Trains to Nottingham

There’s a lot to explore when you catch a train to Nottingham; both old and new. Walk the legendary landscapes of Nottingham Forest and unravel the stories of Robin Hood when you visit Nottingham Castle. For something more modern, enjoy the creative city’s independent art scene or fantastic shopping options. Fun for all ages, Nottingham has something for everyone whether you’re visiting with family or friends!

FAQs

Shopping in Nottingham

From high street favourites to independent stores and luxury boutiques, Nottingham will fulfil all your shopping needs. The city’s distinct architecture and compact nature make a shopping spree easy and enjoyable.

If you’re looking for your favourite chain stores, head to Victoria Centre, where you’ll find all the well-known brands as well as large department stores like John Lewis and Debenhams. If designer labels are more your thing, you’ll want to check out the plush Bridlesmith Gate area where you can appreciate high-end fashion, beauty and homeware stores. If you’d prefer to avoid the crowds in the larger malls but still want your fashion fix, then The Flying Horse Walk and The Exchange Arcade are both small shopping centres that are worth a visit.

Nottingham is also home to a mix of unique independent stores, selling everything from homemade jewellery and other quirky decorative items to vintage clothing, books and records. Hockley is located in the Creative Quarter and is Nottingham’s bohemian hotspot. Brimming with indie shops and creative businesses, you can spend hours browsing the boutiques here.

Food & Drink in Nottingham

Whatever your tastes or budget, Nottingham’s selection of great restaurants, cafés, and bars will suit your dining needs. Whether you want to treat yourself to some fine dining in a Michelin star restaurant or sit down to some traditional pub grub, the city is full of appetising options.

Nottingham has a vibrant and diverse food and drink scene, which means that diners will be spoilt for choice. Whether you prefer French, Italian, Thai, American, Greek or Spanish, you can eat your way around the world in Nottingham. Home to some of the UK’s best Indian restaurants, the city even has its own Curry Quarter on Maid Marion Way, including fiery restaurants like MemSaah and The Cumin.

If you’re out exploring Sherwood Forest, call at Launay’s, which prides itself on serving seasonal dishes made using local ingredients. Or visit the nearby Bistro Edwinstowe Pub, which always has something special on offer. Whether you’re seeking shelter from the cold or want to make the most of the outdoor seating area in the summer months, the food and drink selection will not disappoint.

If you’re visiting in October, you might catch the city’s legendary Robin Hood Beer and Cider Festival, including thousands of different brews, live entertainment, and food stalls.

Culture in Nottingham

Home to a variety of art galleries, theatres, cinemas, and live music venues, Nottingham is a great city for a cultural break. The Theatre Royal, The Nottingham Playhouse and The Royal Concert Hall make up the Royal Centre that offers visitors an opportunity to enjoy a live theatrical performance. Smaller theatres such as the New Theatre are also found in the city. If you’d prefer a film you can head to Broadway Cinema, which has been rated one of the best cinemas in the world.

Art lovers will find leading galleries such as Nottingham Contemporary, one of the largest contemporary arts centres in the UK, with a ‘constantly inventive’ selection of exhibitions and talks on throughout the year. If you travel into rural Nottinghamshire, you will be rewarded with smaller art galleries such as the Harley Gallery and Patchings Art Centre. The Nottingham Castle Museum is a must for families, providing fascinating history and spectacular views over the city. With a café, medieval playground, and six acres of Victorian inspired grounds and gardens, it’s a great place to entertain the kids for an afternoon.

For something a little different, discover the city’s underground caves. A hidden world beneath the streets of Nottingham, they are the largest network of man-made caves in Britain and date back to medieval times. This underground world has been used for everything from homes and bomb shelters in WW2 to ale storages for the city’s pubs, in more recent years!

Catching a train to Nottingham

The easiest and most cost-effective way to book tickets to and from Nottingham is via our website or CrossCountry trains app. Purchasing a ticket online 15-minutes or more before departure can even save you money. We may also have offers running, so be sure to check our special offers page.

If you want to explore Nottingham and all it has to offer, you’ll want to stay longer than a day! So, make sure you book a great value hotel in Nottingham before you arrive.