I thought this location is extremely deserving of a Geocache, It is named because whenever I come here I look up and just think "Wow!"
This cache replaces the archived Nottingham's Hidden Gem by Spire67 which replaced Steps Back In Time by Northking which itself replaced Hidden Wonder by Andy_Rea. The co-ords are for ground zero, but be aware that due to the overhead cover that the co-ordinates may be 'soft'.
There are 3 methods of accessing the cache. (see additional waypoints for coordinates)
1. Entrance from Derby Road there is a public thoroughfare situated at the side of the secure car park which allows 24 hours access. Steps to the tunnel are situated behind car park space 70 and then down through the tunnel to GZ.
2. Steps from Upper College Street. This access does have lockable gates at the top and bottom of the steps, although we have never seen them locked.
3. Entrance from Tunnel Road in the Park Estate and head up through the tunnel. This access can be used by wheelchair users but be aware the slope is quite steep so you may require assistance.
The Park Tunnel was built in 1855 through the sandstone to allow horsedrawn carriages access to the The Park Estate from Derby Road in Nottingham. Although upon completion it was found that the gradient of the tunnel was too steep for the horse drawn carriages to manage.
The Estate has a history as a former hunting park for the Duke of Newcastle, the owner of nearby Nottingham Castle. In truth a mansion or palace rather than a castle, replacing the former structure which was burnt to the ground by unruly and unhappy local people. It’s said that the Duke of Newcastle originally ordered for the tunnel to be built with a specification of a gradient of no more than 1 in 14. The grand tunnel however, was constructed with a gradient of 1 in 12 , thus making it somewhat redundant from the inception of its life due to its unsuitability for horse-drawn carriages.
Thomas Chambers (T.C.) Hine (1813-1899) designed the Park Tunnel (primarily as the main entrance to the Park) and developed the Park as a residential area in central Nottingham for the wealthier members of society. T.C.Hine was also made responsible for the later repair of Nottingham Castle and its conversion into a museum.
These days, the Park Tunnel is used as pedestrian access to the Park Estate. The area became renowned as a popular part of the city for local wealthy luminaries to reside and to this day boasts many fine homes. The Park Estate is home to some wonderful Victorian architecture. It has the largest gas street lighting system in Europe which makes it rather atmospheric at night and the skyline is dominated by Nottingham Castle.