Speakers' Corner, Nottingham
Nottingham’s vibrant Speakers' Corner offers a historic platform for free speech, lively debates, and community connection in the heart of the city.
Speakers' Corner in Nottingham is a historic landmark located on King Street, embodying the spirit of free speech and public discourse. Officially opened in 2009, it serves as a vibrant platform where locals and visitors engage in lively debates and discussions on a wide range of topics. Set in a welcoming urban space near Nottingham’s Old Market Square, it offers a unique cultural experience blending history, community, and contemporary dialogue.
A brief summary to Speakers' Corner
- King St, Nottingham, NG1 2AS, GB
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit on weekends to experience the most active and diverse range of speakers.
- Bring a picnic to enjoy in the nearby park area after engaging with the speakers.
- Arrive early to secure a good spot for listening and viewing the discussions.
- Check local event listings for special themed talks or community gatherings.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Bus
Take Nottingham city buses number 1 or 3 towards the city centre. From Old Market Square, it is a 10-minute walk along King Street to Speakers' Corner. Bus fares are approximately £2.00 per single journey, with frequent service throughout the day.
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Walking
From The Lace Market district, enjoy a 5 to 10-minute walk along King Street to reach Speakers' Corner. The terrain is flat and suitable for most visitors, with accessible pavements.
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Tram
Use Nottingham’s tram network to reach the city centre tram stops near Old Market Square. From there, Speakers' Corner is a short 10-minute walk. Tram tickets cost around £2.00 for a single journey.
Speakers' Corner 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 Speakers' Corner
A Hub of Free Speech and Community Engagement
Speakers' Corner in Nottingham stands as a dedicated space for free public speech and open debate, officially inaugurated in 2009 by Jack Straw, then UK Justice Secretary. Situated at the junction of King Street and Queen Street, this landmark continues the tradition of Speakers' Corners that originated in London’s Hyde Park, providing a platform for individuals to express diverse opinions on politics, social issues, and more. It reflects Nottingham’s commitment to democratic dialogue and community involvement.Historical Roots and Cultural Significance
While Speakers' Corner Nottingham is relatively modern compared to its London counterpart, it carries the legacy of a long-standing British tradition of public oratory and protest. The site includes a new statue of Brian Clough, a celebrated football manager symbolizing local pride and rivalry. This space not only honors free speech but also serves as a cultural landmark where history and contemporary civic life intersect, allowing citizens to voice their thoughts in a public forum.The Atmosphere and Visitor Experience
Visitors to Speakers' Corner can expect a lively and engaging atmosphere where passionate speakers gather to share ideas. The surrounding urban setting near Nottingham’s Old Market Square provides a pleasant backdrop with nearby amenities and excellent public transport connections. The area invites visitors to listen, reflect, and even participate in discussions, making it a dynamic social space that captures the city’s vibrant spirit.Community Events and Ongoing Traditions
Beyond spontaneous speeches, Speakers' Corner often hosts themed discussions and special events that draw diverse crowds. It acts as a focal point for community gatherings, activism, and cultural expression. The tradition encourages respectful dialogue and the exchange of ideas, fostering a sense of civic responsibility and engagement among Nottingham’s residents and visitors alike.Accessibility and Surroundings
Located within easy reach of Nottingham’s city centre, Speakers' Corner benefits from excellent bus and tram services, making it accessible for most travelers. The surrounding Lace Market district offers additional attractions, eateries, and historical sites, enriching the overall visit. The space itself is open at all hours, welcoming those who seek to experience or contribute to public discourse in a safe and supportive environment.Symbolism and Modern Relevance
Speakers' Corner in Nottingham symbolizes the enduring importance of free speech in democratic societies. It stands as a reminder that public dialogue is essential for social progress and community cohesion. In an age of digital communication, this physical space preserves the tradition of face-to-face debate and the power of spoken word, continuing to inspire those who value open expression and active citizenship.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Speakers' Corner
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Nottingham’s vibrant Speakers' Corner offers a historic platform for free speech, lively debates, and community connection in the heart of the city.
The Left Lion
0.1 km
Meet Nottingham’s iconic Left Lion, a historic stone sentinel and beloved city landmark at the heart of Old Market Square.
Right Lion
0.1 km
Discover Nottingham’s iconic Right Lion, a historic stone sculpture and beloved meeting point near the Council House in Old Market Square.
King's Walk sign
0.1 km
A pedestrianised passage where Georgian elegance meets contemporary commerce in Nottingham's historic heart.
