What's on in Nottinghamshire this Spring 2019

From outdoor activities to more obscure one-off events, take a look at what’s going on in Nottinghamshire this Spring.

There’s something truly invigorating and energising about Spring. From the extended sunlit hours, to the young and blooming wildlife- Springtime is charming.

Whatever you love the most about this time of year, Nottinghamshire is wonderful to visit in March and April.

Why? Because Nottinghamshire has lots to offer. Whether you are holidaying for Easter half-term with the children or looking to indulge in a couple’s weekend break away, Nottinghamshire has a rich variety of activities and attractions.

The county prides itself on its cultural richness. And there is never a better time to experience the region’s culture than during Spring.

The perfect opportunity to put together your individual holiday itinerary...

1) Cave City: Nottingham Underground Festival

Take your pick from a jam-packed programme of events from Friday 5th to Tuesday 9th April.

Just as it gets lighter outside, grab the opportunity to go exploring in the dark…

The Nottingham Underground Festival is certainly an experience to indulge in that you won’t find elsewhere.

Did you know? There are over 800 caves below the streets of Nottingham. 500 of which make up the “City of Caves”, and all of them date back to the Dark Ages.

The Nottingham Underground Festival is an opportunity to discover more about the historical caves. The five-day festival will be made up of interesting experiences, talks, tours and activities.

One of the highlights is the “Peel Street Cave Tours” that are the largest cave system in Nottingham and have not been open to the public for a number of years. The Peel Street Cave system is also known as the “Mammoth Cave” and dates back to 1780-1810.It is nicknamed the Mammoth Cave because it is so large and almost like a labyrinth in shape.

The tours last about one hour following a 20-minute safety briefing. Scott Lomax, Nottingham’s Archaeologist, will be taking the tours and providing intriguing information throughout. A hard hat and torch will be provided.

Another highlight of the festival is a visit to Rock Cemetery Catacombs, the cave beneath the church cemetery. Enter if you dare!

And on a lighter note, you can also try out Cave Yoga and take a trip to the Cave Cinema, if you'd like to watch films in a very different environment.

We’re not sure how relaxing Cave Yoga would be though...

All in all, the Nottingham Underground Festival has something for everyone to take part and enjoy. Whether you are visiting as a family, a group, couple or individual.

2) St Patrick’s Day 2019 in Nottingham

Sunday 17th March

It may come as a surprise to learn that Nottingham is a hub for a St Patrick’s Day celebration.

Nottingham provides the largest party in the whole of the East Midlands- and this year marks its 20th year.

An event that is well worth a visit, expect Irish music, drinking stout and a vibrant parade. It is a fantastic opportunity to discover the area’s bustling Irish community.

3) ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 Trophy Tour

Tuesday 23rd April

This summer's ICC Cricket World Cup will be attended by England, as well as nine other nations. It's to be held in England and Wales. And even more exciting? Five of the games will be hosted at Trent Bridge Cricket Ground in Nottinghamshire - including England vs. Pakistan on Monday 3rd June.

The ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 Trophy Tour lets fans tour the grounds and capture a photograph with the trophy before it’s handed to the winning team.

And if you’re hoping to watch any more of the season’s matches, here is a list of those being hosted at Trent Bridge that are part of the ICC Cricket World Cup:

• Friday 31st May: Windies v Pakistan
• Monday 3rd June: England v Pakistan
• Thursday 6th June: Australia v Windies
• Thursday 13th June: India v New Zealand  
• Thursday 20th June: Australia v Bangladesh

4) St George’s Day 2019 in Nottingham

Tuesday 23rd April

From donning your team’s colours at the cricket ground to celebrating the most English of all sports, we told you a Springtime trip to Nottingham would be entertaining!

For non-cricket fans wanting to revel in all things English this Spring, St George’s Day 2019 is celebrated in Nottingham with a parade led by a dressed-up “St George”, following a route from Pelham Street to Old Market Square.

For patriotic visitors to Nottingham or cricket fans there's something for everyone.

5) Nottingham Poetry Festival 2019

For fans of a more cultural persuasion, Nottingham's Poetry Festival 2019 takes place from 26th April - 5th May.

This year marks the fourth Nottingham Poetry Festival and, as always, welcomes a number of inspirational poets.

The event takes place across various locations in Nottingham and lasts 10 days.

Expect national and local poets as well as a variety of poetic performances. From traditional readings to poetry slam competitions, there will be a poetic style reading to suit all tastes.

A highlight of the festival will be a performance from Georgina Wilding, Nottingham’s first crowned Young Poet Laureate.

The festival has recently been offered National Lottery Funding from Arts Council England (ACE) which means we’re expecting it to be the best to date.

Book a Springtime stay at Ye Olde Bell

Now you’ve added your holiday items to your agenda, why not book your stay at Ye Olde Bell?

A springtime break at Ye Olde Bell Hotel & Spa will leave you relaxed and rejuvenated in time for the start of summer.

Imagine looking out on a bright Spring morning surrounded by the magnificent countryside of Barnby Moor…

Beautiful

We look forward to welcoming you this Spring to Ye Olde Bell.