The Nott'm Explorer

The Nott'm Explorer Sharing my photos of Nottingham and further afield Inc walks,explorations,wildlife,bit of urbex!
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Many people enjoying a pint at The Sir John Borlase Warren in Nottingham may not realise they're sitting above a fascina...
07/06/2026

Many people enjoying a pint at The Sir John Borlase Warren in Nottingham may not realise they're sitting above a fascinating piece of the city's underground history.

Beneath the pub lies a substantial network of sandstone caves and cellars, carved into Nottingham's famous sandstone bedrock.

These underground chambers were traditionally used for storing beer, food and supplies, helping to keep them cool long before refrigeration existed.

The caves form part of Nottingham's remarkable underground heritage, with hundreds of man made caves hidden beneath streets, homes and businesses across the city. While local legends often speak of secret tunnels connecting buildings, the caves under The Sir John Borlase Warren are believed to have served mainly as storage cellars linked to the pub's operations but who knows 🤷

A hidden piece of Nottingham history sitting right beneath our feet!

Looking down into the caves at The Sir John Borlase Warren Pub
06/06/2026

Looking down into the caves at The Sir John Borlase Warren Pub

The Sir John Borlase Warren at Canning Circus takes its name from Admiral Sir John Borlase Warren (1753–1822), who was b...
06/06/2026

The Sir John Borlase Warren at Canning Circus takes its name from Admiral Sir John Borlase Warren (1753–1822), who was born at Stapleford Hall, just west of Nottingham. Warren enjoyed a remarkable career as a Royal Navy officer, diplomat and Member of Parliament, becoming one of Nottinghamshire’s most celebrated figures of the late 18th century.

During the French Revolutionary Wars, he gained national fame for his naval victories and was widely respected both at sea and in politics. Historical accounts suggest that when he returned home after his successes, local people would cheer him through the streets of Nottingham, where he was known to stop for a pint at local inns.

The pub itself is a historic landmark, occupying a prominent position at Canning Circus. Dating back to the early 19th century, the building has long been part of Nottingham’s social history and remains one of the city’s best loved real ale destinations.

Fast forward and the pub has recently had a fresh lick of paint and internal renovations making it one of my fav pubs.

Underground off Mansfield rd Nottingham
06/06/2026

Underground off Mansfield rd Nottingham

Standing in the old ice house at calke abbey
05/06/2026

Standing in the old ice house at calke abbey

I need a tunnel visit, kind of missing them
04/06/2026

I need a tunnel visit, kind of missing them

Literally on the same road as the recent visit to Hoveringham lake stands Thurgaton station.Built in 1847 by the Midland...
03/06/2026

Literally on the same road as the recent visit to Hoveringham lake stands Thurgaton station.

Built in 1847 by the Midland Railway Company, the Station House formed part of the newly opened Nottingham to Lincoln railway line, which had begun operating in 1846. The distinctive neo Tudor architecture, seen at several stations and crossing houses along the route, reflected the railway company's ambition to create attractive and enduring buildings for the communities they served.

The station buildings are believed to have been designed by noted Nottingham architect Thomas Chambers Hine.

The station yard was equally important to the local economy. Coal merchants operated from the site, while farm produce, cattle and sugar beet were regularly transported to markets by rail. The facilities were also heavily used by the local gravel industry, helping move materials across the country.

Although the station ceased to be staffed after 1969, the Station House remained occupied by the level crossing gate operator. In 1988, the property was sold into private ownership, bringing its direct railway connection to an end. Today, the house stands as a reminder of a time when the railway was central to everyday life in Thurgarton and the surrounding villages.

Looking back to the last time I took pics of the Power league and surrounding area on Thane rd when it flooded, wasn't t...
02/06/2026

Looking back to the last time I took pics of the Power league and surrounding area on Thane rd when it flooded, wasn't the worst I've seen but lost pics from that time. Amazing to see that they still carry on even though the main club house is now perm closed

01/06/2026

Underneath Nettleham Hall

Exploring more of the River LeenPapplewick Dam Woods is one of those quiet Nottinghamshire spots where history, water, a...
31/05/2026

Exploring more of the River Leen

Papplewick Dam Woods is one of those quiet Nottinghamshire spots where history, water, and woodland all blend together without most people realising what they’re walking through.

At the centre of Papplewick Dam is a landscape shaped by Victorian engineering and the need to supply clean water to a growing Nottingham. The dam was built as part of the wider system connected to the nearby pumping station, designed to help manage and protect the region’s water supply. What started as a functional industrial site has slowly softened over time into a peaceful stretch of water surrounded by trees and wildlife.

The surrounding Papplewick Dam Woods has developed naturally over the years, with woodland reclaiming the edges of the reservoir and creating a calm, sheltered environment. Today it feels far removed from its industrial origins.

Just within the area there is also a gated fishing section, a controlled stretch of water traditionally managed for angling. This private / restricted access fishery has long been associated with the dam, offering quieter, more regulated fishing compared to the open river stretches nearby.

The general walk around is very calm,easy parking,easy to access and a lovely scene on a nice summer's day,shallow waters in place too so great for dogs.

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