Moving to Nottingham

Nottingham is famous for its links with the Robin Hood legend, its lace-making and its bicycle industries.

Moving to Nottingham from within Europe is usually by road and from further afield usually by sea, with more urgent items coming by air freight. Further details of the various shipping options can be viewed in our shipping guidance.

History

The origins of Nottingham stretch back to Anglo-Saxon times when it was probably an administrative centre of the kingdom of Mercia. The first bridge over the River Trent is thought to have been constructed around the year 920. In the 1086 Domesday Book it was known as ‘Snotingham’. A castle was built on a sandstone outcrop by the river and the settlement developed into the Borough of Nottingham.

During the industrial revolution Nottingham’s prosperity was founded on the textile industry, and in particular on lace-making. Other businesses founded in the Nottingham in the nineteenth century include the Raleigh Bicycle company and Boots the Chemist.

Nottingham officially became a city as part of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations of Queen Victoria in 1897. With such a long history the city boasts a variety of architectural styles, with buildings dating back to the 1100s. Its annual Goose Fair is still one of the biggest fairs in the country.

Attractions

The complex of caves beneath Nottingham were carved out of the soft sandstone to provide shelter and sanctuary to the inhabitants. The oldest dates back to 1250. The system grew to house tanning works and is today a major tourist attraction. Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem Inn, which claims to be the oldest pub in Britain, is partly built into the cave system below the castle.

Nottingham has many other attractions, such as the Industrial Museum, the Transport Heritage Centre, the Galleries of Justice, Green’s Windmill and the New Art Exchange, all of which offer an insight into the area’s history and culture.

Sherwood Forest, an area of woodland and heathland stretching over 30 miles from Nottingham to Worksop, was established as a royal hunting preserve in the tenth century. Forever associated with the legend of Robin Hood, the area has become fragmented over time, but glimpses into how this mighty forest may once have appeared can still be had at Sherwood Forest National Nature Reserve and Sherwood Pines Forest Park.

Amenities and Entertainment

Theatre-goers will enjoy the Nottingham Playhouse, the Theatre Royal, the Nottingham Royal Concert hall and the city’s many smaller theatres. The city is also home to the GameCity annual videogame festival.

The compact city centre, pedestrianised streets and tram system make it easy to get around the many tempting shopping centres, high-end arcades and Derby Road with its boutique shops. Nottingham is recognised nationally for the quality of its restaurants and bars, serving food and drink from around the world in places as diverse as a Michelin-starred fine-dining restaurant to bars serving authentic South American food. All manner of beverages from craft beers to the finest wines to suit every taste are available.

For sport-lovers Trent Bridge, the home ground of Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club, is a major international Test cricket venue, having hosted its first Test match in 1899. The city boasts two professional football clubs, Notts County and Nottingham Forest. Both teams have a long and distinguished history: Notts County is the oldest professional football club in the world, while Nottingham Forest have twice won the prestigious European Cup.

Transport

It’s central location means that Nottingham has excellent air, rail and road links.

  • Rail services from Nottingham bring London within easy reach: London St Pancras is one hour and forty minutes away. The Nottingham Express Transit is a light-rail system that operates trams within the city
  • Nottingham is close to the M1 motorway giving access into London to the south and to Sheffield and Leeds to the north.
  • East Midland Airport is 12 miles away and is served by low-cost international airlines. Robin Hood Airport at Doncaster is nearby and Birmingham Airport is an hour’s drive away.

Whether you are moving to Nottingham as a newcomer or returning from abroad, Atlantic International Movers in conjunction with our service partners around the world can move your belongings to the UK quickly, safely and securely.

Contact us for more information or give us a call on Freephone: 0800 169 3061 or International calls: +44 (0) 1707 648 556.