Holiday cottages, airbnb and bed and breakfast in Nottingham

Visit Nottingham, home of Robin Hood!

With its impressive Nottingham Castle, The Arboretum botanical paradise, and rainbow-kissed art galleries, Nottingham is a hive of beautiful culture, which has sprung from its position in folklore history. There are a million reasons why you might want to visit this vibrant city, whether you are looking for a cosy holiday cottage where you can relax after a day of exploring the castles, halls and gardens, or you are looking for a cost-friendly apartment to crash in after visiting friends in Nottingham University, whatever the reason for your visit, we have got you covered.

When to visit?

Nottingham's climate is temperate, with the chilly winters bringing a chance of snowfall and a mild summer which is pleasant for walking around the city and laying by the River Trent. Attractions can be busier around the summer months, when schools are on holiday, though the city centre is a bustling commercial hub all year round. Nottingham is at its most picturesque when the Winter Wonderland takes over the Old Market Square, and the city is illuminated by quaint Christmas stalls, an ice rink and even an ice bar.

How to get there?

Nottingham is located in the Midlands in central England, which means it is convenient from most corners of the country. The quickest way of travelling to the city is likely to be by train, with direct trains from London St Pancras taking around one hour and a half to reach Nottingham station. From Manchester Piccadilly, trains take around 1 hour 45 minutes, from Leeds it takes just under two hours, while journeys from Edinburgh come in around 4 hours, including a change in Newark North Gate. If you are travelling from Belfast or destinations which are in the far north or south of the UK, it might be quicker to fly to East Midlands Airport, from Glasgow, Belfast, Jersey or Guernsey, with all of these flight times being no more than an hour and a quarter. The airport is only 13 miles away from the city, which is a half an hour drive, or you can catch the 'Skylink' right into the centre. There are countless properties available with parking facilities, so for those who are driving to Nottingham from the south, take the M1 northbound until you get to junction 24 when you should take the A50 exit. From the north, take the M1 southbound and take the A610 exit. Alternatively, you can visit Nottingham for a day trip from various locations across the country. If you are already holidaying in the Midlands, or you have a holiday rental in Derbyshire then why not make the most of these convenient locations and visit the city in less than an hour.

Where to stay?

City centre/ Old Market Square

When it comes to choosing accommodation in a city, there is no better place to begin than right in the heart of the city centre. Rent a holiday apartment in Nottingham centre, and wake up in a room with a view of the striking Nottingham castle, which has stood on the hill above the city since 1068, with William the Conqueror being the brains behind the construction. The history of this age-old city centre does not stop here, however, as history buffs will love to visit the National Justice Museum, which is a former Victorian courtroom and prison, along with the Nottingham Cathedral, which is decorated in a richly beautiful gothic style.

Hockley/Lace Market

Named after Nottinghams famous lace industry, the Hockley and Lace Market district is the most fashionable place to choose a studio, loft or holiday apartment in Nottingham. Hockley's picturesque cobbled streets are bursting with indie bars, restaurants and vintage stores, making it the hippest and upcoming area of the city. Apartments in this neighbourhood are likely to be in an iconic red-brick warehouse, with exposed bricks and 18th-century windows, for the ultimate shabby chic stay.

Lenton

As an area which is particularly popular with students, Lenton is the ideal place to choose a cost-effective bed and breakfast, which is perfect for your city break budget. Stay in Lenton to immerse yourself in the youthful buzz which bounces around these townhouses, then hit the streets when night falls over Nottingham, and give these student bars a test run. Lenton's large student population means this area is full of amenities, offering everything you could need when staying in a holiday rental. It is also the ideal place to stay if you are visiting Nottingham University for an open day, or are visiting a friend who already studies in the city, as a property in Lenton will undoubtedly offer the true Nottingham student experience.

Beeston

The residential neighbourhood of Beeston is the perfect place to choose a property if you are searching for a cosy home away from home in Nottingham. Beeston has a laid-back suburban feel, though it is still only a 10-minute hop on the train or tram to the city centre. It is easy to see why this area is so popular for families who choose to settle near the city, as holiday homes are only a short walk from the quaint Beeston Marina, where you can wonder before a hearty dinner in a traditional English pub.

Mapperley

If you want to delve into Nottingham's vivid city life, but you still want easy access to Nottinghamshire's vast organic forests and natural adventure, opt for a holiday cottage or bed and breakfast in Mapperley, which lays between them both. The most famous legend from Nottinghams surrounding landscape is the world-famous Robin Hood, who, according to the folklore, fought social injustice around Sherwood Forest. The quaint area of Mapperley is only 20 minutes from Sherwood, while still being less than half an hour away from the city centre.

West Bridgford

The prestigious area of West Bridgford is the most fashionable area to choose a luxury apartment rental or apartment rental in Nottingham. A haven for sports or shopping enthusiasts alike, choose a townhouse or guest house in beautiful West Bridgford and discover the acclaimed boutiques, and Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club, the third oldest ground in the world. If this cricket lovers utopia isn't quite your thing, West Bridgford is also the water sports hub of Nottingham, thanks to its position on the regatta lake, where you can take part on in a popular white water rafting course.

What to do?

Visit the Nottingham Castle, Museum & Art Gallery

Labelling Nottingham as one of the most artistic cities in the UK is not an overly generous statement, and nothing showcases the rich creative spirit of Nottingham quite like Nottingham Castle, Museum & Art Gallery. Though this attraction is closed for renovation until 2020, it will certainly be the worth the wait, as the only thing as impressive as the art, is the building in which they are exhibited.

Explore the City of Caves

Hidden underneath the medieval streets of the city centre, you can discover a network of man-made caves, which have been used for thousands of years. These caves have evolved throughout the centuries, until the contemporary day, where this now over 800 caves categorised by Nottingham's City Archaeologist. Step back in time by stepping underground, and explore this city's best-kept secret.

Spend an afternoon at Wollaton Hall

This Grade I Elizabethan hall is perhaps the most opulent attraction in Nottinghamshire, as alongside the beautiful house, you can get lost in the Deer Park and gardens, which stretch for over 500 acres around the property. If the hall and forest land are not impressive enough, this attraction is also home to a Natural History Museum, which is home to some 750,000 fossils, plants, shells and minerals, which make it the largest natural history museum in the UK.

Wander around the Arboretum

The impeccably preserved park is an unmissable retreat for those who want to escape the bustle of the city centre — crafted in the mid-nineteenth century by botanist and horticultural publicist, Samuel Curtis, who designed the park to mimic Victoria Park in London. Today, you can simply wander through this floral paradise, or enjoy an even more structured experience by taking part in the Tree or Heritage Trail, where you can learn more about the parks fascinating history.

Catch an event at Nottingham Lakeside Arts

The go-to venue for all things cultural in Nottingham, the University run Lakeside Arts centre welcomes thousands of people annually who revel in the vibrant performances, workshops and exhibitions. There is always something happening in the centre, so whether you are interested in music, paintings, fashion and everything in between, take a look at the online brochure, and plan a cultural escape to this art centre today.

Watch the city go by in Old Market Square

Boasting the largest remaining market square in the country, Nottingham's main beating artery is the best place to pause and watch the action in the city. The crowning glory of the square is The neo-Baroque style Council House, Nottinghams most recognisable landmark, with its dome that towers above the city, and is instantly recognisable on the city's skyline.