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Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem

4.6
·8k reviews·, United Kingdom

England's oldest inn, built into caves beneath Nottingham Castle. Experience centuries of history, ghostly legends, and hearty pub food.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Sunday mornings

Secure a table & roast

CrowdMedium
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Great pub

Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem

Best Time

Sunday mornings

Secure a table & roast

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

England's oldest inn, built into caves beneath Nottingham Castle. Experience centuries of history, ghostly legends, and hearty pub food.

4.6
(8k reviews)

"A truly unique and historic experience, like stepping back in time!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Arrive Early for Roasts

Sunday roasts are popular and sell out! Get there before 12:30 PM to guarantee a table and your meal. :forkandknife:

🚶‍♂️ Navigate the Caves

Be prepared for low ceilings and twisty passages. It's part of the charm! :walking:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Cave Interior

The Cave Interior

Throughout the pub

Explore ancient stone walls and low ceilings in this pub built into caves. A truly unique and atmospheric setting.

Sunday Roast

Sunday Roast

Dining areas

Delicious and reasonably priced Sunday roasts, especially the beef. Arrive early to avoid disappointment!

The Cursed Ghost Ship

The Cursed Ghost Ship

Downstairs bar area

A model ship with a chilling legend: all who cleaned it reportedly died soon after. A spooky historical tale.

Fish and Chips

Fish and Chips

Dining areas

Highly praised fish and chips, noted for being perfectly prepared, non-greasy, and flavorful.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Ahead for Sunday Roasts

Sunday roasts are a highlight, but they sell out fast! Aim to arrive before 12:30 PM to secure a table and your meal. The pub's unique cave-like interior is a major draw, so be prepared for low ceilings and twisty passages.

Embrace the Cave Atmosphere

This historic 12th-century pub is literally built into caves under Nottingham Castle. Expect a wonky, atmospheric interior with multiple levels and cozy nooks. It's a truly unique experience, perfect for history buffs and ghost hunters alike.

Best Times

When
Sunday mornings
Why
Secure a table & roast
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday evenings
Why
Cozy atmosphere
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

I get one day in Nottingham

🎯 Arrive Early for Roasts

Sunday roasts are popular and sell out! Get there before 12:30 PM to guarantee a table and your meal. :forkandknife:

🚶‍♂️ Navigate the Caves

Be prepared for low ceilings and twisty passages. It's part of the charm! :walking:

reddit.com

Just curious on the oldest/must visit restaurants in the UK

reddit.com

Nottingham advice

🍺 CAMRA Discount

If you're a CAMRA member, you can get a generous discount on your drinks. :beer:

👻 Ghostly Tales

Ask about the pub's history and legends, including the infamous 'cursed ghost ship'. :ghost:

reddit.com

1st Time Traveler!

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Arrive Early for Roasts

Sunday roasts are popular and sell out! Get there before 12:30 PM to guarantee a table and your meal. :forkandknife:

🚶‍♂️ Navigate the Caves

Be prepared for low ceilings and twisty passages. It's part of the charm! :walking:

🍺 CAMRA Discount

If you're a CAMRA member, you can get a generous discount on your drinks. :beer:

👻 Ghostly Tales

Ask about the pub's history and legends, including the infamous 'cursed ghost ship'. :ghost:

🏰 Post-Castle Visit

Perfect spot for lunch or a pint after touring Nottingham Castle, as it's located right underneath. :castle:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(8k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the incredibly unique and historic atmosphere of this 12th-century pub built into caves. The food, especially the Sunday roasts and fish and chips, is highly praised for its quality and generous portions. The friendly staff and rich history make it a must-visit destination.

"Visited for the first time for a Sunday roast. Best to go before 12.30pm so you can get a table and the Sunday roasts are still available.

Ordered the beef roast and beef croquettes. Delicious and reasonably priced. Service was splendid.

Inside the pub was literally still like a cave.

I will definitely go back again."

K W (KW)

"It was very easy to give this historical 12th century pub nestled into the caves of Nottingham Castle a maximum rating.
I received very good bar service and a generous discount being a CAMRA member. The bartender was quite knowledgeable about local ales and some of the history of the pub; even the regular customer propping up the bar, was keen to chat about both subjects.
I can imagine that as autumn becomes autumnal with howling winds, the cooler temperatures and the long nights, this pub will be a gem for supernatural thrill seekers.
Will definitely return very soon!"

paul brown

"Recommended by a friend in Ohio, and what a recommendation! I had lunch after touring Nottingham Castle, which I would recommend as Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem is in a cave under the castle. Like all structures of this era, the ceilings are quite low and the stairs and rooms are quite twisty and full of surprises. The staff was so nice and efficient. I ordered at the bar downstairs and had my meal delivered to a table on the next floor (see video). I’ve taken many trips to the UK, and frequented many establishments with signs claiming the “world’s best fish and chips.”. The fish was amazing and perfectly prepared. The chips were not greasy at all, and very flavorful. The highlight was the fresh peas! Bursting with flavor.
I rate the fish and chips second only to the Mayfair Chippy in London, however, the ambiance and experience takes it over the top even if you’re only slopping by for a pint."

Andrew Gilmore

What People Like

Unique cave atmosphere
Delicious food
Historic charm

What People Dislike

Can be crowded
Low ceilings

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem is conveniently located at the foot of Nottingham Castle. You can reach it by walking from Nottingham city center, or by public transport to the city center followed by a short walk. Parking is available nearby, but can be limited.

Due to its historic nature and construction within caves, accessibility can be challenging. Many areas have low ceilings and narrow, winding passages. It's best to contact the pub directly if you have specific accessibility concerns.

Many visitors find it easiest to park in Nottingham city center and walk up to the castle area. Public transport to the city center is also a good option, followed by a scenic walk to the pub.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there are no tickets required to enter Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem. It operates as a traditional pub, and you can walk in freely. You only pay for food and drinks.

