Carlton Tourist Information

Carlton is a small town in Nottinghamshire, four miles north east of the city of Nottingham.

Situated close to the River Trent, it was mentioned as long ago as the 11th century as "Carentune".

Carlton Central Primary School was built around 1860 and served the town for almost a hundred years. One night in the 1960s, a piece of masonry fell into the area of the school assembly hall and the school building was deemed unsafe. It was later demolished and the pupils were transferred to the new school at Foxhill Road.

The new school had actually been built to replace the old St Paul's School but pupils from there had to wait until 1983 when the school was finally closed.

Present Day Carlton

Modern-day Carlton is centred around the main shopping street, Carlton Hill. It has several national shopping chains along with local grocers, newsagents and a chemist. A larger shopping centre can be found at Carlton Square.

The town has a modern Tesco supermarket, built on the site of the old St Paul's School and a 17th century graveyard which had to be relocated. Carlton has a number of churches representing many denominations.

The Midlands Academy of Dance and Drama (MADD) is based in the town and is reputedly one of the top musical theatre colleges in the UK. Famous actor Richard Beckinsale was Carlton's most famous resident. He was born in the town in 1947 and was best known for his leading role in the sitcom Porridge.

Carlton has excellent local facilities with two leisure centres, an indoor bowling centre, swimming pool and a gym. Carlton Town Football Club are moderately successful in the Northern Counties East Footlball League.

The town has a railway station and regular train services on the Nottingham to Lincoln line.

Things to Do Around Carlton

Colwick Woods is a local hidden gem with panoramic local views. This nature reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest is a 50-hectare area of ancient woodland and grass. Walking, cycling and birdwatching can be enjoyed.

Saville Spinney in Colwick Woods was the site of a murder in 1844 and there is an old ice house, pond and a gamekeeper's hut on site.

Belvoir Castle (pronounced Beaver Castle) at Grantham has classical round towers and huge doorways beneath the crenellated rooftops. The stunning interior is beautifully furnished with antiques and has been the home of the Duke and Duchess of Rutland for over 1000 years. Tours can be made of the castle and ground on certain days.

Families will enjoy a day trip to Ferry Farm Park which has plenty of indoor activities as well as a restaurant in the old milking parlour and a chance to feed the animals. An adventure playground, tractors and go-karts offer plenty to see and do.

Another local attraction is the Stonebridge City Farm at St Ann's which is free to visit and encourages volunteers to spend the day working on the farm.

Green's Windmill is a popular free museum and working mill. It was built by the father of scientist George Green in 1807. Activities centre on science and maths through experiments and hands-on activities.