St Peter's Church, Nottingham
0.2 km
A medieval sanctuary and historic gem in Nottingham’s city centre, blending centuries of architecture and community spirit.
The Tokenhouse
0.2 km
Explore The Tokenhouse in Nottingham for unique gifts and heartfelt treasures that capture the essence of the city.
Watson Fothergill's Office
0.3 km
Explore the vibrant Gothic Revival office of Watson Fothergill, Nottingham’s iconic Victorian architect, showcasing intricate brickwork and historic homage.
Citylife UK
0.3 km
Explore Nottingham with Citylife UK, your trusted travel agency for personalized experiences and local insights.
The Hockley Arts Club
0.3 km
Discover Nottingham's vibrant cocktail culture at The Hockley Arts Club, where artistry meets exceptional mixology in a stylish bar setting.
Scale Space Nottingham
0.4 km
Experience collaboration and innovation at Scale Space Nottingham, the premier co-working space in the heart of the city, perfect for entrepreneurs and remote workers.
Victoria Station Clock Tower
0.4 km
A towering 100-foot clock tower preserving the grandeur and history of Nottingham's lost Victoria railway station.
Weekday Cross Monument
0.4 km
Historic heart of Nottingham’s medieval market life, commemorating centuries of trade and community gatherings in the Lace Market district.
The Belgrave Rooms
0.4 km
Discover The Belgrave Rooms, Nottingham's premier venue for conferences and weddings, blending elegance and modern amenities for unforgettable events.
St Nic's Church
0.4 km
Medieval survivor rebuilt from Civil War ashes, standing as Nottingham's testament to faith and resilience.
16 Stoney Street
0.4 km
Discover 16 Stoney Street, a preserved Victorian lace warehouse in Nottingham’s historic Lace Market, echoing the city’s rich industrial heritage.
Unmissable attractions to see
Nottingham Council House
0.1 km
Historic Edwardian elegance in Nottingham's heart—where nine versatile rooms create unforgettable celebrations.
Old Market Square
0.1 km
Discover the bustling heart of Nottingham at Old Market Square, a historical landmark rich in culture, events, and captivating architecture.
Old Mkt Sq
0.1 km
Nottingham’s historic Old Market Square: a vibrant civic heart blending medieval roots with modern urban life and lively events.
The Exchange (Exchange Arcade)
0.1 km
Discover Nottingham’s oldest shopping arcade with exclusive boutiques beneath a stunning 200ft glass dome in the city centre.
The Turf Tavern
0.1 km
Experience the rich history and local flavors at The Turf Tavern, Nottingham's iconic pub steeped in tradition and charm.
White Rose Nottingham Outlet
0.2 km
Leeds’ vibrant shopping and entertainment hub with over 120 stores, an IMAX cinema, and family-friendly outdoor play area.
Inspired
0.2 km
Discover Nottingham’s historic boutique arcade blending timeless charm, independent shops, and elegant Georgian architecture in the city’s vibrant heart.
Theatre Royal & Royal Concert Hall
0.2 km
Nottingham’s historic Theatre Royal and modern Royal Concert Hall host West End musicals, concerts, comedy and more in the heart of the city.
Bell Inn
0.2 km
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
0.2 km
Discover Nottingham’s elegant boutique arcade blending historic charm with artisanal shops and cozy cafes in a tranquil city-centre setting.
Axed Nottingham Axe Throwing
0.2 km
Experience the thrill of interactive axe throwing with expert coaching in Nottingham’s vibrant urban playground.
The Cornerhouse
0.2 km
A dynamic Nottingham hotspot blending cinema, dining, and unique leisure activities in a vibrant city center setting.
Victoria Centre
0.3 km
Shop, dine, and unwind at Nottingham’s vibrant Victoria Centre, the city’s ultimate retail and leisure destination.
Trinity Square
0.3 km
Modern student living at Trinity Square, Nottingham’s vibrant city centre residence, steps from university and cultural hotspots.
Cryptology Escape Rooms Nottingham
0.3 km
Immersive escape rooms with innovative puzzles and theatrical game masters in Nottingham's city centre.
Essential places to dine
Bill's Nottingham Restaurant
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Cozy British dining with hearty classics and lively atmosphere in Nottingham’s vibrant city centre.
George's Great British Kitchen
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A vibrant Nottingham eatery serving classic British fish and chips with a modern twist in a lively, nostalgic setting.
The Soulville Steakhouse
0.1 km
Experience Nottingham’s vibrant soul-themed steakhouse with expertly cooked steaks and a lively 60s Motown atmosphere.
