Where to Base
The city center and areas near the Castle are ideal bases, offering proximity to the River Trent and major attractions. Areas around the University suit academic visitors, while suburbs like Arnold offer quieter stays.

Nottingham, a major city in the East Midlands, is a UNESCO City of Literature and the legendary home of Robin Hood. Renowned as the 'Home of English Sport', it hosts iconic venues like Trent Bridge and the National Ice Centre. With excellent rail links and the UK's largest publicly owned bus network, it offers convenient access to key business and leisure districts. The city's rich industrial heritage in lace and tobacco blends with modern amenities, making it a strategic base for exploring the Midlands.
🕐 Europe/London · 💱 GBP
Tim Heaton, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
☀️ Best months: Jun, Aug
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EMA airport guide (official info · terminals · lounges) →
The city center and areas near the Castle are ideal bases, offering proximity to the River Trent and major attractions. Areas around the University suit academic visitors, while suburbs like Arnold offer quieter stays.
Nottingham Railway Station connects to major cities. The city features the NET tram system and England's largest publicly owned bus network, making public transport the most efficient way to navigate the urban area.
Visit Nottingham Castle to explore Robin Hood legends. Catch a match at Trent Bridge or events at the National Ice Centre. Walk the literary trails to experience the city's status as a UNESCO City of Literature.

association football stadium in West Bridgford, England

castle in Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, England, UK

football stadium in Nottingham, England

Catholic cathedral
Country house museum in Nottingham, England

museum and art gallery in Derby, England, United Kingdom

theatre in Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, England, UK

church in the City of Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, England, UK

football stadium

ruins of a castle in Derbyshire, England, UK

Historic house museum, home of Lord Byron, in Nottinghamshire, England, UK

railway viaduct spanning the Erewash Valley
Alchemilla occupies the red-brick vaulted arches of a Victorian carriage house, yet despite its rustic first impression, it’s a modern place. A living wall and roof garden set the scene for Head Chef Alex Bond's inspired, exciting cooking that utilises sustainably sourced ingredients. As well as injecting plenty of his own personality into the dishes, he has an innate skill for bringing together sweet, sour, salty and citrus elements in wonderful harmony; his aged hogget with roasted lemon, aubergine and black olive is a prime example. The esoteric wine list has a bias towards natural wines.
WebsiteThis restaurant has become quite the operation over the years, what with its main dining room, Tasting Room, Kitchen Bench, bedrooms, garden and even its own bees. Sat Bains has an unerring commitment to well-sourced produce, both from his own garden and around the British Isles; fresh, snow-white crab is a great example, enhanced by the ingenious accompaniments of dashi jelly and a rich bisque infused with star anise. Whatever the dish, it will be as punchy as it is good looking. You're guided smoothly through the whole experience by the genial, well-versed service team.
WebsiteBeing hidden down an alleyway and up some stairs in the centre of Nottingham, you’ll need to follow your map closely to find this rustic restaurant in a lovely period building – think exposed brickwork, timbers and dried flowers hanging on the wall. Cooking-wise it’s all about small plates, with three to four per person about right; these dishes show off recognisable flavour combinations executed with aplomb, like ham fritters with the eponymous piccalilli. The wine list is concise but carefully curated, with quality choices at a fair price.
WebsiteHead through the arch of Enfield Chambers and you'll be transported to this uber-cool setting. The Japanese cooking revolves around small plates and skewers, cooked over a charcoal grill with consummate skill. Bright, authentic and generous, each dish is a joy to eat and sensibly priced too. If you're coming for lunch, get here early as they don't take bookings and the lunchtime offer is phenomenally good value. Efficient service, a dynamic atmosphere and a courtyard terrace all add to the already considerable appeal.
WebsiteHidden in the basement of the old city law courts and jail is this friendly, long-standing restaurant which comes with a vaulted ceiling, colourful tiling and ornate fretwork. The menu is just as interesting, living up to its name with dishes that incorporate elements from yuzu to dukkah alongside the firmly Mediterranean base. Around four dishes per person is about right, with the 'gambas a la plancha' well worth an order. The ‘Express’ menu available on midweek early evenings represents great value.
WebsiteIn the heart of the city’s historic Lace Market neighbourhood, you’ll find this fun and welcoming restaurant that could scarcely be more on-trend. Sharing plates, counter seating, moody lighting, stylishly understated décor… it’s got the lot – and judging by the buzz it’s a recipe for success. Start with the fish crackling if you can, a totally addictive snack that sets the tone perfectly for a menu of immensely satisfying dishes. The wine list adds to the experience, with an interesting selection and a pleasingly large choice by the glass.
WebsiteYou’ll find this friendly village pub with a bright, modern feel tucked away down a narrow country lane. When it comes to the cooking, things are hearteningly traditional, with eternal favourites like bangers and mash – along with daily specials – cooked with great care and using quality ingredients, resulting in straightforward, flavour-packed food. 'Pie night' – with weekly changing filling choices – and a proper Sunday roast add to the appeal, as do charming service and a prime view of the local cricket pitch.
WebsiteThe eponymous John was raised right here on the family farm and now provides excellent field-to-fork dining inside its 16th-century farmhouse. His brother Tom looks after the 400-acre estate, which provides herbs, vegetables, fruits and multiple meats that inform and inspire the tasting menus. The kitchen has the skill to let these flavours shine, in dishes that come with a personal and playful touch – such as a take on classic duck pancakes. You start with drinks on the ground floor and are then shown upstairs to the rustic restaurant with its exposed bricks and beams.
WebsiteAttraction data from Wikidata (CC0) and open sources, ranked by notability and distance — for reference.
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