Slap bang in the middle of the country, Nottingham is home to a 290,000 strong population.
87% of employees work in the service sector, and the city has been hailed as “a place for innovative businesses and individuals to thrive”, due to the growth in digital, energy and life science sectors.
Nottingham’s positioning means most cities in England can easily be reached by train or car within a few hours, so you can easily spend your weekends visiting family and friends.
Whether you want to work in-house for big name brands like Pentland, Boots or Experian; or would prefer to specialise in the likes of SEO, PPC, content, PR or social media at an agency; then Nottingham could be the perfect place for you.
In need of some job inspiration? Take a look at our list of top 10 agencies in Nottingham.
If you’d like to build up your network of contacts whilst learning about the latest innovations in digital marketing, make sure you check out these events.
Offering the perfect work-life balance, Nottingham is actually the cheapest city to live in, on our list! Compared to London, Nottingham is 184% cheaper; and it also beats the likes of Edinburgh, Manchester, Liverpool and Newcastle.
So, if you want your money to go further, Nottingham is the ideal place!
Average cost of a one bed flat (monthly rent)
£578.95 (city centre)
£464.17 (outside city centre)
Average monthly commuting costs
£55
Monthly gym membership
£28
Average cost of a meal at an inexpensive restaurant
£12
Average cost of a cappuccino
£2.50
Average cost of 0.5l beer
£3.05
*stats from Numbeo
Nottingham, NG9 6DY
Attenborough Nature Reserve prides itself on its rich wildlife. It is part of the wildlife trust, and focuses on creating the perfect habitats for rare species that you can spot during your visit.
The ideal escape from busy city life, there are multiple routes round this 226 hectare nature reserve, but the full route will take three hours.
The reserve is famous for its rare birds, and in the warmer months they have an impressive number of butterflies. With over 450 different plant species, Attenborough Nature Reserve is great for those who love the outdoors, and want to learn more about the environment.
Where? Nottingham, NG9 6DY
Cost: Free entry
Website: attenboroughnaturecentre.co.uk
36 Carlton Street, Nottingham, NG1 1NN
Keep your eyes peeled as you walk down Carlton Street and you’ll see what looks like a boiler shop.
Venture inside, and you’ll see that in fact, it’s Nottingham’s not-so-secret cocktail bar.
On busy nights you may have to queue as you wait for a table, but it’s well worth the wait. This lot take their cocktail making seriously and mix up wonderfully creative drinks, served up with Hesten Blumenthal-like flare.
The cocktail menu changes every few months, so there will always be something new to try (although we do hate having to say goodbye to old favourites!).
Where? 36 Carlton Street, Nottingham, NG1 1NN
Cost: Free entry
Website: boilermakerbar.co.uk
Budby, Newark, NG22 9EX
Discover a treasure trove of antique gems at this vast vintage emporium, which covers a staggering 5,500 square feet.
An ever-changing array of vintage items are for sale on behalf of independent dealers – from ornaments to furniture and accessories, they stock it all. Whatever your taste, you stand a good chance of finding something unique to take home.
When you’ve finished shopping, you can pop into the adjoining cafe and bistro for a bite to eat.
Where? Budby, Newark, NG22 9EX
Cost: Free entry
Website: budbyantiques.co.uk
21-23 Castle Gate, Nottingham, NG1 7AQ
Fancy testing your thinking skills under a high pressure situation? Escapologic does just that.
You’ll have to crack codes, reveal hidden doors and retrieve lost items to escape from a locked room – all against the clock.
The rooms are themed, so you can try something new every time you come back. If you’re feeling daring, try the haunted toyshop or 13utcher – both of them definitely add to the tension!
You don’t need a big group to go along, as couples are welcome too – although the more players you have, the cheaper the cost per person.
Where? 21-23 Castle Gate, Nottingham, NG1 7AQ
Cost: Off-peak from £18pp
Website: escapologic.com
Castle Wharf, British Waterways Building, Canal St, Nottingham, NG1 7EH
End your working week with a night full of laughter at the Glee Club, where you can watch four local comedians take to the stage and have you in stitches all night.
They also offer some amazing food as part of a deal, which we’d definitely recommend trying. Why not check out one of the burlesque and cabaret nights too?
You can look ahead at who is performing in advance, so you don’t miss out on your favourites. Just beware – if you’re near the front of the audience, you may get roped into some audience participation!
Where? Castle Wharf, British Waterways Building, Canal St, Nottingham, NG1 7EH
Cost: £14.50
Website: glee.co.uk
20 Carlton St, Nottingham, NG1 1NN
Hidden in the backstreets of Nottingham is this gem, a creative and social space for the perfect evening.
With three floors to choose from there is something for whatever type of night you are after.
The ground floor has the jostling atmosphere of a local pub and the central floor is full of comfy sofas and intimate booths. The top floor is themed, currently full of japanese blossom trees, it is great for your instagram!
The drinks are also incredible, with unique cocktail flavours and garnishings it is a place to impress.
Where? 20 Carlton St, Nottingham, NG1 1NN
Cost: Free entry, cocktails approx £8-£9
Website: thehockleyartsclub.com
31-37 Friar Lane, Nottingham, NG1 6DD
Cat lovers will purr with delight at all the cute kitties at this quirky Nottingham cafe.