French Living
0.1 km
Experience authentic French cuisine in a cozy, welcoming setting at Nottingham’s long-standing French Living restaurant.
Gusto Italian
0.1 km
Experience authentic Italian flavors and lively dining in Nottingham’s city centre with Gusto Italian’s open kitchen and private dining options.
Restaurant Bar Gigi
0.1 km
Elegant Italian dining and cocktails in a historic Nottingham setting, perfect for intimate evenings and sharing inspired plates.
Prezzo Italian Restaurant Nottingham
0.1 km
Authentic Italian dining in Nottingham’s city centre, offering classic pasta, pizza, and welcoming family-friendly atmosphere.
Bistrot Pierre
0.2 km
Authentic French bistro dining with seasonal menus and a cozy private room in Nottingham’s vibrant city centre.
Yamas Meze & Tapas
0.2 km
Authentic Greek and Cypriot mezze in Nottingham's vibrant city centre—sharing plates, Mediterranean flavors, exceptional value.
Tamatanga
0.2 km
Authentic Indian flavors served fresh in a lively, family-friendly Nottingham hotspot with great value and welcoming vibes.
Kushi-ya
0.2 km
Discover Nottingham’s hidden gem for authentic Japanese kushiyaki skewers and inventive small plates in a stylish, modern setting.
No.Twelve
0.2 km
Experience the best of vegan dining at No.Twelve in Nottingham - where creativity meets sustainability for unforgettable meals.
The Loxley
0.2 km
Discover Nottingham's vibrant pub culture at The Loxley – where great food meets friendly faces in a cozy atmosphere.
Turtle Bay Nottingham
0.2 km
Experience authentic Caribbean flavours and tropical vibes in the heart of Nottingham’s lively Cornerhouse complex.
Cosy Club
0.2 km
Historic charm meets eclectic British dining and vibrant bar culture in the heart of Nottingham city centre.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
White Rose Nottingham WR6
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Discover thoughtfully curated vintage and recycled fashion at White Rose Nottingham WR6, where style meets sustainability in the city’s historic heart.
Primark
0.1 km
Explore vast, affordable fashion and home goods at Primark Nottingham, a lively city centre store with accessibility and style for all.
Tutu urban boutique
0.1 km
Discover Nottingham’s stylish independent ladieswear boutique offering unique, high-quality fashion from emerging designers in a charming city centre arcade.
The Bead Shop (Nottingham) Limited
0.1 km
A vibrant independent bead and craft shop in Nottingham’s historic Market Street, offering expert workshops and a vast range of jewellery-making supplies.
Handmade Nottingham
0.1 km
Discover unique handmade treasures from UK designers in Nottingham’s vibrant gift shop at 8 King's Walk.
Bubble Vintage
0.2 km
Discover timeless style and sustainable fashion treasures at Bubble Vintage, Nottingham’s vibrant vintage clothing shop in The Exchange.
Parallel Universe
0.2 km
Discover Nottingham’s vibrant retro collectibles shop filled with vintage games, toys, comics, and nostalgic treasures in a quirky, welcoming setting.
Vivienne Westwood
0.2 km
Discover bold British fashion and iconic accessories at Vivienne Westwood’s Nottingham boutique in historic Flying Horse Walk.
Urban Outfitters
0.2 km
Eclectic fashion, vintage finds, and creative homewares in Nottingham's vibrant shopping heart.
OH DUCK IT
0.2 km
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.
Hopkinsons @ Cobden Place
0.2 km
Vintage emporium with bar and café flair in Nottingham's creative Hockley—hunt treasures, sip pints, savor cakes in a restored lace factory gem.
Relic x Hooked Nottingham
0.2 km
Discover eclectic vintage fashion and unique style treasures in Nottingham’s edgy and vibrant Relic x Hooked store.
18montrose
0.2 km
Discover premium streetwear and designer fashion at 18montrose, nestled in Nottingham’s historic Bridlesmith Gate shopping district.
White Stuff Nottingham
0.3 km
A cheerful, independent-feel clothing store on Nottingham’s main shopping street, offering relaxed British style for women, men and children.
Shop Zero
0.3 km
Nottingham’s zero-waste shop championing sustainable living with refillables, reusable goods, and community-driven eco-consciousness.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Alchemist Nottingham
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Ignite your senses in Nottingham's alchemical lair, where molecular cocktails erupt in spectacle and inventive dishes fuel unforgettable nights on King Street.
