Places to stay in Nottinghamshire

Nottingham: culture and an evening in the city

Hart’s is the comparison when city visits, dining and performances are the main purpose. A full Nottingham day can stand on its own without a rural excursion. If travelling by rail, keeping the first day urban avoids immediately arranging another transfer, while a second full day can be reserved for a carefully chosen county outing.

Good for: City culture, dining and visitors who want several evening options.

Before you choose: Nottingham is not beside the Sherwood Forest visitor centre. Check the outward and return journey before adding forest time, and allow the main visit more than a gap between city bookings.

Newark: eastern county and a riverside setting

The Riverside Rooms supports a Newark stay with town browsing and a Civil War theme rather than a large hotel experience. Give the market town and river area a relaxed day, checking current access to individual heritage sites. Its position makes a different choice from Nottingham when the eastern county or onward rail journey shapes your plans.

Good for: Town heritage, independent accommodation and an eastern-county itinerary.

Before you choose: Read the property’s arrival and parking instructions closely. A riverside address does not guarantee a conventional staffed hotel reception, breakfast service or a room with the same outlook as the building photograph.

Southwell: Minster and a smaller-town stay

The Saracens Head offers a Market Place base for Southwell itself. Give the Minster and town time, then make the Workhouse and Infirmary a separate visit under the National Trust’s current arrangements. This option suits a slower pace and a return to the same small centre for dinner, rather than several late city evenings.

Good for: Couples, church architecture and visitors wanting a small-town rhythm.

Before you choose: Confirm whether your bedroom is in the historic or new wing. The Workhouse has its own entrance and opening arrangements; it is not simply another part of the Minster visit.

ROMANTIC BREAKS

Choose Southwell for a compact day

Build the stay around the Minster, town browsing and dinner, with enough time at the hotel to enjoy the room you chose. A second day at the Workhouse or in the countryside makes more sense than rushing on to Nottingham the same afternoon.

FAMILY BREAKS

Give Sherwood its own outing

Choose a route or activity suitable for the children and check the visitor centre’s current programme. Keep the return journey clear, carry what you need for the weather and avoid promising both a full forest day and an evening city attraction.