Chinese Bell Tower, Nottingham Arboretum
A striking Victorian war memorial blending Chinese architectural elegance with Nottingham’s rich imperial history in the heart of the Arboretum.
The Chinese Bell Tower in Nottingham's Arboretum is a historic octagonal pagoda built in 1862 as a war memorial. Designed by Marriott Ogle Tarbotton, it commemorates the 59th Regiment's role in the Crimean and Anglo-Chinese Wars. The tower originally housed a bronze bell looted from a temple in Canton during the Second Opium War. Set within Nottingham's oldest public park, the tower blends Victorian military history with distinctive Chinese architectural influences.
A brief summary to Chinese Bell Tower
- 14 Mansfield Grove, Nottingham, NG1 4GQ, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 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 in spring to see the beautiful cherry blossoms around the tower.
- Bring a camera to capture the intricate details of the pagoda’s architecture.
- Explore the surrounding Arboretum park for a peaceful walk among historic trees.
- Look for the replica bell inside the tower, a reminder of the original bell taken during the Opium War.
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 36 from Nottingham city center towards Sherwood; alight at the Arboretum stop near Mansfield Grove. The journey takes approximately 15–20 minutes. Buses run every 10–15 minutes on weekdays. A single fare costs around £2.50.
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Walking
From Nottingham Castle, walk approximately 1.2 km to the Chinese Bell Tower through urban streets and park paths. The walk takes about 15–20 minutes on flat terrain, suitable for most visitors.
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Taxi or Rideshare
A taxi or rideshare from Nottingham city center to the Chinese Bell Tower takes about 5–10 minutes depending on traffic. Typical fare ranges from £6 to £10.
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 Military Legacy
The Chinese Bell Tower, also known as the Chinese Pagoda, stands as a unique war memorial within Nottingham's Arboretum, the city's oldest public park. Designed in 1857 by civil engineer Marriott Ogle Tarbotton and completed in 1862, the octagonal structure commemorates the 59th Regiment of Foot’s involvement in two significant 19th-century conflicts: the Crimean War and the Anglo-Chinese (Opium) Wars. The tower's construction reflects Victorian England’s imperial pride and the era's fascination with Eastern aesthetics.Architectural Features and Design
This distinctive pagoda rises on a raised rectangular platform of pink sandstone, featuring traceried brackets, round columns, and a pointed spire inspired by traditional Chinese design. At each corner of the platform stands a cannon—two original pieces captured during the 1854–55 Siege of Sebastopol in the Crimean War, and two replicas made locally to balance the monument’s symmetry. The structure’s octagonal cupola and intricate detailing create a striking visual contrast to the surrounding English parkland.The Story of the Bell
Central to the tower’s story is the large bronze bell that once hung inside. This bell was taken from a Joss house (Chinese temple) near the east gate of Canton (modern Guangzhou) during the Second Opium War by the 59th Regiment in December 1859. Inscribed in Chinese, the bell was presented to Nottingham as a trophy of empire and symbol of military victory. It remained suspended in the pagoda until 1955, after which it was moved to the regimental museum in Preston. Today, a replica bell hangs in its place, preserving the historical narrative.Setting Within Nottingham Arboretum
The Chinese Bell Tower is nestled in the Arboretum, a 17-acre green space opened in 1852 following the 1845 Nottingham Inclosure Act. The park was designed in a naturalist style with winding paths, sweeping lawns, and over 800 specimen trees, some dating back to the original 19th-century plantings. The Arboretum’s layout and many of its features remain largely unchanged, earning it a Grade II listing on the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens. The tower is one of nine Grade II listed structures within the park, contributing to Nottingham’s Victorian heritage.Cultural and Historical Significance
More than a decorative landmark, the Chinese Bell Tower embodies complex layers of history—military valor, imperial conquest, and cross-cultural exchange. It stands as a reminder of Britain's 19th-century global reach and the mingling of Eastern and Western influences in public memorials. The juxtaposition of Chinese architectural motifs with British military artifacts invites reflection on the era’s geopolitical dynamics and commemorative practices.Visitor Experience and Surroundings
Visitors to the Chinese Bell Tower can appreciate its serene setting amid the Arboretum’s tranquil greenery, enhanced by seasonal blooms such as cherry blossoms in spring. The tower’s intricate design and historical plaques offer insights into its past, while the surrounding park provides a peaceful retreat with walking trails and diverse tree species. The site is a favored spot for photography, cultural exploration, and quiet contemplation within Nottingham’s urban landscape.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Relaxing
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
- Myth & Legends
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