Revolución de Cuba Nottingham
0.1 km
Experience the vibrant spirit of Havana with authentic Cuban cuisine, cocktails, and live Latin music in the heart of Nottingham.
Slug & Lettuce - Market Square Nottingham
0.1 km
Vibrant cocktail bar and restaurant in Nottingham’s Market Square, known for lively atmosphere, diverse menu, and all-day 2-4-1 cocktails.
Nottingham Secret Garden
0.1 km
Discover Nottingham's lush cocktail hideaway: tropical vibes, craft drinks, and electric nights in a secret beer garden oasis.
O'Neill's Market Square Nottingham
0.2 km
Lively Irish pub in Nottingham's Market Square: pub grub, live sports, DJ nights, and pints in a buzzing city-centre spot that parties till late.
Tilt
0.2 km
Discover Nottingham’s cozy cocktail retreat, where expertly crafted drinks meet intimate candle-lit ambiance and soulful blues.
400 Rabbits
0.2 km
Intimate Hurts Yard cocktail bar specialising in tequila and mezcal cocktails with a theatrical, cosy atmosphere.
Cucamara
0.2 km
Lively late-night cocktail bar in Nottingham’s Hurts Yard, blending vibrant atmosphere with creative drinks and social energy.
BOX Nottingham
0.2 km
Experience Nottingham’s premier sports bar in a stunning historic building with live sport, games, music, and great food under one roof.
Six Richmond House
0.2 km
Elegant cocktails and modern British dining blend seamlessly in Nottingham’s intimate and stylish Six Richmond House.
The Stage Pub Nottingham
0.2 km
Traditional Nottingham pub with live music, cosy nooks, and late-night vibes near Theatre Royal – perfect for drinks, dancing, and city-centre camaraderie.
Slug & Lettuce - Cornerhouse Nottingham
0.2 km
A lively cocktail bar and restaurant in Nottingham’s Cornerhouse, blending classic British dishes with vibrant social energy and modern style.
MOJO
0.2 km
MOJO Bar Nottingham: Where rock ’n’ roll meets expertly crafted cocktails in a lively, no-pretence late-night hotspot.
The Bierkeller Nottingham
0.2 km
Experience lively Bavarian beer hall vibes with authentic brews, live Oompah bands, and festive fun in Nottingham’s city centre.
Malt Cross
0.2 km
Historic Victorian music hall pub in Nottingham offering award-winning ales, live music, and a vibrant community atmosphere in a stunning heritage setting.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Popworld - Nottingham
0.2 km
A neon-soaked, singalong pop-club in Nottingham city centre — colourful cocktails, nostalgic anthems and compact dancefloor energy.
VIBES NIGHTLIFE
0.2 km
Dive into Nottingham's pulsating party hub where weekend beats, neon lights, and vibrant crowds fuel epic nights until 2am—pure vibes unleashed.
Unit 13
0.2 km
Dive into Nottingham's underground bassline haven at Unit 13, where industrial beats and stellar DJs fuel unforgettable warehouse raves.
Love zoo
0.2 km
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.
ICON
0.2 km
A compact, DJ-driven late-night club on St James’s Street — small footprint, high-energy nights and a tight city-centre atmosphere.
The Bodega Nottingham
0.2 km
Intimate two-level live-music bar and late-night club on Pelham Street — gritty, affordable and centred on close-up gigs and local sounds.
Tunnel Club
0.3 km
Loud. Intimate. Disruptive. Dive into Nottingham's raw underground beats at this city-center nightclub powerhouse.
Tantra Night Clubs
0.3 km
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 Cell
0.3 km
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.
Stealth
0.3 km
Nottingham's drum and bass dynamo: world-ranked beats, epic nights, and unrelenting energy since 2004 in the heart of Goldsmith Street.
Rescue Rooms
0.4 km
Nottingham's intimate live music powerhouse: raw gigs, electric crowds, and beats till 3am in a historic nook.
Rock City
0.4 km
Experience Nottingham’s iconic live music and nightclub venue, where legendary acts and vibrant club nights come alive in an intimate, energetic setting.
CRISIS
0.4 km
Experience Nottingham’s legendary live music and nightlife at Rock City, a vibrant venue with a rich history and dynamic club nights.
Eleven
0.5 km
A lively, multi-bar nightclub in Nottingham’s Hockley district, famed for great cocktails, student nights, and an intimate yet energetic party vibe.
NG-One
0.5 km
A large, late‑night Nottingham club with multiple dancefloors, strong sound and long weekend hours — built for night owls and student crowds.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Lively
- Unique
- Casual
- Scenic
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
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
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
