Around Nottingham’s Lace Market in 10 minutes

It’s the historic heart of Nottingham, where people go to meet one another and find their way towards the shops, bars and restaurants that line its streets. The Lace Market is as good a focal point as any for a trip around the city centre, but what makes this particular part of Nottingham so interesting?

Well, we’re about to give you a whistle-stop tour of all the sights and attractions in and around the Lace Market, from old buildings to unique shops and bars. Once we’re done, you can get exploring without having to stray too far.

The Galleries of Justice Museum

Also known as the Shire Hall, this quirky independent museum has, like much of the Lace Market, been renovated whilst retaining its look. Here, you can learn all about the museum’s history as Nottingham’s law courts and gallows, as well as the history of criminal justice in general.

St Mary’s Church

Less than a couple of minutes from the museum, this impressive church has stood in Nottingham for around six centuries, acting as more than just an ordinary place of worship. Receiving a Grade I listing, its soaring steeple and recently installed paving will help to calm the senses and get an idea of its importance to this part of the city.

Lace Market Theatre

Most days, this small, independent theatre gives space to amateur and up-and-coming playwrights, actors and companies for their productions. It’s one of the best places to seek out new and interesting plays, while the building itself is one of the most visually interesting in the Lace Market area, its cozy little auditorium being the most intriguing of all.

The Pelican Club

A small Italian restaurant on St Mary’s Place, The Pelican Club also happens to be a lively jazz venue, where you can order a cocktail while listening to a sax solo! There are usually a few performances throughout the week, while it tends to have a laid-back atmosphere that is welcome after a long day of sightseeing.

Broadway

A winding pedestrian street that connects both sides of the Lace Market, it’s home to a few of the nightclubs ad bars in the area. The ornate windows of Broadway’s buildings, coupled with the vivid red brickwork will take you back to a time when the Lace Market was brimming with lace traders from all over the world.

High Pavement

One of the trickier streets to navigate in this part of town, High Pavement is also home to St Mary’s Church, the Justice Galleries and, at the western end, Nottingham Contemporary, a modern art gallery and cafe. You’ll get a sense of what the Lace Market is all about, all whilst knowing that there’s more to Nottingham than the Old Market Square.