Itinerary Planner

Lord Byron Two Day itinerary

Nottingham is known as the home of Lord Byron who is one of the most famous romantic poets in the UK. Born on 22^nd January 1788, his first poem was written at just ten years old. As an adult, Byron won early fame as the most fashionable poet of the Georgian England, spending much of his time in Newstead Abbey, Colwick Hall and the market town of Southwell in Nottinghamshire. In this itinerary, we will introduce top locations where you can immerse yourself in Lord Byron’s world for the 200-year bicentenary in 2024 and beyond. We want you to follow in Byron’s footsteps, explore his literary legacy and envelop yourself in his extraordinary and sensational life.

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Day 1 | Arrive

Welcome to Nottingham!

Once you have reached the city centre, stop at Nottingham Tourism Centre located on Smithy Row just off the Old Market Square, to get top tips and best advice on things to do in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. The friendly team have a wealth of knowledge about the region and will be happy to help with your trip. Arm yourself with the Nottinghamshire knowledge including range of free maps and guides to help you find your way around the city and county, as well as a wealth of brochures and leaflets showing what's on and things to do in Nottingham. 

Day 1 | Afternoon

Before kickstarting your ‘Walking in Byron’s footsteps’ trip, let’s grab a bite to eat at Binks Yard at the Island Quarter. 

Binks Yard, offering all day dining, drinks, and entertainment at The Island Quarter.

They're serving a selection of real ales, wines and cocktails and a menu of food that is grilled, cured, wood-fired and BIG on flavour. Binks Yard is also proud to play home to the largest outdoor screen in the East Midlands,

After satisfying your tastebuds, it’s time to start walking in Byron’s footsteps! The first destination is Southwell where Byron spent many of his school holidays. His childhood home is also located in the Burgage Manor. The town is internationally renowned for its Bramley Apple heritage and it is here the apple was first propagated more than 200 years ago from the garden of a cottage on Church Street. The beauty and historic grandeur of Southwell Minster make it a stand out gem in the area. The stunning Minster is a splendid cathedral with one of the finest Norman naves in Europe and only a stone’s throw from the bustling shops of the high street and charming pubs.

Day 1 | Evening

After you explore Southwell, head on to Colwick Hall, located just two miles from Nottingham city centre. The hall is a magnificent Palladian-style Georgian country house mansion, and once the ancestral house of Lord Byron. The hotel also offers luxury accommodation with the “Lord Byron” suite, which is the largest room in the hall at 80 sqm! Indulge in a lavish dinner at Byron's Brasserie and enjoy portraits of Byron and his love interests adorning the walls, as well as lines from famous poems and quotes from the man himself.

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Day 2 | Morning

The second day of Byron’s trip starts with full English breakfast at the hotel. Then, head to the former home of Lord Byron, the iconic Newstead Abbey. No Byron-themed trip can be complete without visiting the historic abbey itself!

Relax and escape from the hustle and bustle of the city while strolling through the extensive grounds of Newstead Abbey with picturesque gardens and lakes. The inside of Newstead Abbey is impressive, to say the least. Grand rooms are decorated with Victorian timberwork and luxurious drapes, containing specialist art collections and Byron’s original furniture.

There is a café onsite, so if you get a bit peckish throughout your exploration, there is always the opportunity to get a bite to eat.

Note: The extensive grounds are open every day for visitors. To explore the historic interior, scheduled tours of the house are held weekly.

Day 2 | Afternoon

After you discover Newstead Abbey, head to St. Mary Magdalene Church in Hucknall, known as the burial place of Byron and his daughter Ada Lovelace (mathematician and writer known for her work on Charles Babbage’s early mechanical computer). Find a deeper connection to Byron’s life and his works at his final resting place. Don’t forget to look out for the nearby statue of Byron opposite the main entrance of the church.

Day 2 | Evening

In the evening, it’s back to the city centre and a visit to the pub the Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, which is debated to be the oldest inn in England.

You can enjoy a delicious pub meal in the caves, warm up next to the fire in Yorkie's Lounge and discover the history of the pub dating from 1189AD.

We recommend asking Karl the landlord about ‘The Cursed Galleon’ in the cave bar upstairs! Contained in a glass case for ‘safety purposes’, whoever has cleaned the galleon of dust has met with a mysterious end shortly afterwards!
Finish your trip over a drink in this iconic Nottinghamshire pub, remembering your adventures in Lord Byron’s Nottinghamshire.