IF you've lived in Nottingham all your life, you probably think you know the city back to front.
But every week, a host of clever and engaging town centre tours reveal brilliant new stories and fascinating facts about our history and heritage.
Whether you're after ghoulish tales of grisly goings-on, more information on famous characters who once lived here or just a good old-fashioned pub crawl around some of the best alehouses in the country, there's something for everyone.
And you don't have to be a pesky tourist to take advantage of these fun experiences – even those of us who were born and bred here could be enlightened.
One tour stalwart is Ade Andrews, who runs a series of walking, talking expeditions around the city in guises including Robin Hood himself.
He says that local folk will be just as fascinated by the stories of Nottingham as those who are visiting the area for the first time.
"As far as my tours are concerned, it's all about educational entertainment for everyone," says Ade, who was recently a runner-up in Visit England's Tourism Superstar awards. "I try to plant the seeds of knowledge and give people a greater understanding of the town, wherever they come from."
Here's a look at some of the main tours you can enjoy in Nottingham city centre:
Robin Hood Town Tour
Most Saturdays over summer, 2pm to 4.30pm
Robin, otherwise known as the aforementioned Ade Andrews, leads an adventure around Nottingham to help you discover the truth about our local legend.
Follow a trail of historical facts and learn how a story that started off as a series of simple ballads more than 700 years ago grew into one of the greatest legends ever known.
This thorough and fun exploration is told against the backdrop of the city itself, taking in all the places associated with Robin Hood. You'll also find out why Nottingham Castle isn't a castle, marvel at the stunning architecture of the Lace Market, shudder on the steps of the Old County Gaol and find peace and tranquillity in St Mary's Churchyard – with loads of quirky surprises along the way. The tour, of course, ends at Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem where Robin Hood invites you to drink a pint of hearty ale with him. Hurrah!
Starting point is the Cross Keys pub, 15 Byard Lane (opposite the NCP car park). The walk lasts around 150 minutes and is around 1.2 miles.
Adults £10, kids under 14 £6.
Reserve your place on 07941 210986 or get advance tickets from Nottingham Tourism Centre on 08444 775678.
Nottingham City Tours
Every Saturday and Sunday, 12.30pm
This popular tour will lead you through the streets of Nottingham for a detailed 90-minute walk around the city, taking in many brilliant places of interest.
The tour begins in the Lace Market, looking at highlights including the Adam's Building and St Mary's Church, before leading onto the iconic Galleries of Justice, the Pitcher and Piano pub and Nottingham Contemporary.
You'll also discover places you never even knew in Nottingham, including some wonderful houses on High Pavement and Castle Gate, passing by the famous Paul Smith shop along the way.
Other sites of interest include Nottingham Castle, Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, the poet Byron's former house and Nottingham Cathedral.
The tour finishes in the Old Market Square, alongside the Brian Clough statue and the Council House - making a full circle of the city with a wide range of discoveries along the way.
A perfect tour for locals and tourists alike.
Starting point is Nottingham Tourist Centre, Smithy Row. Tours take place every weekend but be aware, from time to time they may be postponed so if travelling from afar, you're advised to check ahead.
Adults £5.50, kids £3.50.
Advance tickets available from Nottingham Tourist Centre on 08444 775678.
Magic Lantern Backstage Tour, Nottingham Theatre Royal
Saturday at 10.30am, and various other dates throughout the summer
The prestigious Nottingham Theatre Royal has a fascinating story to tell and who better to tell it than its resident ghost? Ade Andrews (yes, him again) plays Everyman, a sort of manifestation of the human emotion imprinted within the fabric of this fascinating building.
Join him on a journey through the heart of Nottingham's theatre land. Stand on the hallowed stage and imagine a thousand faces staring back, see behind the scenes and learn how the theatre works and hear about the great architects who built this mighty monument to the arts.
Imagine the ghosts of actors past waiting in the wings as you're transported back to Victorian times and opening night in 1865 – then travel forward to modern times, looking at today's entertainment, including performances at the Royal Concert Hall.
Tours last around 110 minutes and there are stairs involved. Suitable for all ages.
All tickets £6.
Book on 0115 989 5555 and check for further dates this summer at www.ezekialbone.com
The Nottingham Heroes & Villains Tour
June 21, August 2, August 25, from 2pm-4pm
See the home town of Robin Hood like you've never seen it before, with a loving look at homicidal medieval Kings, the very first vampyre, 1200-year-old Saxon caves, modern Olympians, evil murderers - and, of course, the famous outlaw himself.
Costumed guides will take the lead, adding a touch of style to some familiar locations.
From Lady Chatterley's Lover to lace and legends, the history of Nottingham is retold through its colourful characters.
With a history of its own stretching back some 20 years, the Nottingham Heroes & Villains Tour brings the city's heritage to life in a unique way.
The experience covers the area around Nottingham Castle, Brewhouse Yard and the Trip to Jerusalem, the medieval street plan, the Old Market Square, the Lace Market, St Mary's Church and the old Shire Hall.
Starting point is Ye Olde Salutation, Maid Marian Way, and the tour takes around two hours and cover two miles. Group tours are available all year.
Adults £8, kids under 12 £5.
Booking essential on 01623 721003 or 07850 145642.
The Original Nottingham Ghost Walk
Every Saturday, 7pm-8.30pm
Find out more about the ghostly secrets of our ancient city in various venues, including the shadow of the castle, a ghoulish graveyard and underground in the living rock beneath Nottingham.
This entertaining tour weaves a web of chilling tales featuring the rich and the poor, the noble and the treacherous, the young and the old.
Nottingham's ghosts are waiting for you (quite literally, as rumour has it there have been several ghostly sightings on these tours), so listen out for screams, gory executions and haunting histories.
Featuring clever street theatre, the Ghost Walk has been entertaining folk since 1993.
Staring point is Ye Olde Salutation, Maid Marian Way. No need to book, apart from around Hallowe'en. The tour lasts around one hour and 15 minutes, covering three-quarters of a mile. It's broadly suitable for all kids aged from around nine years.
Adults £5, kids £3, family of four £13.
Details on 07850 145642.
Madam Parboiled's Historical Pub Tour
Every Sunday 7pm-11pm
Join the delightful executioner's wife Madame Parboiled and discover fascinating facts and stories about Nottingham and its world-renowned ancient pubs and inns. You can drop in and out of the tour as you please, depending on how good the beer is at any given venue.
Starting point is the Pit and Pendulum, Victoria Street.
Itinerary:
The Pit and Pendulum - 7pm
The Bell Inn - 8pm
Ye Old Salutation Inn - 9pm
The Trip to Jerusalem - 10pm
£5 per person for full or part tour. Age 15+ years.
Booking advised on 07773 147271
Madame Parboiled's Castle Dungeon Tour
Every Wednesday, 7pm
Yes, it's her again – this time hanging, drawing and quaterting her way through the grisliest parts of Nottingham Castle. Don't worry, the kids will love it and also learn facts they never knew as well as having a good laugh with the well-meaning castle worker. Suitable for children aged six plus.
Adults £10, kids £5.
Details on 07773 147271.
Nottingham Castle Cave Tours
Every day at 1pm, 2pm and 3pm
Explore the intriguing history of David's Dungeon or Mortimer's Hole.
Costs £4 per person plus normal Castle entry fee.
