Mortimer’s Hole at Brewhouse Yard Museum, Nottingham
Explore Nottingham’s hidden underground passage and historic cottages at Brewhouse Yard Museum, where centuries of city life and industry come alive.
Mortimer’s Hole is the historic underground passageway emerging at Brewhouse Yard Museum, nestled beneath Nottingham Castle. This atmospheric site features five 17th-century cottages and man-made sandstone caves that reveal over 300 years of Nottingham’s social and industrial history, from medieval maltings to wartime shelters. The museum offers immersive exhibits on local textile trades and daily life, set within a charming garden of native and historic plants.
A brief summary to Mortimer’s hole
- Brewhouse Yard Museum (Stop LE43, Nottingham, NG7 1FT, GB
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Budget
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit on weekends or bank holidays when the museum is open, as it is closed on most weekdays.
- Wear sturdy footwear to navigate the uneven floors of the sandstone caves safely.
- Allow about an hour to fully explore the cottages and underground passage.
- Check for special school holiday opening times if visiting outside normal weekend hours.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Bus
Take Nottingham City Transport buses 36 or 37 from the city center to Castle Boulevard, stopping near Brewhouse Yard. The journey takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes. Buses run frequently during the day with a single fare around £2.50.
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Tram
Use the Nottingham Express Transit tram to Nottingham Castle stop, then walk about 5 minutes downhill to Brewhouse Yard Museum. Trams run every 7-10 minutes, with tickets costing about £2.40 for a single journey.
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Taxi
A taxi from Nottingham city center to Brewhouse Yard takes roughly 5 to 10 minutes depending on traffic. Expect to pay between £6 and £10. Taxis offer direct, accessible transport but may be subject to peak-time surcharges.
Mortimer’s hole location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Mortimer’s hole
A Subterranean Gateway to Nottingham’s Past
Mortimer’s Hole is a fascinating historic underground passageway that connects Nottingham Castle to Brewhouse Yard. This concealed route emerges at the Museum of Nottingham Life, housed within five atmospheric 17th-century cottages. The passage and surrounding caves were carved from the region’s porous sandstone, serving various purposes over centuries—from medieval maltings and tanneries to World War II air raid shelters. This subterranean feature offers a rare glimpse into Nottingham’s layered urban evolution and defensive history.Life in the 17th-Century Cottages
The museum’s cottages, dating from the 1670s, once formed part of a larger cluster integral to Nottingham’s brewing, framework knitting, and dyeing industries. Visitors explore recreated domestic and work environments reflecting the lives of families connected to the textile trade, such as the Wildboare dyers and the Elliott family, known for their secret black dye recipe. Exhibits include a Victorian schoolroom, a 1920s shop window, and a traditional wartime kitchen, offering vivid insights into everyday life across centuries.Man-Made Caves and Industrial Heritage
Beneath the cottages lie extensive man-made caves carved into sandstone, accessible at ground level. These caves historically supported local industries and community needs, including maltings, tanneries, and air raid shelters during wartime. Their uneven floors and natural geology create an authentic experience of Nottingham’s underground heritage, revealing how the city’s residents adapted to their environment and industrial demands.Brewhouse Yard Gardens and Botanical Legacy
Surrounding the museum is a landscaped garden featuring native British trees and plants historically grown in cottage gardens. The garden includes culinary and medicinal herbs with detailed labels explaining their traditional uses, as well as roses dating back to the 6th century. Some plants were transplanted from historic estates like Strelley Hall, enriching the site’s connection to Nottingham’s horticultural traditions.Preserving a Unique Urban Landmark
The Museum of Nottingham Life at Brewhouse Yard was established in 1977 after restoration of the dilapidated cottages by Nottingham City Council. It preserves an important chapter of Nottingham’s social and industrial history, showcasing the resilience and ingenuity of its working-class communities. The museum’s location beneath the imposing silhouette of Nottingham Castle adds dramatic context to this hidden gem, offering visitors an intimate encounter with the city’s past.Visitor Experience and Accessibility
While compact, the museum provides a rich, immersive experience suitable for history enthusiasts and families alike. The multi-level cottages and uneven cave floors may present accessibility challenges. The museum is open primarily on weekends and bank holidays, with extended hours during school holidays. Visitors can conclude their visit at the museum shop, which offers historical books, souvenirs, and locally themed gifts.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Statue of Captain Albert Ball
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St Nic's Church
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King Charles I Standard Hill Monument
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St Peter's Church, Nottingham
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Right Lion
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The Tokenhouse
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Weekday Cross Monument
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The Left Lion
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Citylife UK
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Speakers' Corner
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Cathedral Hall
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Scale Space Nottingham
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St Barnabas Cathedral Nottingham
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King's Walk sign
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The Hockley Arts Club
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Discover Nottingham's vibrant cocktail culture at The Hockley Arts Club, where artistry meets exceptional mixology in a stylish bar setting.
