate Tudor buildings in Britain, with its 500-acre deer park. They all have stories to tell about Nottingham's colourful past and the city's place in the history of this country.

The city of Nottingham has a notorious past, from ancient underground caves and famous lace industry, to the turbulent and dramatic history of the castle with its links to monarchs and legends. From the legend of the infamous outlaw Robin Hood to the adventurous Pilgrim Fathers, from the passionate verse of Lord Byron to the working-class heroes of DH Lawrence, Nottinghamshire is proud of its contribution to world heritage.

The origins of Nottingham have been shrouded in mystery for centuries. In 1820, a prominent historian concluded that “perhaps there is no other town in the kingdom whose origin is hid in greater obscurity than Nottingham”. However, Neolithic, Iron Age and Bronze Age artefacts have all been discovered in the River Trent and the city’s remarkable series of caves are believed to date back to the medieval period.

Many centuries on, Nottingham was granted city status by Queen Victoria and this once small fortified town finally came of age. As a county, Nottinghamshire is steeped in heritage, taking pride in its rich and varied history. The English Civil War began in Nottingham when Charles I raised his standard here in 1642 and also ended in the county, in Newark. Interesting attractions remain, such as the Queen’s Sconce, which is an original civil war fortification.