I wouldn't mind betting that there are New Yorkers who have never been inside the Statue Of Liberty, or Londoners who would not know how to locate the Natural History Museum. In every city there is a wealth of culture, and interest, that you don't have to be a tourist to enjoy. 

This morning, we were out of the house in record time, and in the Market Square at half past nine. We had an appointment to take a tour of the Council House, taking in the rooms that usually are out of bounds.

Our tour guide sat us all round in a grand room with tea and coffee, before taking us round the nooks and crannies of this wonderful building. Completed in 1929, every aspect of this house from the architect to the builders and decorators, was created using Nottingham talent. Even the paintings and drawings that festooned the walls were the work of Nottingham artists.

The names of the famous lions were revealed to be Leo (left) and Oscar (right), although she didn't answer the much enquired poser of why the left lion is the popular meeting place. Although we weren't allowed into the bell tower, (and I was looking forward to a clang), we were able to step out onto the balcony.

 

Royalty and footballers have stood and waved from this spot, although I assume that The Queen has to stand on a box as it is not compatible with her diminutive stature.