Arts and Culture
Nottingham has a rich tapestry of history sewn together throughout the centuries that is shown in its present cultural outlets – it was named the ‘Home of English Sport’ in October 2015 and in December 2015, Nottingham was named a 'City of Literature' by UNESCO thanks to its thriving live poetry scene, and ties to famous authors of the likes of Lord Byron and D.H. Lawrence. The iconic Nottingham Castle can be found in the west of the city, perched atop Castle Rock, and brimming with history – fans of the fictional figure, Robin Hood, may recognize it from his many tussles with the Sheriff of Nottingham.
Transport
Nottingham is served by a variety of great public transport links, including East Midlands Airport for flights all over Europe as well as UK destinations such as Jersey, Belfast, and Aberdeen. The city is sandwiched between the two major roads connecting the North and the South – the A1 and the M1, meaning there is really easy access to Manchester, Newcastle and London in the other direction. Nottingham train station serves the North and South across 8 platforms. There is also a tram network in Nottingham that was built in 2004 and caters to the North and South districts of the city.
Food and entertainment
Nottingham’s food scene is huge right now – there are so many restaurants and independent bars dotted around the city, and the city centre and Hockley are renowned areas for having a fun night out with friends. Some of our top picks for independent bars and restaurants in Nottingham include: Rock City, Tilt, Boilermaker, Coco Tang, Hockley Arts, 31k, Oscar and Rosie’s and 200 Degrees coffee.
Nearby
Located just north of the city is the historical and renowned Sherwood Forest. You can wander the tranquil paths of the forest on well-trodden paths, a perfect place for weekend walks with the kids or the dog. The towns of Derby, Chesterfield and Lincoln lie within a 30-minute drive of Nottingham, offering up quaint small-town shops and a weekend day out. Meanwhile the Peak District National Park spreads out above Nottingham, offering up a wealth of beautiful countryside, hikes, and photogenic scenery.