City Centre Beach returns to Nottingham

As I trundled into work on the tram yesterday, I got to Old Market Square and a flicker of excitement ran through me as I saw wooden bases being carefully laid out. Maybe I am that sad to be enthusiastic about such a thing, but those wooden bases meant that Nottingham Riviera, our own city centre beach was beginning to be laid. Now for anyone who is totally confused by what I’ve just said or hasn’t experienced anything like it before, the beach is just that – a whole load of sand in the middle of Nottingham. Put around it a paddling pool, a beach bar, a Helter Skelter and a few more games and rides and you’ve got one hell of an experience. When it was first installed a few years ago, I wasn’t sure how it would work and thought it might be a bit tacky or out of place in Nottingham’s city centre. Very quickly though it’s grown on me and I can honestly say it’s really, really cool. Unlike other sprawling UK cities, Nottingham’s Old Market Square remains the focal point and the centre of things. Installing a beach throughout the school summer holidays creates a whole new atmosphere and perfect for family days out. Families who used to trudge around on a shopping spree can have a whole different experience as the kids get Dad wet in the swimming pool and build sandcastles while Gran sits on a deck chair soaking up the sun. I know I’d be happier here than in some overcrowded department store. At this point, I can almost hear the cynics out there saying, come on though it’s Nottingham not Mauritius. And you may well be right, but if you’re looking to enjoy your summer a little closer to home, then trying out the beach in Nottingham is a really fun way of bringing that holiday atmosphere to you. Make a day trip to Nottingham or even a weekend break to find out for yourself, there’s plenty to see and do nearby and the summer is really good time to visit with attractions such as Sherwood Forest a perfect compliment.