Nottingham, home of the legendary Robin Hood, is the largest urban area in the East Midlands. It’s a city with plenty of personality, boasting history, culture, sport, and endless exciting activities. Whether you’re exploring the ancient caves or browsing your favourite high street brands, Nottingham welcomes everyone with open arms.
Discover this hidden gem in the heart of the UK, as we explore Nottingham.
Train tickets to Nottingham
If you want to reach Nottingham station by train, choose CrossCountry to take you there. We run services from all over the UK, including from Cardiff Central, Birmingham New Street, and Derby.
Be sure to book an Advance Ticket on our website or the CrossCountry app. You can also save money by purchasing a Railcard. Our popular options include the 16-25 Railcard and the 26-30 Railcard.
Experience Nottingham
Places to eat in Nottingham
Start the day at Effy, a micro bakery and espresso bar on Heathcoat Street. Expect a different round of espresso options each time you visit and for them to consistently tantalise your taste buds. Sporting quite the following, Effy are loved by their regular customers and first-time visitors, impressing not just with their coffees, but their flaky pastries too.
For dinner, Raymond's is a Michelin Guide restaurant located in the Lace Market. The menu is dynamic and designed around sharing plates, accented with seasonal ingredients and inventive flavour combinations. According to Michelin themselves, the fish crackling is the ideal plate to start with at Raymond's.
Finally, a more laid-back option is Little Brickhouse on Derby Road. It’s a darling little bistro with a welcoming atmosphere and a memorable menu. Recognisable by its pink exterior, the restaurant serves seasonal, home-cooked food using locally sourced ingredients, alongside a thoughtful natural wine list.
Places to stay in Nottingham
There are some unforgettable places to stay in Nottingham, both in the city and countywide. One of our favourites is the Lace Market Hotel, a comfortable and stylish stay situated right in the oldest part of Nottingham.
Hart’s Hotel offers a more luxurious experience and is set on the ramparts of Nottingham Castle. Dog-friendly and quietly refined, the hotel features a two AA Rosette restaurant serving modern British cuisine, making it a popular choice for comfort and fine dining.
Heritage & culture in Nottingham
Around every corner and in every nook and cranny across the city, you’ll find a snippet of history. Most notably, Nottingham Castle, high above the city, dates back to Norman times. Today, you can visit the museum and gallery inside, as well as an exciting adventure playground. Another icon of the area’s heritage is Wollaton Hall, an Elizabethan mansion, so beautiful you’ll have to look twice.
As for culture, Nottingham Contemporary should be your first stop. Built on the site of a Saxon fort and reliably delivering exhibitions that will make you think, it’s an interesting blend of the old, new, and innovative. In the evening, to round off a day of culture and heritage in Nottingham, head to the Theatre Royal for a show-stopping dramatic performance.
Shopping in Nottingham
Nottingham is easily one of the best cities for shopping in the Midlands, with an inviting mix of high street stores and independent vendors. A short walk from Nottingham station, the Victoria Centre is the perfect place to begin your shopping spree – a one-stop shop for clothing, beauty, tech, food, and more.
Next, head down Clumber Street and onto Bridlesmith Gate, and you’ll be greeted with more amazing brands and small businesses. This is a lovely part of the city, whether you’re shopping in summer or buying gifts for Christmas.
The Exchange Arcade is another great place to spend your money, with a plethora of brands to explore. To visit is to feel as though you’ve stepped back in time. Look up and marvel at the intricate painting and artistic touches that accent the domed ceiling; there is almost a hundred years of history here.
FAQs
Nottingham has one main train station: Nottingham Station.
Nottingham Train Station is in the very heart of the city, meaning you can start exploring as soon as you arrive.
East Midlands is the closest airport to Nottingham city centre, just under 12 miles away. It takes as little as 15 minutes to get from Nottingham to Long Eaton via train, from which you can jump on a Skylink service straight to the airport. Buses also run regularly between the city centre and airport, taking around 50 minutes one way.
To save on ticket costs, try and travel at quieter, off-peak times. If you’re eligible, you can also sign up for a railcard and save 1/3 on every journey. Our cheap tickets page has more hints and tips on travelling to Nottingham for cheaper.
If you need more information regarding Nottingham Station, take a look at our station guide.
