Nottingham has a far from tarnished past, its origins have been masked in mystery for hundreds of years. Relics from the Neolithic, Iron and Bronze Ages have been found in the River Trent and the city’s caves are thought to be from medieval times. Nottingham has a lot that appeals to visitors, come to view these spectacular ancient underground caves, find out more about its lace industry and discover the drama of the castle and its myths.

The caves underneath the city are well worth a visit as many of them have actually been cut out of the local sandstone by hand during medieval times. They have served a number of purposes, including for storage, used by the tanning industries and as a place to take refuge during the World War II bombing raids.

Built in 1824 the Workhouse was founded as a revolutionary 'welfare' system. Based at the Workhouse at Southwell and Nottingham’s Galleries of Justice, it offers a peep into British social history. Find out how hundreds of 19th century paupers lived in terrible conditions when faced with having to make the choice to send themselves and their family to the ruthless environments of the workhouse, and the enforced separation from their husbands, wives and children it involved.

To find out the fascinating story of the Pilgrim Fathers, begin at the Pilgrim Fathers Exhibition in the Museum at Worksop before heading down the Mayflower Trail through the Nottinghamshire countryside and stopping off to visit the Pilgrim villages and churches. The Trail is a circular tour linking the historic sites associated with the principal players in the Pilgrim Fathers story, a voyage started over 400 years ago.

If you want to escape from the frenzy of the city then head out to the village of Laxton, preserving the medieval traditions of open field farming it’s still farmed by a medieval system whereupon each farmer is assigned separate ‘strips’ in the open or common fields by a manor court. The local visitor centre gives out a lot of information on how it all works and it makes for an interesting visit. 
The visitor centre at Edwinstowe in Sherwood Forest is great fun whether you are an adult or a child, as you live the legend of the merry band and their romantic leader. Learn how Nottinghamshire's countryside provided Robin Hood and co. with places to live, hide, and seek adventure and the adventures they had with the Sheriff of Nottingham.

For culture Nottingham is a match for any city and a destination that can offer avant-garde art, theatre, music and dance. The British Art Show 7 is due to open in October 2010 over three venues, Nottingham Contemporary, New Art Exchange, and Nottingham Castle Museum. The museum at Nottingham Castle is host to traditional and contemporary collections including artworks by revered old masters such as Turner to modern idol Andy Warhol.

Nottingham Playhouse is infamous for pushing the limits in theatre, performing arts, dance and drama. The Richard Alston Dance Company and the Gob Squad and comedian Jimmy Car are just some of the shows that have featured here.  Pay a visit to the theatre’s forecourt to see the Sky Mirror sculpture by Turner Prize-winning artist Anish Kapoor. The Theatre Royal frequently features first-rate acts and concerts and the Royal Concert Hall presents classical orchestra and opera.

There are plenty of festivals happening in a city this size too, especially in the summer months. Check out the NOW Festival offering inspirational acts, theatre, dance, visual and live art and music at different venues around the city.