Robin Hood is set to storm the gates of Nottingham Castle to celebrate the official reopening. The heritage attraction suddenly shut its doors seven months ago after going into liquidation.
But visitors can join the legendary outlaw and his merry band to be part of the historic moment when the gates swing open once again on Monday June 26. A special one-off ticket costing £1 is available by booking in advance or residents can use the new £12 'pay once visit all year round ticket'.
Robin Hood will lead children from a local school in Nottingham through the gates shortly before 10am with the Sheriff of Nottingham and city representatives in attendance. The Nottingham Castle Trust, which had been running the venue since its £31 million revamp, went into liquidation in November 2022. The city council was handed the historical site back by liquidators for the trust.
Leave your messages of condolence for the three people who lost their lives in the tragic Nottingham attacks here.
It will be the first time visitors have been allowed inside the castle this year although the grounds were opened up for big screen showings of the King's Coronation and concert and European Song Contest in May.
It's just over two years ago since the castle reopened following redevelopment, with a new visitor centre and cafe at the entrance, a Hood’s Hideout adventure playground in the dry moat, as well as interpretative signage around the grounds to discover the site of the lost medieval castle. Inside the the galleries offer modern, interactive experiences, including the Robin Hood Adventures and Rebellion Galleries and redesigned galleries for permanent collections of local art, crafts, and collections, alongside temporary or touring exhibitions.
This time around the Nottingham Castle will launch a new temporary gallery and experiences, not yet seen by visitors within the building since its redevelopment. It includes the newly reinvigorated Brewhouse Yard that showcases life of Nottingham through the ages from the 1500s to 1900s.
As part of the 75th anniversary of Windrush Day, the launch of ‘70 Objeks & Tings,’ brought to one of the museum’s temporary galleries by Museumand (The National Caribbean Heritage Museum) working with Nottingham City Museums, will be available to the end of October. There will also be a series of artist commissions and interventions on display around the museum, by Jemisha Maadhavji and Tim Fowler.
Visitors joining Nottingham Castle for its official opening can pre-book a £1 ticket in advance, on a first-come, first-served basis. Visitors will need to use their ticket to enter Nottingham Castle between 10am and 12pm and can stay all day. Booking in advance is available here at nottinghamcastle.org.uk/official-reopening
Nottingham City Council’s portfolio holder for leisure, culture and planning, Coun Pavlos Kotsonis, said: “It’s fantastic that the day is coming soon for the castle gates to reopen to the public. It took a lot of effort, but we are proud to have delivered on our promise to reopen in June. I am delighted that the people of Nottingham will have the opportunity to access the whole castle site including Brewhouse Yard for just £1 as part of its opening.
“We have had great feedback from visitors so far that are excited about the breadth of the site available as part of the all-year-round standard admission ticket, which I believe offers exceptional value for visitors, near and far.”
"Peter Knott, Midlands Area Director for Arts Council England, said: “We’re pleased that Nottingham Castle will soon be reopening its doors to visitors – it’s a great asset to the city and a place for people to celebrate the rich history and creativity of Nottingham.
“This much-loved visitor attraction is home to important museum collections, great art and unique historic buildings, and we look forward to it reopening with Nottingham City Council at the helm.”
Robyn Llewellyn, Director, England, Midlands & East at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “Having supported the restoration and conservation of this very important historic site, we are looking forward to seeing Nottingham City Council re-open the gates to the Castle in June. We are heartened that visitors can enjoy this important beacon of the region’s rich cultural heritage once more.”
The council will continue to offer two cave tours – Mortimer’s Hole and King David’s Dungeon – at £5 per person – throughout the summer. The new Land Train will operate at weekends and during the peak holiday season. The council will develop a programme of events, exhibitions, gallery talks and school visits, and offer the site for events such as weddings and corporate functions.
Family issue update after man left in critical condition in van attack in Nottingham
Opening date announced for new pub and restaurant with a twist
Nottinghamshire historic hidden gems named among the best in the UK
Inside the Nottingham hospital kitchen feeding thousands of patients every day
