Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem

England’s Oldest Inn?

Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem proudly claims to have been established in 1189, the year Richard the Lionheart set off on the Third Crusade. While documentary proof of that exact date is lacking, the pub’s deep connection to Nottingham Castle’s medieval history is undeniable. The building rests against Castle Rock, and its rear rooms are carved directly into the soft sandstone cliff, originally serving as a brewhouse for the castle. These caves, along with the pub’s timber-framed structure, give it a genuinely ancient feel, even if the oldest surviving parts of the building date from the 17th century. The name itself is steeped in legend: ‘Trip’ refers to a stop on a journey, and the inn is said to have been a resting place for pilgrims and crusaders heading to Jerusalem. Locals often shorten it to ‘the Trip’, a nickname that’s been used for generations.

A Pub That Feels Like a Museum

Walking into Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem is like stepping into a cross between a traditional English pub and a small, eccentric museum. The interior is a maze of low-ceilinged bars, snug corners, and cave-like chambers, each filled with curiosities. Among the most famous is the ‘cursed galleon’, a model wooden ship said to bring misfortune to anyone who cleans it; it now sits protected behind glass. Another oddity is the ‘pregnancy chair’, an old seat once believed to increase a woman’s chances of conceiving. The walls are lined with historic artefacts, old photographs, and quirky memorabilia that reflect Nottingham’s long and sometimes bloody past. The atmosphere is warm and slightly mysterious, with flickering firelight, wooden beams, and the constant hum of conversation adding to the sense of stepping back in time.

Beneath the Pub: Caves and Castle History

The real magic lies underground. Beneath the pub, a network of sandstone caves extends deep into the rock, once used to store ale and as part of the castle’s brewhouse. These cellars also housed part of the Castle Gaol, including a condemned cell with a very low ceiling and tiny air holes. Just outside, the ‘Gaoler’s Chair’ is carved directly from the rock, a silent witness to centuries of imprisonment. The caves are a reminder of Nottingham’s hidden underground world, where hundreds of man-made chambers once served everything from breweries to dungeons. At the Trip, these spaces are not just preserved but actively part of the pub’s character, with some areas still used for storage and others open for visitors to explore.

A Place for Pints and Pilgrims

Today, Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem remains a thriving pub, serving traditional ales, ciders, and hearty pub fare in a setting that’s hard to match. The Rock Bar is a popular spot for meals, while the various lounges and nooks offer cosy corners for a quiet drink. In warmer months, the large beer garden provides a more open space to enjoy the surroundings with views of the castle. The pub is also a starting point for several Nottingham walking tours, including the Original Nottingham Ghost Walk, which begins here on Saturday evenings. Whether you’re a history buff, a fan of old pubs, or simply looking for a memorable place to eat and drink, the Trip offers a uniquely atmospheric experience that captures the spirit of medieval Nottingham.