Ye Olde Trip To Jerusalem, nestled at the foot of Nottingham Castle, is one of England's oldest pubs, dating back to 1189. This historic establishment offers a unique atmosphere, steeped in legend and lore. Visitors can explore its charming, centuries-old interior, complete with original features and cozy nooks. The pub is said to have served as a resting place for Crusaders heading to the Holy Land, adding to its rich heritage. A selection of local ales and traditional pub fare is available, making it a popular stop for both tourists and locals. Its location near the castle adds to its appeal, providing easy access to further exploration of Nottingham's historic sites.
What each source says
- Google 4.6 8,247
- Tripadvisor 4.5 3,425
Bar length is review volume, so you can see how much weight sits behind each score. Captured 2026-08-26.
What visitors single out
Liked
- Convenient Location Situated next to Nottingham Castle and within walking distance of the city center, making it an easy and worthwhile stop for tourists.
- Friendly and Helpful Staff Many reviewers praised the staff for being friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable about the pub's history, enhancing the overall experience.
- Good Selection of Drinks The pub offers a decent variety of real ales and beers, including local options, catering to different tastes.
- Tasty Food The food receives positive feedback, with mentions of delicious dishes like fish and chips, steak and ale pie, and Sunday roast.
- Unique Historic Atmosphere Carved into the sandstone cliffs beneath Nottingham Castle, the pub offers a one-of-a-kind experience with its cave-like rooms, wonky floors, and historic decor that transports you back in time.
Criticised
- Can Get Very Busy Due to its popularity, the pub can get extremely crowded, especially during peak hours, making it difficult to move around and order drinks.
- Card Only Bar The bar operates on a card-only basis, which may be inconvenient for patrons who prefer to pay with cash and feels out of sync with the historical setting.
- Inconsistent Service While many praise the staff, some reviewers reported slow or inattentive service, particularly when the pub is busy.
- Limited Menu Options As a Greene King pub, the menu is somewhat standardized, offering less variety and choice than independent establishments.
- Low Ceilings and Uneven Floors The historic architecture includes low ceilings and uneven floors, which may be challenging for taller individuals or those with mobility issues.
The longer read
Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem is consistently described as a unique and historic pub, often called the oldest in England, built into the sandstone cliffs beneath Nottingham Castle. Many reviewers emphasize the pub's extraordinary atmosphere, describing it as stepping back in time or entering a medieval hideaway with cave rooms and a charming, wonky interior. The pub's historical identity is well-preserved, featuring plaques and antique decor. Its proximity to Nottingham Castle makes it a convenient stop for tourists.
Reviewers frequently praise the pub's quirky layout, consisting of small, cozy nooks and crannies spread across multiple floors. Some areas have low ceilings, which may require taller visitors to mind their heads. The outdoor areas, including a garden and courtyard, are appreciated for providing pleasant seating in good weather. The interior design and architecture are repeatedly highlighted as major draws, with many reviewers recommending a visit simply to experience the pub's unique ambiance.
The pub offers a selection of real ales and a varied menu, with many reviewers mentioning the quality of the food, particularly the fish and chips and traditional meat pies. The food is generally considered tasty and reasonably priced, with generous portions. Some reviewers note that the menu may lack variety or that certain dishes, like the Sunday roast, can be inconsistent. The bar staff is often described as friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable, enhancing the overall experience. Some reviewers specifically mentioned individual staff members by name, praising their exceptional service.
While the pub is lauded for its historical charm, some reviewers mention potential drawbacks. It can get very busy, especially during peak hours, leading to queues and a cramped interior. Due to its age and layout, the pub is not wheelchair friendly, and those with mobility issues may find navigating the stairs challenging. A few reviewers noted that the service can be slow at times and that the restrooms may be of poor standard. Despite these minor issues, the overwhelming consensus is that Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem is a must-visit destination in Nottingham for its unique atmosphere, historical significance, and overall enjoyable pub experience. Many recommend booking in advance due to its popularity. The presence of interesting features like the cursed galleon and traditional pub games like "Bait the Bull" add to its appeal.
A synthesis of published third-party reviews. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- +44 115 947 3171
- Website
- greeneking.co.uk/pubs/nottinghamshire/ye-olde-trip-to-jerusalem?utm_source=g_places&utm_medium=locations&utm_campaign=HT_pubpage
| Mon | 11:00 - 23:00 |
|---|---|
| Tue | 11:00 - 23:00 |
| Wed | 11:00 - 23:00 |
| Thu | 11:00 - 23:00 |
| Fri | 11:00 - 23:00 |
| Sat | 11:00 - 23:00 |
| Sun | 11:00 - 23:00 |
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.6 against a median of 4.5 across the 15 venues we hold for Arboretum, and the most-reviewed of them.
Still deciding?
- What is the historical significance of Ye Olde Trip To Jerusalem in Nottingham?
- What can visitors expect during a tour of Ye Olde Trip To Jerusalem?
- What unique features or artifacts can be seen inside Ye Olde Trip To Jerusalem?
- What kind of food and drinks are available at Ye Olde Trip To Jerusalem?
- When is the best time of year or day to visit Ye Olde Trip To Jerusalem for the best experience?
What this page cannot tell you
- Descriptions and review summaries are supplied by the source index and are reproduced as published; they are not independently verified by Breaks.
- Ratings and review counts are point-in-time snapshots and drift constantly. Check the venue's own site or the rating provider for the current figure.
- Opening hours change seasonally and at short notice. Confirm with the venue before travelling.
- Category labels come from the source index and are occasionally wrong — a venue may be filed under a type that does not match how it trades.
- Straight-line distances understate real walking distance, especially where a river or railway sits between two points.