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A sports lover’s guide to Nottinghamshire

Nottinghamshire is home to some legendary sporting venues such as Trent Bridge, Nottingham Forest, Notts County and Mansfield Town football clubs as well as Nottingham Racecourse and the National Water Sports Centre, while sporting personalities such as Torvill and Dean, Brian Clough, Rebecca Adlington, Harold Larwood, Carl Froch, Richard Whitehead, Ollie Hynd, Lee Westwood and William 'Bendigo' Thompson all have strong links to Nottinghamshire. 

As this is a sports itinerary, and as Nottingham is home of the world-famous Raleigh bikes brand, we’re urging you to get active and cycle the city streets whilst you explore the fantastic sporting heritage that Nottingham has to offer. For cycle hire within the city, you can download the Citycard Cycles app – simply pick up a bike from one of the on-street docking stations from as little as £1.  

This useful trail gives you a handy list with everything you need to plan your trip, including travel times, addresses, and links to the listing pages to find out more about the attractions. To begin creating your itinerary, click the 'Add All Items to Itinerary' button and from there, you can either keep all the destinations in the pre-prepared list, or amend the itinerary by clicking on the places you are interested in. You can then rename, email, or print the list so it’s always to hand. You can also save your itinerary to view on your mobile phone and tablet.

Day 1 | Morning

The Brian Clough statue stands proudly in Nottingham city centre just off Old Market Square – bask in the magnificent views of Nottingham’s Council House whilst you stop and get a customary selfie with our sporting legend, who was manager to Nottingham Forest Football Club for 18 years between 1975 and 1993 and presided over the club's most successful spell in their history.

Cycle to Trent Bridge (approx. 10 mins via London Road); this historic landmark is a must-see for anyone visiting Nottingham. It’s thought that the bridge dates back to the medieval times and was first constructed in 920. The bridge has been re-developed a handful of times over the centuries due to extensive flood damage - on the northern abutment of the bridge you can still view the ‘flood marks’ carved into the stonework.
 
Just across Trent Bridge itself is Trent Bridge Stadium – home to the famous Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club. Take a look behind the scenes at the world’s third oldest Test Match ground, relive some of its greatest moments and get to know some of the characters that have shaped the club’s history. The club has guided tours every Tuesday which you can purchase for £4 (please note the schedules can be affected by major cricket events so it’s best to check before you go).

Day 1 | Afternoon

On the same side of the river and a mere four-minute bike ride away stands the world-famous City Ground: home to Nottingham Forest Football Club. The City Ground has been the backdrop for some of the most fantastic stories in the history of English football, not least The Reds’ back-to-back European Cup triumphs in 1979 and 1980 under the late Brian Clough – achievements which leave the club standing as one of the most successful to this day.

Why not take a cycle down Bridgford Road and explore the high street of trendy West Bridgford? Just minutes away you’ll find an abundance of independent coffee shops (like the stylish Copper Café) and everything from bakeries to boutiques! Afterwards, cycle along Victoria Embankment where you can enjoy scenic views of the River Trent and the Victoria Memorial Gardens. The Embankment is also home to our Grade-II listed art deco bandstand which is used to host the annual Riverside music festival and brass bands in the summer.

Just a stone throw away from Trent Bridge is the Embankment: A grade II listed building, once a Boots social club in 1919, now a charming local community pub offering local ales and delicious dishes. 

Less than ten minutes away on bike from the city centre is Meadow Lane – home to Notts County Football Club, nicknamed the Magpies, which were founded in 1862 and are the oldest professional football club in the world – they’ve been at Meadow Lane for almost 130 years!

Day 1 | Evening

Check your Citycard Cycles app for another on-street docking station where you can securely return your rented bicycle. They’re scattered in short distances over the city – so you’re never too far from one.

Back in the city centre, the aptly named Bolero Square is home to the National Ice Centre – previous stomping (or, rather, skating) ground for former Olympic champions Torvill and Dean. For under £10 you can take to the ice yourself – the rink is open to the public and there are always friendly staff members on the ice to assist, whether you’re a seasoned pro or a complete beginner!

Just off Friar Lane is the Southbank City Bar: the perfect way for any sports fan to end the day, boasting 22 4K screens and an impressive 155” 4K rear view projector built with the sole purpose to display live sports. Kick back and enjoy a US-inspired menu with the options to play a game of darts, American pool, or to hire one of their PS4s.

When you’re finally ready for bed, head back to the Ibis Nottingham Centre Hotel – a laid back, great-value hotel where you can get a great night’s sleep ready for the action-packed itinerary for Day 2.
 

Day 2 | Morning

Wake up bright and early, take a stroll into Hockley, and grab some breakfast at Hockley Kitchen: friendly, independent, and loved by locals. With everything fresh and made to order, you can choose from their extensive menu or customise your own. We highly recommend their renowned Fair Trade single estate coffee, Doi Chaang, which is produced by a Thailand mountain tribe and then brought to Nottingham and roasted locally – a firm favourite with the regulars and seriously good.

Take a scenic drive to Sherwood Pines Forest Park, in the heart of Sherwood Forest, which offers plenty of trails to explore by mountain bike, on foot, or via Segway if you want to cheat a little. With over 3,300 acres of Robin Hood’s homeland to discover, it’s no surprise that this is the largest forest open to the public in the East Midlands. Car parking starts at £2 for one hour and is £6 for the full day.

Day 2 | Afternoon

Hungry outlaws should head to the award-winning Forest Lodge for a hearty lunch. A rustic and homely 18^th century coaching inn, Forest Lodge feels more like a woodland retreat than a town pub.

After you’ve explored Sherwood Forest from the ground, take to the tree tops at nearby Go Ape (also located at Sherwood Pines) and embrace your adventurous side on jumbo netted trampolines, Tarzan swings, and epic zipwires. You can grab snacks and drinks at the on-site Sherwood Pines Visitor Centre to re-fuel if need be.

Finish off your action-packed day with an activity at nearby Adrenalin Jungle: we recommend the quad bikes, mud buggies, or paintballing – just make sure you’re not dressed in your best! With everything from archery to assault courses to choose from, Adrenalin Jungle is Nottingham’s largest outdoor activity centre and exhilaratingly fun. Please be advised that booking in advance for all activities is necessary, so don’t delay!

Day 3 | Evening

Head back to the City Centre and unwind with an evening meal at The Canalhouse– a former canal museum now a local quirky hub for great food, real ale, live sport and a inviting beer garden. With a line up of quirky events – including comedy and live music.