Unmissable attractions to see
Museum of Nottingham Life
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Explore 300 years of Nottingham’s social history beneath historic 17th-century cottages and intriguing sandstone caves.
The Original Nottingham Ghost Walk
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Step into Nottingham’s haunted past with The Original Nottingham Ghost Walk, starting at the legendary Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem pub.
Ye Olde Trip To Jerusalem
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Tucked beneath Nottingham Castle, this legendary pub claims to be England’s oldest inn, with cave-like rooms, centuries of history, and a famously cursed galleon.
Nottingham Castle
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Explore Nottingham Castle’s rich history, underground caves, and vibrant museums atop a scenic hill overlooking Nottingham’s cityscape.
Robin Hood Statue
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Iconic bronze statue of Robin Hood beside Nottingham Castle, celebrating the legendary outlaw and Nottingham’s rich folklore heritage.
Cliff of Nottingham Castle
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A dramatic sandstone cliff crowned by castle ruins, offering panoramic city views and a journey into Nottingham’s medieval and rebellious past.
Nottingham Castle Visitors Centre
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Gateway to Nottingham Castle’s rich history, interactive galleries, cave tours, and family-friendly adventures in the heart of the city.
White Rose Nottingham Outlet
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Leeds’ vibrant shopping and entertainment hub with over 120 stores, an IMAX cinema, and family-friendly outdoor play area.
Hopkinson
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A quirky blend of antiques, vintage treasures, and artisan café culture near Nottingham train station.
Bell Inn
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Step into Nottingham’s oldest pub where 15th-century beams, historic caves, and traditional ales create an unforgettable medieval atmosphere in the city’s heart.
Flying Horse Walk
0.5 km
Discover Nottingham’s elegant boutique arcade blending historic charm with artisanal shops and cozy cafes in a tranquil city-centre setting.
Old Mkt Sq
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Nottingham’s historic Old Market Square: a vibrant civic heart blending medieval roots with modern urban life and lively events.
City of Caves
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Explore Nottingham’s hidden underground world: medieval tanneries, wartime shelters and centuries of history carved into sandstone beneath the city streets.
Inspired
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Old Market Square
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Essential places to dine
Fothergills
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World Service Restaurant
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Elegant Modern European dining in Nottingham’s historic Newdigate House, blending ambitious cuisine with warm, attentive service.
The Castle - Pub and Kitchen
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Historic Nottingham gastropub offering hearty British dishes, craft ales, and a warm atmosphere next to Nottingham Castle.
The Cumin Restaurant
0.3 km
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The Roundhouse Bar & Kitchen
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Hart's Hotel and Kitchen
0.4 km
Stylish boutique hotel with contemporary comfort and acclaimed dining, set steps from Nottingham Castle in a peaceful city centre courtyard.
Chino Latino
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Savor vibrant Pan-Asian and Latino fusion dishes in a sleek, metropolitan setting at Nottingham’s award-winning Chino Latino.
MemSaab
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Experience award-winning Indian fine dining in Nottingham with MemSaab’s exquisite flavors and elegant ambiance on Maid Marian Way.
No.Twelve
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Experience the best of vegan dining at No.Twelve in Nottingham - where creativity meets sustainability for unforgettable meals.
Calcutta Club
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Zaap Thai Street Food
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Browns Nottingham
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Las Iguanas - Nottingham
0.6 km
Experience the vibrant flavors and festive spirit of Latin America in Nottingham’s lively Chapel Quarter at Las Iguanas.
Restaurant Bar Gigi
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Kushi-ya
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Discover Nottingham’s hidden gem for authentic Japanese kushiyaki skewers and inventive small plates in a stylish, modern setting.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Common Choice
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Curated fashion finds on Nottingham's historic Standard Hill—unique clothing blending trends, quality, and local flair for effortless style.
ChicChoiceHub
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Discover Eastern elegance on Nottingham's historic Standard Hill at ChicChoiceHub, where oriental treasures meet Civil War legacy in a treasure trove of Asian artistry and crafts.
