Old Market Square, Nottingham Travel Guide

Old Market Square has served as the beating heart of Nottingham for over 800 years. Originally established in the 11th century as neutral ground between the Norman and Anglo-Saxon settlements, it evolved into the city’s main marketplace and civic centre. The square’s historic significance is underscored by its long-standing role hosting the Nottingham Goose Fair until 1928 and serving as a site for key public events, protests, and celebrations throughout the centuries.

The eastern end of the square is dominated by Nottingham’s Council House, a striking Neo-Baroque building completed in 1929. Its classical Florentine dome and imposing portico lend a grand civic presence. Surrounding the square are a mix of listed historic buildings and post-war developments, forming the Old Market Square Conservation Area. The square itself is paved with granite and features terraces, flowerbeds, and a central water feature spanning 4,400 square metres with illuminated fountains and waterfalls, which create a lively focal point especially during warmer months.

Old Market Square is a dynamic venue for a wide array of events throughout the year. The Christmas Winter Wonderland is a major seasonal draw, attracting nearly a million visitors with festive markets and an ice rink. In summer, the square transforms with the Riviera Beach event, bringing imported sand and paddling pools to create a city-centre seaside atmosphere. Additionally, the square hosts farmers’ markets, cultural celebrations like St George’s Day and May Day, concerts, and public demonstrations, making it a versatile hub of community life.

The square is a popular meeting place for locals and visitors alike, offering ample seating on granite terraces and spaces to relax or socialize. Historic pubs such as the Bell Inn, one of the oldest in Nottingham, add to the square’s character and charm. The presence of the Left Lion statue outside the Council House is a beloved local landmark. The square’s accessibility is enhanced by adjacent tram stops and bus routes, ensuring it remains a bustling urban heart.

The 2007 regeneration of Old Market Square was widely acclaimed, earning multiple architectural and civic awards for its design excellence and public realm improvements. The project successfully balanced preserving the square’s historic character with modern functionality, creating a safe, attractive, and versatile space that supports Nottingham’s cultural and social vitality.

Today, Old Market Square stands as a testament to Nottingham’s rich history and evolving urban life. Whether attending a festival, enjoying the fountains, or simply soaking in the atmosphere, visitors experience a lively yet historic space that remains central to the city’s identity and community spirit.