Parking in Nottingham

• Trinity Square Car Park (NG1 4AF) is open 24/7, close to Nottingham Trent University (NG1 4FG), Theatre Royal (NG1 4BY) and Rock City (NG1 5GG).
• Nottingham Arena Car Park (NG1 1BG) is close to Motorpoint Arena Nottingham (NG1 1LA) and National Ice Centre (NG1 1LA). Again, it’s open 24/7.
• Nottingham Castle Car Park (NG1 7FF) is right next to Nottingham Castle, Museum and Art Gallery (NG1 6EL), Robin Hood Statue (NG1 6AA) and City of Caves (NG1 1HF). It too is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Key roads in Nottingham

• The A60 runs through the centre of Nottingham, connecting the leafy neighbourhood of West Bridgford to the Victoria Centre (NG1 3QN) and Mansfield in the north.
• The A6514 and A52 chart a major route through west Nottingham – from Mapperley Golf Club (NG 5LD) to Wollaton Park Golf Club (NG8 1BT), the University of Nottingham (NG7 2RD) and industrial parks south of the Trent.
• The M1 motorway brushes Nottingham’s western edge close to Beeston and Long Eaton. This major route spans almost 200 miles to London in the south and Leeds in the north.

How to get from Nottingham to the Peak District National Park

It takes just under an hour to drive the 32 miles from Nottingham to the border of the Peak District National Park near Chesterfield.

1. Leave the car hire centre at Linkmel Close, south-west Nottingham, and take a left onto Crossgate Drive.
2. Join Queens Drive, heading northbound, then use Wilford Road, Maid Marian Way and A610 to drive through Nottingham.
3. Journey north on the M1, then exit left onto the A617.
4. Take the A619 at Chesterfield to enter the Peak District near Chatsworth House and Bakewell. From here, you could take the B6001 up to Hathersage, or head further west along the A6 towards Buxton.

How to get from Nottingham to Sherwood Forest

Sherwood is a one-hour drive from Nottingham. Join the A60 in Nottingham city centre and head north, stay on A614 until you reach Rufford Abbey, then join the B-roads north of Edwinstowe and follow the signs to Sherwood Forest.

Best places to stay in Nottingham

Park Plaza Nottingham

41 Maid Marian Way, Nottingham, NG1 6GD

Handsomely furnished and located close to Nottingham Castle, Park Plaza is kitted out with facilities for business – such as a work desk and 11^th-floor fitness centre.

There’s an Asian restaurant, Latin-style restaurant and rooms are air conditioned.

The Lodge at Ruddington

148 Wilford Road, Ruddington, Nottingham

A well-connected country lodge less than 10 minutes from Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, Wilford Road Lodge is no ordinary bed and breakfast.

The luxurious Bollinger Suite has two separate bedrooms, a private breakfast room and lounge. If you book the Garden Suite, you’ll get your own private courtyard.

Birdholme Glamping

Birdholme Wood, Melton Road, Stanton-on-the-Wolds NG12 5BQ

These 17 acres of woodland and meadows are the perfect stomping ground for anyone looking for a rural adventure in Nottinghamshire.

At Birdholme, just 25 minutes south of Nottingham, you can choose from four luxury lodges. Each one provides cosy comforts in a back-to-nature environment which includes hot tubs and wood burners. 

Best places to eat in Nottingham

Kushi-ya

1A Cannon Court, Long Row, Nottingham, NG1 6JE

Kushi-ya is at the heart of Nottingham’s modern culinary scene. This indie Japanese restaurant specialises in skewers and small plates.

We’d recommend ordering furikake seasoning and plenty of fiery chilli.

Alchemilla

192 Derby Road, Nottingham, NG7 1NF

This excellent eatery channels Nottingham’s historic side – set in a 19^th-century carriage storehouse.

Visit to sample adventurous bites – like raw beef with chimichurri – beneath vaulted ceilings.

Martin’s Arms

School Lane, Colston Bassett, Nottingham, NG12 3FD

A favourite for the classics, this idyllic country pub has appeared in the Michelin Guide on more than one occasion.

Its menu features tantalising twists on quintessential pub grub, including roast partridge with game gravy.

Best things to do in and around Nottingham

Nottingham Castle

Lenton Road, Nottingham, NG1 6EL

Family fun is a whirlwind of Robin Hood storytelling, rebellion-themed exhibitions and outdoor trails at Nottingham Castle.

This fortress has witnessed some of Britain’s most bloody battles, from the rebellion of King Richard to the English Civil War.

City of Caves

Garner’s Hill, Nottingham NG1 1HF

Nottingham’s sandstone caves have shaped the city since the seventh century. Throughout the ages they have been used as dungeons and bomb shelters – today, they’re connected to the National Justice Museum.

Peak District National Park

Castleton, Hope Valley S33 8WS

Soft limestone slopes, unspoilt villages and dramatic mountain hikes create a natural paradise at this secluded spot in the centre of England.

The Dovedale Stepping Stones are a favourite destination for Nottingham hikers, being just an hour away by hire car.

Sherwood Forest

Sherwood Forest, NG21 9QB

Get to know the home of legendary hero Robin Hood at Sherwood Forest.

See the thousand-year-old Major Oak, wander around Rufford Abbey or explore legendary magic at the visitor centre.

Trent Bridge Cricket Ground

West Bridgford, Nottingham NG2 6AG

Nottingham’s famed cricket ground has seen much bat-and-ball drama over the years. Trent Bridge is known for hosting international series such as the Ashes and for the Wynne-Thomas Library, which houses one of the world’s largest cricket book collections.