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Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem: Nottingham’s Historic Cave-Backed Pub

Step into Nottingham’s legendary cave-backed pub, where medieval history meets welcoming warmth beneath the shadow of the castle.

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Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem in Nottingham is a Grade II listed pub famed for its claim as one of England’s oldest, dating back to 1189. Built into sandstone caves beneath Nottingham Castle, it offers a unique medieval atmosphere with historic brewhouse origins. The pub’s name reflects its role as a resting place for crusaders journeying to Jerusalem, and its ancient caves, historic architecture, and intriguing artifacts create an atmospheric experience blending history and hospitality.

A brief summary to Ye Olde Trip To Jerusalem

  • Brewhouse Yard, 1, Nottingham, NG1 6AD, GB
  • +441159473171
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 1 to 2.5 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Indoor
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
  • Monday 11 am-11 pm
  • Tuesday 11 am-11 pm
  • Wednesday 11 am-11 pm
  • Thursday 11 am-11 pm
  • Friday 11 am-11 pm
  • Saturday 11 am-11 pm
  • Sunday 11 am-11 pm

Local tips

  • Try the classic fish and chips, a hearty and filling dish that complements the historic setting perfectly.
  • Explore the cave rooms at the back of the pub to experience the unique medieval atmosphere carved into the sandstone.
  • Look out for the "cursed galleon" model ship and the "pregnancy chair," two fascinating artifacts steeped in local legend.
  • Visit during quieter weekday hours to enjoy a more tranquil experience away from the weekend crowds.
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Ye Olde Trip To Jerusalem location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Rain / Wet Weather
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

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A Legendary Heritage Rooted in Medieval Times

Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem stands as one of England’s most storied pubs, with a legendary founding date of 1189 AD, the year King Richard the Lionheart ascended the throne and called for the Third Crusade. While documentary evidence for this exact date is absent, the pub’s caves were archaeologically confirmed as the brewhouse for Nottingham Castle, dating back to the medieval period. The earliest parts of the existing structure date from the 17th century, with the first recorded use as a public house in 1760 under landlord William Marriott. The name "Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem" first appeared in 1799, evolving from its previous name, "The Pilgrim," reflecting its historic role as a resting spot or "trip" for crusaders and pilgrims on their journey to the Holy Land.

Architectural and Geological Uniqueness

The pub is uniquely built into the sandstone cliffs of Castle Rock, with several rooms and cellars carved directly from the rock face. These caves, originally part of the castle’s brewhouse, offer an atmospheric setting unlike any typical pub. The timber-framed sections that jut out from the cliff date from the mid-1600s, although extensive remodeling occurred in the 18th and 19th centuries. Visitors can explore intimate cave rooms that evoke a medieval ambiance, with low ceilings and rugged stone walls that tell stories of centuries past.

Intriguing Artifacts and Local Legends

Inside, the pub houses fascinating historical curiosities such as a small wooden model ship known as the "cursed galleon," reputedly linked to mysterious deaths of those who cleaned it, and the "pregnancy chair," believed to increase fertility for women who sat in it. These artifacts enrich the pub’s folklore and add to its charm. The pub’s connection to local legends, including ties to Robin Hood’s Nottingham, further deepens its cultural significance.

A Living Piece of Nottingham’s Social Fabric

Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem remains a vibrant part of Nottingham’s city centre, situated just below Nottingham Castle and minutes from the main rail station. It continues to serve hearty traditional fare and ales in a setting steeped in history. The pub’s atmosphere combines the warmth of a welcoming local with the mystique of its ancient origins, drawing visitors eager to soak in its unique blend of hospitality and heritage.

Preservation and Recognition

Designated a Grade II listed building, Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem is protected for its architectural and historic importance. Its preservation ensures that the medieval caves and historic timber structures endure as a tangible link to Nottingham’s past. This status highlights the pub’s value not only as a social venue but also as a cultural landmark within the city.

Experiencing the Oldest Inn

Stepping inside Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem is like entering a time capsule where history and legend merge. From the sandstone caves to the centuries-old beams, every corner invites reflection on the passage of time. Whether enjoying a traditional fish and chips or simply soaking up the atmosphere, visitors partake in a centuries-old tradition of hospitality that continues to thrive beneath Nottingham Castle.

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