A Complete Guide to Nottingham’s Lace Market: History, Architecture & Must-See Spots

Last Updated on 6th January 2026 by Charlotte Nadeau

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Nestled in the heart of Nottingham, the Lace Market is one of the city’s most iconic districts. Famous for its historic architecture, cobbled streets, and vibrant cultural scene, it’s a must-visit spot when visiting the Robin Hood Country. In this guide, we’ll take you through the history, best things to do, as well as some of the top spots to visit when exploring Nottingham’s Lace Market. Here’s your ultimate guide on how to visit!

Brief History

The Lace Market is one of the oldest parts of Nottingham, with evidence of settlement dating back to the 5th and 6th centuries. While the area has ancient roots, it was during the 19th-century lace industry boom that it truly took shape, as Nottingham became a global centre for lace manufacturing.

Many of the Victorian warehouses and industrial buildings that define the district today were built during this period, originally housing the lace factories that gave the area its name.

Walking through Lace Market today feels like stepping back in time. However, many of the buildings have now been completely converted into apartments, offices, galleries, and boutique shops, blending history with everyday modern life.

Things to do in the Lace Market

Visit the church of St Mary’s

The church of St Mary’s dates all the way back to the Saxon times; it was first mentioned in the Domesday Book in 1086. Found in the heart of the Lace Market district, it stands as the oldest parish church and the largest medieval building, and is one of only five Grade I listed buildings in the City of Nottingham.

It is a magnificent example of Gothic architecture, featuring stunning bronze doors designed by architect Henry Wilson, which contain 10 panels depicting scenes from the New Testament. Other prominent features of the church include its towering spire, which is reputed to be the fifth-tallest parish church spire in the country, and the beautiful stained glass windows.

St Mary’s Church also allegedly has a link to Robin Hood. The story goes that Robin Hood came to the church to confess his sins, but the monk he spoke to recognised him and called the Sheriff. The Sheriff arrived with many of his men, several of whom Hood killed, before he was eventually arrested and held in a building that once stood on the site of today’s Nottingham Contemporary.

The church itself is free to visit, though donations are always welcome, and it’s generally best to avoid visiting during service times (unless visiting for a prayer service yourself).

The War Memorial

Residing beside St Mary’s Church is the County War Memorial. Erected after the First World War, it commemorates the local men and women of Nottinghamshire who lost their lives, serving as a lasting tribute to their sacrifice and remembrance.

Today, the memorial largely remains a focal point for Remembrance Day services and a quiet reflection, honouring the lives and stories of the people to whom the memorial is dedicated to.

The Justice Museum

Situated on High Pavement in Lace Market is Nottingham’s National Justice Museum, an independent museum with a focus on telling the story of justice through time. The museum itself is fittingly housed within a former Victorian courtroom, prison, and police station.

Thanks to its unique location, you can actually wander around a Victorian courtroom and Georgian gaol (jail) and cells that date back hundreds of years – making the overall experience very immersive. Especially considering the historic site is the very place where people were arrested, tried, sentenced, and executed.

Formerly known as the “Galleries of Justice,” it was decidedly renamed to reflect its broader focus on the entire justice system, educating people about their rights and responsibilities within the system.

General admission to the museum costs £15, and the museum is open daily from 10 am to 4 pm. There are a few free exhibitions on the lower level entrance if you want to have a taste for what there is to see. This way you can decide whether paying for a full visit would be something you’re interested in.

Drink and dine at Pitcher and Piano

One of my favourite spots in Nottingham, located within the historic Lace Market, is Pitcher & Piano – a modern chain bar housed in a Grade II-listed church. This striking setting makes it a beautiful place to enjoy a hot drink or a bite to eat, all the while admiring the stunning stained-glass windows and high, vaulted ceilings.

The church itself was first built in 1805, with its Gothic facade and towers added a little time later. The building was then repurposed and used as a Lace Museum sometime in the 1980s, until 1998 when the popular pub chain took over the site.