Shop Zero
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Nottingham’s zero-waste shop championing sustainable living with refillables, reusable goods, and community-driven eco-consciousness.
OH DUCK IT
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Dive into duck-tastic humor and Nottingham dialect delights at this cheeky gift shop, where quirky souvenirs and local crafts quack up the city's shopping scene.
Lulu Brandy Vintage
0.5 km
Discover timeless style and sustainable fashion at Lulu Brandy Vintage, Nottingham’s premier vintage clothing boutique.
Vivienne Westwood
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Discover bold British fashion and iconic accessories at Vivienne Westwood’s Nottingham boutique in historic Flying Horse Walk.
Garms Nottingham
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Discover unique vintage streetwear and stylish outerwear at Garms Nottingham, a vibrant boutique nestled in the historic heart of Bridlesmith Gate.
Stick & Ribbon
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Discover curated women’s fashion with a personal, sustainable touch in Nottingham’s historic Bridlesmith Gate.
Relic x Hooked Nottingham
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Discover eclectic vintage fashion and unique style treasures in Nottingham’s edgy and vibrant Relic x Hooked store.
18montrose
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Discover premium streetwear and designer fashion at 18montrose, nestled in Nottingham’s historic Bridlesmith Gate shopping district.
White Stuff Nottingham
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A cheerful, independent-feel clothing store on Nottingham’s main shopping street, offering relaxed British style for women, men and children.
Castle Marina Retail Park
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Nottingham's go-to retail park for home essentials, pet supplies, and coffee breaks, with free parking and canal-side convenience.
The Bead Shop (Nottingham) Limited
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A vibrant independent bead and craft shop in Nottingham’s historic Market Street, offering expert workshops and a vast range of jewellery-making supplies.
White Rose Nottingham WR6
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Tutu urban boutique
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Crafty Crow
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Ye Olde Salutation Inn
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Canalhouse
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The Bierkeller Nottingham
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Malt Cross
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O'Neill's Market Square Nottingham
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Pepper Rocks
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Coco Tang -Cocktail Bar
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Slug & Lettuce - Market Square Nottingham
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The Blind Rabbit
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Cucamara
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Billy Bootleggers Nottingham (formerly Percy Picklebackers)
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400 Rabbits
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Pitcher & Piano Nottingham
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Experience vibrant social life in a stunning Gothic church setting with creative cocktails and hearty British classics in Nottingham’s Lace Market.
All Bar One Nottingham
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Sophisticated wine bar in Nottingham's Weekday Cross, perfect for after-work unwinds, bottomless brunches, and vibrant evenings with global wines and sharing plates.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Ocean Nightclub
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ICON
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Tunnel Club
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Popworld - Nottingham
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A neon-soaked, singalong pop-club in Nottingham city centre — colourful cocktails, nostalgic anthems and compact dancefloor energy.
The Cell
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Dive into Nottingham's pulsing heart at The Cell, where affordable drinks, diverse beats, and Hockley's electric vibe fuel unforgettable nights of dance and discovery.
VIBES NIGHTLIFE
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Dive into Nottingham's pulsating party hub where weekend beats, neon lights, and vibrant crowds fuel epic nights until 2am—pure vibes unleashed.
Tantra Night Clubs
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Dive into Nottingham's electric nightlife at Tantra Night Clubs, where pulsating beats, dazzling lights, and stylish vibes create unforgettable nights of dance and discovery in the city center.
The Bodega Nottingham
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CRISIS
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Rock City
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Experience Nottingham’s iconic live music and nightclub venue, where legendary acts and vibrant club nights come alive in an intimate, energetic setting.
Rescue Rooms
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Nottingham's intimate live music powerhouse: raw gigs, electric crowds, and beats till 3am in a historic nook.
Unit 13
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Dive into Nottingham's underground bassline haven at Unit 13, where industrial beats and stellar DJs fuel unforgettable warehouse raves.
Love zoo
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Dive into Nottingham's electrifying beats at Love Zoo, where house rhythms, dazzling lights, and cocktail-fueled nights create pure nightlife magic on Weekday Cross.
Stealth
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Nottingham's drum and bass dynamo: world-ranked beats, epic nights, and unrelenting energy since 2004 in the heart of Goldsmith Street.
Revolution Nottingham - Hockley
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Discover the lively Revolution Nottingham - Hockley, where craft cocktails and delicious food create unforgettable moments in a chic atmosphere.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Historic
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
