My Favourite Spots in Nottinghamshire by Matt Kirby

This week we share Matt Kirby’s favourite places in Nottinghamshire. If you would like to share your ‘favourites’ with us, email us at social@experiencenottinghamshire.com or use the comment section below. You may feature on our blog and our various social media platforms. Matt Kirby is a local resident and sent us his favourite places by emailing social@experiencenottinghamshire.com. Matt also helps organise stag and hen parties through his website www.comparestagandhen.com "Without doubt my favourite spot in Nottinghamshire is the Trent Bridge area. As someone who loves spectating and participating in all manner of sports this area is very close to my heart. As a spectator, Nottingham has a unique offering. With two football grounds and a cricket ground all within a stones throw of each other. Trent Bridge is home to Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club and regularly hosts international matches. I am sure I am by no means alone in my excited anticipation of this summer's Ashes Test Match. Nottingham Forest is my club of choice but like many sports fans in Nottingham, I have also enjoyed time at Meadow Lane watching Notts County and also Nottingham Rugby Club. That there is so much sport to watch in this small area speaks volumes of the passion for sport held by many people in Nottingham. However, talking about the professional sport available to watch is only half the story. The Embankment (just over the river) is the home of the Nottingham Half & Full Marathon [editor's note: Ikano Robin Hood Half & Mini Marathon]. Although the route has changed recently, the event starts and finishes on the Embankment. This event really brings the best out in people. I have run this race several times and received fantastic support from the people of Nottingham. There was much eulogizing about the Olympic Spirit in London last year, but a trip down to the Nottingham half-marathon in September will show anyone that anything London can do...Nottingham can do better and we do it year in year out! The river is also home to many sporting opportunities, particularly if you head slightly down stream to the National Water Sports Centre at Holme Pierrepont. Here you do everything from white water rafting to kayaking or water skiing. Nottinghamshire also offers some of the best nightlife in the UK. There is truly something for everyone. Whether I am looking for a quiet night out with my wife, a night out with the lads or to take in a concert at the Ice Stadium [editor's note: Capital FM Arena and National Ice Centre] there is always something new to try in Nottingham.  We are very fortunate in Nottinghamshire that Nottingham city centre is not the only choice for a night out with places like Mansfield having a very good nightlife as well.  Nottinghamshire as we all know is blessed with some beautiful countryside and the amazing walks are too plentiful to mention. My personal favourite would have to be through Newstead Abbey (although I got married there so may be a bit biased)."