Car Hire Nottingham

Nottinghamshire owes its many pleasant drives to a spider’s web of city streets, A-roads and winding country lanes. Quaint, country villages speckle the countryside surrounding the so-called Queen of the Midlands, providing plenty to explore with a hire car.

There is plenty of parking in the centre of Nottingham, making it easy to enjoy the central shops, restaurants and attractions. On-street parking metres start from just 25p per 30 minutes, with reduced fares on Sundays. There are also multi-storey car parks at Trinity Square and Lace Market, with hundreds of spaces available. You can find more information on the Nottingham City Council website.

Drive along London Road, to the east of the city centre, and you’ll find the Motorpoint Arena, several theatres and a choice of museums.

By the banks of the River Trent, you’ll find several important sporting destinations within a short distance - including Nottingham Forest and Notts County’s football grounds and Trent Bridge cricket stadium. The Nottingham Racecourse is just 10 minutes’ drive along the river too, where greyhounds and horses compete for victory.

Sherwood Forest is just less than an hour away from Nottingham via the A60. Continue the medieval fun at the Robin Hood-themed adventure park, which is en route back to Nottingham along Old Rufford Road. While you’re in the area, you could also visit the charming site of Newstead Abbey by the lakes south of Mansfield.

The A453 (Remembrance Way) provides a link to the M1 motorway and East Midlands Airport. The drive takes around 20 minutes on a clear run – so if you’re catching a flight, make sure you leave plenty of time in case of traffic.

The joy of the Midlands is you can easily drive to all areas of the UK. The M1 southbound connects you to London, delivering you into the capital in less than three hours. Northbound, the motorway curves around Sheffield and the Peak District, arriving in Leeds in one hour and 45 minutes. Heading westward on the M54, you can cruise over the Welsh border within two hours.

Nottingham is a vibrant city with a deep, fascinating past. Driving around this riverside metropolis, you can’t help but stumble upon many top attractions.

The Prince of Thieves

According to legend, Nottingham was the home of Robin Hood – perhaps the most infamous figure in English folklore. The visionary outlaw has captured hearts in Hollywood and magnetises thousands to Nottinghamshire every year.

There is a popular Robin Hood Town Tour, walking you through 700 years of adventurous stories. Most of the action takes place out of town, however.

Robin Hoods Wheelgate Park is an energetic family fun park around 35 minutes’ drive out of town, and the ancient woodland of Sherwood Forest beyond is home to a whole host of attractions. At Sherwood Forest Activity Centre, you can try out archery and relive the outlaw legend.

Caves and castles

The City of Caves is one of Nottingham’s most distinctive attractions. Each of these urban caves comes with a mysterious history dating back to the Dark Ages.

The labyrinth of 500 caves once served as medieval dwellings, air raid shelters and Victorian slums. Today you can explore the eerily lit, sandstone caverns and follow in the footsteps of local history.

Nottingham Castle is another great place to see snap up beautiful photographs and understand the local history. The soon-to-be-updated attraction will boast art galleries, a land train and an adventure playground.

Sporting energy

If you’re a fan of world-class sport, Nottingham could be your dream city. Get dressed up for a day at the races, cheer on the football or enjoy a quintessentially English game of cricket.

Trent Bridge has been known to host top-tier international events including The Ashes and a new Michelin-star restaurant is due to open on the West Bridgford venue’s sixth floor, offering great views of the city.

Soak up some knowledge

The National Justice Museum is one of the city’s must-see attractions, delving into the intriguing world of Victorian courtrooms and gaols. Crime Club invites you to channel your inner Sherlock Holmes and solve real crimes – and then there’s the Cocktails and Crime event series which requires parking up the car for the night.

The Nottingham Industrial Museum is set in the 17th-century stables of Wollaton Hall and is a great place to learn the local story, from transport to textiles. You might be pleasantly surprised by the diverse events calendar, featuring everything from basket-weaving courses to ghost walks.

Experience the dynamic music scene

Nottingham’s universities make it a dynamic knowledge hub, with plenty of spots for intellectual indulgence. The other aspect of a vibrant university culture is exceptional nightlife.

Rock City has been wowing crowds for 35 years, showcasing the very best acts on the UK music scene. Rescue Rooms is a more intimate alternative, hosting artists from a wide range of genres.

If you prefer softer sounds, follow the purring to Kitty Cafe. This feline bistro is popular with cat-lovers and coffee connoisseurs across the county.

Whether you love history, sport, music or a little of each, hire a car in Nottingham to begin planning your Midlands adventure.