Pitcher & Piano’s name derives from the fact that it was designed to bridge the gap between traditional pubs and formal wine bars (making a space supposedly suited to both men and women), reflecting the idea of relaxed socialising: sharing pitchers of drinks alongside soft background music, and creating a comfortable, welcoming atmosphere.

Admire the architecture

One of the best things to do while wandering around Nottingham’s Lace Market is simply to marvel at its architecture. This historic district is packed with well-preserved examples of 19th-century industrial buildings, protected heritage sites, and a wealth of expressive architectural details that reflect the character of the era.

One of the most notable buildings to marvel at is the Adams Building on Stoney Street. This is the largest building in the Lace Market and was previously a significant Victorian lace warehouse and showroom for Adams & Page, a major lace company. Today, the building is Grade II listed and forms part of the Nottingham College campus.

See art at Nottingham Contemporary

Nottingham Contemporary is one of the largest contemporary art galleries in the UK and a major cultural landmark within the Lace Market area. Opened in 2009, the gallery hosts a diverse programme of exhibitions, performances, and events showcasing leading international and contemporary artists.

What makes the gallery particularly unique is its location. Indeed, the gallery describes its site as “the oldest in the city”, as it sits on the remains of a former Saxon fort, which is believed to have been established in the 6th century.

Entry to the gallery is free, though they do rely on donations for the upkeep and running of the art space; while some exhibitions throughout the year may require a ticket. The gallery is open every day from 10 am to 5 pm, except on Mondays when it’s closed.

City of Caves

Many visitors don’t realise that Nottingham is nicknamed the ‘City of Caves’, thanks to the city’s extensive network of over 900 man-made caves beneath its streets. The soft sandstone ridge on which the city is built was perfect for carving out beer cellars, tanning workshops, malting grain, public toilets (cesspits)…and even homes for the poor!

This is one of the most unique attractions of the city, and certainly offers some of the best in-person insight into Nottingham’s history. The entrance to the City of Caves is currently at the bottom of the Garner’s Hill Steps next to Nottingham Contemporary, and an adult general admission costs £11. It’s primarily a guided tour only, so be sure to book your slot in advance – you can do so here.

Go shopping

The Lace Market district is home to some independent boutique-style shops, so one of the best things to do while exploring the area is to peruse the treasures and vintage finds on offer. However, it is worth noting that many of the independent shops have sadly closed over the last year or so, That Weird Shop, Garms and Wild Clothing, to name a few.

Here are some of the best shops in the Lace Market:

Handmade in Nottingham – This shop champions local makers and sells a wide variety of quirky gifts, prints, stationery, and crafts, ideal if searching for a unique gift!

Void Clothing – Selling alternative clothing, footwear and accessories since 1982, this is the spot for retro, fun and vintage finds.

The Tokenhouse – This quirky gift shop has been a family-run business for over 45 years. Here you can get unique finds, independent designs, and treasures for every occasion.

Where to stay in Nottingham

Nottingham is known for being an affordable city to stay in. From budget-friendly hotels to charming boutique stays, there’s something for every traveller. Here are a few popular places to consider (based on web-reviews):

Budget: Igloo Hybrid – A mixed-gender rooms hostel which is a minute walk from Old Market Square and around 6 minutes walk from Nottingham Castle. This capsule-style sleeping hostel offers basic rooms (private ones are available too) at budget-friendly prices without compromising on the location. Check prices and availability here.

Hart’s Hotel – This 4-star upscale boutique hotel is a 6-minute walk from Nottingham Castle, and beautifully decorated in contemporary decor (boasting Egyptian cotton sheets), it’s a reasonable enough price per night and has a small garden for guests to relax in. Check prices and availability here.

Colwick Hall Hotel – Stay on the outskirts of Nottingham in a Georgian country house mansion, just a 15-minute drive from the city centre. Offering a feel of luxury, some rooms have 4-poster beds and a fire place and all the rooms have period furnishings and fittings. Check prices and availability here.

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