The Chinese Bell Tower in Nottingham Arboretum
A Victorian pagoda war memorial in Nottingham Arboretum, blending British military history with Chinese cultural symbolism.
The Chinese Bell Tower, located in Nottingham's historic Arboretum, is a striking octagonal pagoda built in 1862 as a war memorial. Designed by Marriott Ogle Tarbotton, it commemorates the 59th Regiment’s involvement in the Crimean War and the Anglo-Chinese Wars, featuring replica cannons and a bell originally looted from a temple in Canton. Set within Nottingham’s oldest public park, the tower blends Victorian heritage with cultural symbolism.
A brief summary to Chinese Bell Tower
- 14 Mansfield Grove, Nottingham, NG1 4GQ, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the intricate architectural details and surrounding greenery.
- Combine your visit with a walk around Nottingham Arboretum to explore its historic trees and other listed monuments.
- Look for the replica bell in the tower and learn about the original bell’s history and its relocation.
- Bring a camera for picturesque shots of the pagoda framed by the lush park landscape.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Bus
Take Nottingham City Transport buses 35 or 56 from the city center to the Arboretum area; journey times range from 15 to 25 minutes. Services run frequently during the day, with tickets costing around £2.50 for a single fare.
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Tram
Use the Nottingham Express Transit tram to the Royal Centre stop, then walk approximately 15 minutes through the city streets to Nottingham Arboretum. Trams run every 7-10 minutes, with single tickets costing about £2.40.
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Taxi
A taxi from Nottingham city center to the Arboretum takes around 10 minutes, depending on traffic. Expect fares between £7 and £12. Taxis provide direct and accessible transport but may be subject to peak time surcharges.
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Walking
From Nottingham city center, a walk to the Arboretum takes approximately 25 to 30 minutes along mostly flat, paved urban streets. The route is suitable for most fitness levels and accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.
Chinese Bell Tower location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Chinese Bell Tower
A Symbol of Victorian Commemoration and Cultural Exchange
The Chinese Bell Tower stands as a unique monument within Nottingham Arboretum, designed in 1857 by Marriott Ogle Tarbotton and completed in 1862. This octagonal pagoda-style structure was erected to commemorate two significant military campaigns involving the 59th Nottinghamshire Regiment: the siege of Sebastopol during the Crimean War (1853–1856) and the Anglo-Chinese Wars (1857–1861), also known as the Opium Wars. The tower’s design reflects Victorian fascination with exotic architectural styles, blending British military history with Chinese cultural elements.Architectural Features and Historical Artifacts
Constructed on a rectangular pink sandstone platform, the tower is adorned with replica Crimean War cannons at each corner, balancing the monument’s visual and symbolic weight. The original bell, reputedly made of steel and silver and taken from a temple in Canton during the Anglo-Chinese Wars, once hung in the tower but was relocated in 1956 to the Regiment’s museum in Preston. Today, a faithful replica bell occupies its place, continuing the tower’s role as a tangible link to Nottingham’s military past and global history.Setting Within Nottingham’s Arboretum
The tower is situated in Nottingham Arboretum, the city’s first public park, opened in 1852 following the Nottingham Inclosure Act of 1845. The park was designed as a green refuge for relaxation, education, and socializing, featuring over 800 trees of 65 species and winding paths laid out in a naturalist style. The Arboretum itself is Grade II listed for its historic and botanical significance, with the Chinese Bell Tower recognized as one of nine Grade II listed structures within the park, underscoring its importance in Nottingham’s Victorian heritage.The Arboretum’s Legacy and the Tower’s Role Today
The Arboretum’s creation was part of a visionary effort to provide urban green space amid industrial expansion, promoting health and wellbeing. The Chinese Bell Tower adds a layer of historical narrative to this landscape, symbolizing both military valor and the complexities of British imperial history. As a landmark, it invites reflection on cultural encounters and the lasting impact of 19th-century conflicts.Visitor Experience and Cultural Significance
Visitors to the tower can appreciate its distinctive architecture and the surrounding tranquil park environment. The juxtaposition of the pagoda’s Eastern-inspired design with the British military memorial context offers a thought-provoking cultural experience. The tower’s presence enriches the Arboretum’s heritage trail, providing a focal point for exploring Nottingham’s layered history and its connections to global events.Preservation and Educational Value
Maintained as part of the Arboretum’s historic fabric, the Chinese Bell Tower is a protected structure that continues to educate and inspire. It stands as a testament to Victorian design ingenuity and Nottingham’s role in broader historical narratives, making it a valuable resource for heritage education and cultural tourism.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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