There are more than 20 cats at the cafe, all waiting for a cuddle and a play. However, it can get quite busy – especially on weekends – so booking is recommended.
The menu has pizza, paninis, snacks and more. The cake is pretty delicious too – we’d recommend trying the afternoon tea!
And if you just so happen to find your purrfect pet while you’re there, then let the Kitty Cafe know! The majority of kitties are waiting to be adopted, and you could be their forever home.
Where? 31-37 Friar Lane, Nottingham, NG1 6DD
Cost: £6 entry (one hour slot)
Website: kittycafe.co.uk
72 Maid Marian Way, Nottingham, NG1 6BJ
Gamers and non-gamers will receive a warm welcome at Nottingham’s board game cafe.
Classic games like chess, draughts and Uno are all on offer, as well as other less well-known games.
Board game coaches are on hand if you want to try something new, or would like to brush up on the rules of an old classic.
Their cafe serves up sandwiches, pastries and cakes, as well as alcohol and soft drinks – basically, everything you could possibly need!
Where? 72 Maid Marian Way, Nottingham, NG1 6BJ
Cost: Free entry, cost of games varies
Website: ludoraticafe.com
Bolero Square, Belward Street, Nottingham, NG1 1LA
Whether you want to watch a Panthers hockey match, or fancy whizzing around the ice yourself, this is one of the most iconic places to visit in Nottingham.
In fact, it’s this very rink where Olympic medallists Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean trained.
If you want to brush up on your ice skating skills, then you can take lessons – they offer them for people of all ages and abilities.
You can also hire the venue out if there’s a special occasion you have coming up.
Where? Bolero Square, Belward Street, Nottingham, NG1 1LA
Cost: £5-£8.50 public skating
Website: national-ice-centre.com
High Pavement, Nottingham, NG1 1HN
Take a tour of the Galleries of Justice and witness enthralling historical reenactments of courtroom dramas.
The myths, legends and true stories you’ll hear will get you thinking, but are fun too. You’ll be told about real prison breaks, discover what prisons looked like in the Victorian era, and even get to visit the dungeon where folklore says Robin Hood was held.
Where? High Pavement, Nottingham, NG1 1HN
Cost: £10.95
Website: nationaljusticemuseum.org.uk
Lenton Road, Nottingham, NG1 6EL
The first castle at the site dated back to 1067, and since then it has had a chequered history that touches many seminal events in British history.
While Nottingham Castle is currently closed for refurbishment, it is set to reopen in 2021, when it promises to be a world class destination.
The renovations will give the castle’s vast collection of fine and decorative arts a new home that will allow visitors to truly appreciate them in all their glory. So, if you’re moving to Nottingham, put this on your list of things to do!
Where? Lenton Road, Nottingham, NG1 6EL
Cost: Free entry to grounds
Website: nottinghamcastle.org.uk
9 Fletcher Gate, Nottingham, NG1 1QQ
Located in Nottingham’s vibrant Lace Market area, Penny Lane is a cocktail bar that takes its inspiration from classic British seaside holidays.
Venture in and you’ll get to enjoy the full-size arcade where you can play favourites like air hockey, skee ball and table football.
The menu has a wide selection of food, from gyozas to seaside favourites like fish and chips – plus a whole range of cocktails, some of which come complete with poolside inflatables.
Where? 9 Fletcher Gate, Nottingham, NG1 1QQ
Cost: Free entry – approx £8.50 per cocktail
Website: pennylanebars.com
8 Talbot Street, Nottingham, NG1 5GG
Nottingham is a city that has much to offer music lovers, and Rock City is one of its legendary venues.
Nirvana, Green Day and the Red Hot Chilli Peppers have all taken to the stage here; amongst a whole host of other up-and-coming and established museums.
Gigs aside, Rocky City also run a number of regular club nights. So, put your trainers on and get ready to party the night away.
Where? 8 Talbot Street, Nottingham, NG1 5GG
Cost: Varies
Website: rock-city.co.uk
Clifton Boulevard, Redfield Way, Nottingham, NG7 2UW
Bowling has long been a popular leisure activity and this venue is top notch, with lots of alleys available.
As well as bowling, they also have pool tables, table tennis, laser quest, and a state-of-the-art arcade – including dance mats!
There is an on-site fast food restaurant that also serves alcohol, but there are several eateries nearby, in addition to a Showcase cinema, so you can spend the whole day here if you really want to!
Where? Clifton Boulevard, Redfield Way, Nottingham, NG7 2UW
Cost: £8.25 for one game, £14.30 for two
Website: tenpin.co.uk
Wollaton Park, Wollaton, Nottingham, NG8 2AE
You might recognise this magnificent hall, as it was where the one and only Batman was filmed!
Surrounded by stunning stretches of greenery, it is the perfect place to go for a walk and spend the afternoon.
There are deer roaming freely through the grounds (although make sure you keep your distance), and a picturesque lake to discover.
The hall itself is home to a Natural History Museum, and houses an incredible collection of taxidermy.
If you get peckish, then head over to the on-site cafe and treat yourself to a cream tea.
Where? Wollaton Park, Wollaton, Nottingham, NG8 2AE
Cost: £14.50
Website: wollatonhall.org.uk