A cosmopolitan hive of culture, with flourishing arts and social scenes, top sporting facilities and a great reputation for shopping – Nottingham is one of the most popular destinations in the UK and not only for postgraduate study!
Changing cityscape
The last decade has seen Nottingham expand and prosper. Major investment has transformed the cityscape and business is booming. More than 50 international companies have located their regional and national headquarters in Nottingham – including Boots, Experian, Capital One, Speedo and Siemens – and it is the fastest growing major city in the UK in terms of job creation (RICS Foundation).
Nottingham is also officially rated as one of the best retail centres outside London, particularly for fashion. From local legend Paul Smith’s original store to designer boutiques, major high-street names and second-hand paradises, Nottingham has something for every taste and budget.
Culture vultures
Nottingham revels in its cultural diversity. The city has a strong reputation for contemporary arts, and plans are underway to build a brand new £13m Centre for Visual and Live Arts in the city centre which will include galleries, performing and rehearsal space, and studios.
The Castle Museum, the first municipal art gallery outside London, exhibits important work, while the innovative Lakeside Arts Centre at The University of Nottingham hosts the latest art exhibitions along with music, comedy, films and drama. Nottingham also has great literary connections and was the inspiration for three of the most significant writers of the 19th and 20th centuries - Lord Byron, DH Lawrence and Alan Sillitoe.
Escape to the country
If you want to escape city life, areas of outstanding natural beauty are within easy reach. The Peak District, one of the most visited National Parks in the world, is close by, as are the beautiful havens of Southwell Minster and Wollaton Park.
Wollaton Park, just a short walk from University Park Campus, a 500-acre deer park, was ranked second best urban park in Britain by The Independent newspaper.
And, of course, to the north of the city lies Sherwood Forest – the legendary home of England’s most famous and best-loved outlaw, Robin Hood.
Keep it green
Nottingham has one of the most pedestrian-friendly and least congested city centres in the country, with the newly refurbished Old Market Square at its heart.
The city has been commended as a world leader in restricting traffic growth. Its integrated public transport system, which includes a comprehensive bus network and tram system, is acknowledged as one of the best in the UK.
Location
Nottingham, an East Midlands city, is situated in the heart of England and has excellent local, national and international transport links.
Frequent rail services run from Nottingham to major UK cities, including London every 30 minutes, and the completion of the Eurostar connection at St Pancras International means that passengers are only a train journey from Paris.
East Midlands Airport, one of the UK’s fastest growing airports, is only 30 minutes from the city centre.
Proud history
Since 1068, when William the Conqueror built a castle overlooking a busy Saxon settlement, Nottingham has been an influential city. The first steam powered mills were built here during the 18th century, and the Industrial Revolution started in Nottingham, leaving the county with a legacy of early industrial architecture.
Nottingham’s rich history can be explored in the Lace Market area, particularly the 15th century St Mary’s Church, or around the recently developed Old Market Square.
You can also discover more about Nottingham’s fascinating heritage by visiting:
- Nottingham Castle, home to a museum and gallery
- the award-winning Galleries of Justice, a law museum housed in a gaol dating back to 1375
- The Museum of Nottingham Lace which charts the role of lace in the city's economic development
- The Museum of Nottingham Life at Brewhouse Yard Museum
Social city
Nottingham’s social life is second to none. The city has hundreds of bars and restaurants to suit all tastes, and was named Culinary Capital of the UK in 2006.
Two of England’s oldest pubs also stand in the city – Ye Olde Salutation Inn and Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem which is built into Nottingham’s caves. The creation of pedestrian-friendly streets with pavement cafes has given Nottingham a distinctly European ambience.
For music, Nottingham attracts most of the major nationwide tours. Nottingham Arena hosts some of the world’s biggest music acts, while Rock City is renowned for showcasing top rock and indie acts.
Sporting chances
Nottingham’s social life is second to none. The city has hundreds of bars and restaurants to suit all tastes, and was named Culinary Capital of the UK in 2006.
Two of England’s oldest pubs also stand in the city – Ye Olde Salutation Inn and Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem which is built into Nottingham’s caves. The creation of pedestrian-friendly streets with pavement cafes has given Nottingham a distinctly European ambience.
For music, Nottingham attracts most of the major nationwide tours. Nottingham Arena hosts some of the world’s biggest music acts, while Rock City is renowned for showcasing top rock and indie acts.
Stage, screen and scribes
Nottingham revels in its cultural diversity. The city has a strong reputation for contemporary arts which will be further enhanced when Nottingham Contemporary, set to be one of the largest contemporary arts spaces in the UK, opened its doors in 2009.
The Castle Museum houses historical and contemporary collections and its exciting temporary exhibitions programme brings the work of international artists to the city.
The innovative Lakeside Arts Centre on University Park Campus hosts the latest art exhibitions along with music, comedy, films and drama.
For performing arts, Nottingham certainly takes centre stage.
Nottingham Playhouse is renowned for innovative drama; the lovingly restored 18th century Theatre Royal showcases world-class theatre, ballet and opera; and The Royal Concert Hall attracts some of the biggest names in music, comedy and the performing arts.
For film buffs, Nottingham has everything from a 14-screen multiplex to the world’s smallest cinema at only 21 seats! The independent Broadway cinema comes highly recommended by Director Quentin Tarantino who held the British premiere of Reservoir Dogs there.
Not content to just show films, Nottinghamshire also stars in a few. The county is the location for a clutch of recently released films including Control, starring local actor Samantha Morton, and This is England, the critically acclaimed film from Nottingham's adopted film director Shane Meadows. Comedians David Mitchell and Robert Webb also used Nottingham in their film Magicians, while And When Did You Last See Your Father, starring Colin Firth, has a fleeting scene shot near Newark in Nottinghamshire.
Nottinghamshire also has great literary connections and was home to three of the most significant English writers of the 19th and 20th centuries – Lord Byron, DH Lawrence and Alan Sillitoe.
Download a PDF guide to Nottingham City to find out what's on offer.
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