Hotels in Nottingham

Nottingham: Sherwood Forest, Lace Market & the East Midlands Gateway

Nottingham sits on the River Trent in the East Midlands, 128 miles north of London by road. The city is internationally associated with the Robin Hood legend, but its fabric runs deeper: the Lace Market quarter preserves Victorian warehouses from the city's 19th-century lace industry, while Nottingham Castle — rebuilt in 1878 as a ducal mansion over a medieval sandstone outcrop — houses the city's art museum and the entrance to a network of man-made caves carved into the Bunter Sandstone beneath the city. Over 800 such caves are recorded, making Nottingham one of Europe's most cave-riddled urban centres.

Where to Stay

Hotels cluster around Market Square, one of England's largest civic squares, and along Maid Marian Way. Budget chains occupy the city centre; 4-star options concentrate near the Nottingham Railway Station and the Trent Bridge cricket ground in West Bridgford. Hockley, the creative quarter east of Market Square, offers boutique accommodation within walking distance of independent restaurants and the Broadway cinema.

Practical Tips

• Getting there: East Midlands Railway runs London St Pancras to Nottingham in about 1 hour 40 minutes.
• Getting around: The NET tram (Nottingham Express Transit) connects the railway station to Hockley, the Old Market Square, and suburbs north to Hucknall.
• Sherwood Forest: The ancient oak woodland is 20 miles north of the city centre; allow half a day for a visit.
• Cave tours: Book the City of Caves attraction under Broadmarsh in advance — sessions fill quickly at weekends.