Gary Oldman in filming at Wollaton Hall

Earlier this year, Wollaton Hall was chosen by Warner Bros as the set of Wayne Manor in the latest Batman film, The Dark Knight Rises. The latest installment in the franchise by Director Christopher Nolan, has seen Christian Bale, Gary Oldman and Anne Hathaway all appear in filming at one of Nottinghamshire’s most loved visitor attractions.

Yet Nottinghamshire’s links to Batman go much further and deeper than The Dark Knight Rises. When the American historian Irving Washington picked up on tales of the Nottinghamshire town of Gotham and applied it to Manhattan, it would set off a close association that would ultimately lead to the setting for Batman.

In the 1200s the inhabitants of Gotham near Long Eaton feigned insanity to prevent King John from travelling through the town. If the King were to travel through, the town would become a public highway. Hence we have the mad men and women of Gotham and the backdrop to the Batman stories.

Wollaton Hall is open to the general public and you can go there to see the beautiful Tudor mansion set in 500 acres of deer park. Enjoy a stroll around the parkland or take a tour around the Hall, including the Prospect Room with panoramic views of the city. The Hall is also home to the local Natural History Museum and in the courtyard you’ll find refreshments and at weekends, an Industrial Museum.

The highly regarded Broadway Cinema is celebrating the inclusion of Wollaton Hall with a special Batman Party on the opening night of The Dark Knight Rises on 20 July. It will then be showing the film for the duration of the theatre release.

You’ll also find some family events at Wollaton Hall, itself home to many bats, later in the year. Bats are fascinating creatures and we’re very pleased to have our fair share in Nottinghamshire. Maybe you could seek out a real life bat cave at Creswell Crags? On 4 September there is a guided bat walk from 7.30pm at this historic site.

The Dark Knight Rises looks set to be another truly outstanding film, you can see a trailer from YouTube above. Experience some more of the Batman magic at Wollaton Hall and around Nottinghamshire.