Opening hours can vary, but it's generally open daily from late morning through the evening. It's always a good idea to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date hours before your visit.

While walk-ins are welcome, booking a table is highly recommended, especially for Sunday roasts or during peak times. This ensures you get a spot and can enjoy their popular dishes.

There is no entry fee to visit Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem. It's a functioning pub, and you are welcome to come in for a drink or a meal without any admission charge.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The atmosphere is incredibly unique and historic, with the pub built directly into the sandstone caves beneath Nottingham Castle. Expect low ceilings, stone walls, and a cozy, atmospheric vibe that transports you back in time. Reddit

While not a formal tour, staff are often knowledgeable about the pub's history and legends, like the 'cursed ghost ship'. The atmosphere itself is the main attraction, especially for those interested in history and folklore. Reddit

The pub houses a model ship with a chilling legend: it's said that everyone who has cleaned the ship has died shortly after. It adds a spooky element to the already atmospheric setting. Reddit

Yes, the pub spans multiple floors and levels, all carved into the rock. Exploring the nooks and crannies is part of the fun and offers different seating areas and perspectives. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem offers a hearty pub menu with classics like fish and chips, Sunday roasts, and other traditional British fare. They also cater to vegetarian, vegan, and allergy needs. Reddit

The Sunday roasts, particularly the beef, are highly recommended and described as delicious and reasonably priced. However, they are very popular and can sell out, so arriving early is advised. Reddit

Portion sizes are generally described as generous, ensuring you get good value for your money. Reddit

Absolutely! The fish and chips are frequently praised for being amazing, perfectly prepared, not greasy, and flavorful, with a special mention for the fresh peas. Reddit

Yes, the menu caters to a range of dietary needs, including vegetarian and vegan options, making it accessible for various diners. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The unique cave interior with its stone walls and low ceilings offers fantastic photographic opportunities. The exterior, nestled under the castle, is also picturesque. Don't miss capturing the 'cursed ghost ship' for a spooky shot. Reddit

The pub has a cozy, atmospheric lighting which can be dim in some areas. Using a phone with good low-light capabilities or a camera with a wider aperture can help capture the ambiance effectively. Reddit

Yes, the food is often presented well, especially the Sunday roasts and fish and chips, making them great subjects for food photography. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem offers a unique adventure for families. The cave-like interior is fascinating for children, sparking their imagination with its low ceilings and winding passages. It's a great place to introduce kids to history in a fun, interactive way. While the pub is generally family-friendly, be mindful of the low ceilings and uneven floors, and consider visiting during off-peak hours to ensure a more relaxed experience for everyone. The generous portion sizes also mean there's plenty to share.

👻 Ghost Hunters & History Buffs

This pub is a dream destination for anyone fascinated by history and the paranormal. You can immerse yourself in the 12th-century architecture and hear tales of knights and crusaders. Don't miss the legend of the 'cursed ghost ship' – it's a perfect conversation starter and adds a thrilling element to your visit. The subterranean setting and ancient ambiance make it feel like a portal to the past, ideal for those who love uncovering local lore and spooky stories. Reddit

🍺 Real Ale Enthusiasts

For lovers of real ale, Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem boasts a great range of beers and ales. The knowledgeable staff can often guide you through the selection, and CAMRA members can enjoy a generous discount. Exploring the different rooms while sampling a local brew is a quintessential pub experience here. The variety ensures there's something to suit every palate, making it a rewarding stop for discerning drinkers. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Journey Through History: The Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem

Stepping into Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem is like stepping back in time. Claiming to be England's oldest inn, it's famously built into the sandstone caves beneath Nottingham Castle. This unique construction dates back to around 1189 AD, making it a living piece of history. The pub's name itself is steeped in lore, believed to refer to the Crusades, when knights would make a 'trip to Jerusalem'. The very walls whisper tales of centuries past, offering a truly immersive historical experience that goes beyond just a meal or a drink. Reddit

The interior is a labyrinth of low-ceilinged rooms, winding staircases, and ancient stone walls, each corner offering a new discovery. It’s this wonky, cave-like atmosphere that truly sets it apart. Visitors often remark on how the pub feels like a hidden treasure, a secret world carved out of the rock. It’s a place where you can almost feel the presence of history, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in the rich heritage of Nottingham and England. Reddit

Legends and Lore: Ghosts and Mysteries

Beyond its historical significance, Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem is renowned for its ghostly tales and intriguing legends. The most famous among these is the story of the 'cursed ghost ship'. This is a model ship displayed within the pub, and the legend claims that anyone who has cleaned it has met an untimely demise shortly thereafter. Reddit

This spooky anecdote adds an extra layer of mystique to the already atmospheric setting. Visitors often come specifically to hear these stories and soak in the potential paranormal ambiance, especially during the darker, colder months. The pub's subterranean location and ancient structure lend themselves perfectly to tales of the supernatural, making it a popular spot for those seeking a thrill alongside their pint. Reddit

Culinary Delights in a Historic Setting

While the history and atmosphere are major draws, the food at Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem is also a significant highlight. The menu features classic pub fare, with a particular emphasis on hearty and traditional dishes. The Sunday roast is a standout, often described as delicious and reasonably priced, though it's wise to arrive early as it's a popular item and can sell out quickly. Reddit

Another dish that receives consistent praise is the fish and chips. Reviewers highlight its perfect preparation, lack of greasiness, and flavorful taste, with special commendation for the fresh peas. The pub also ensures it caters to a wider audience by offering vegetarian and vegan options, as well as accommodating specific allergy needs. This commitment to quality food, combined with generous portion sizes, makes for a satisfying dining experience within a truly unforgettable setting. Reddit