St Peter's Church, Nottingham: A Medieval Sanctuary in the City Centre
A medieval sanctuary and historic gem in Nottingham’s city centre, blending centuries of architecture and community spirit.
St Peter's Church in Nottingham is a historic Anglican parish church dating back to around 1180, making it one of the city's oldest buildings still in continuous use. Nestled amid bustling shopping streets near Old Market Square, it offers a peaceful medieval refuge with notable architectural features including a Norman tower, Early English aisles, and a striking carved rood screen. The church also hosts a strong musical tradition and serves the local community with worship and social outreach.
A brief summary to St Peter's Church, Nottingham
- St Peter's Gate, Nottingham, NG1 2NW, GB
- +441159483658
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit during weekday opening hours (10am–4pm) for a quieter experience and access to the church’s fair-trade shop and coffee facilities.
- Look for the carved rood screen and the Workers’ Memorial Window inside, both significant artistic and historical features.
- Attend a Sunday or midweek service to experience the church’s vibrant musical tradition and community worship.
- Explore the small churchyard adjacent to the building for a peaceful outdoor break amid the city bustle.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Public Transport
Take Nottingham Express Transit (NET) tram to the Old Market Square stop, approximately a 5-10 minute walk to St Peter's Church. Trams run frequently with tickets costing around £2.50 for a single journey.
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Bus
Multiple city bus routes serve Nottingham city centre with stops near Old Market Square. From the bus stop, it is a 5-8 minute walk to the church. Bus fares typically range from £2 to £3.
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Taxi
Local taxi services can reach St Peter's Church from anywhere in Nottingham city centre within 5-10 minutes, with fares starting around £5 depending on distance and traffic.
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Walking
If staying nearby, walking to St Peter's Church is easy via paved city centre streets. The terrain is flat and accessible, with a typical walk from Old Market Square taking about 5 minutes.
St Peter's Church, Nottingham location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about St Peter's Church, Nottingham
An Enduring Medieval Landmark Amidst Urban Life
St Peter's Church stands as a remarkable medieval structure in the heart of Nottingham, surrounded by busy commercial streets yet offering a tranquil oasis. The current building primarily dates from about 1180 to the early 13th century, built on the site of an earlier Norman church destroyed by fire. It is believed to be Nottingham’s oldest building in continuous public use. The church’s medieval origins are evident in its Early English style south arcade and the Norman tower crowned by a spire, constructed shortly before the mid-14th century Black Death.Architectural Evolution and Restoration
The church’s fabric reveals layers of history, with the south aisle and nave roof gifted by the Strelley family in the 15th century, while the north aisle roof is modern. The chancel is a later reconstruction, replacing a Civil War-damaged predecessor. Over centuries, the aisles’ outer walls were rebuilt in the early 1800s, though some restorations involved less sympathetic materials that have somewhat diminished the church’s original beauty. The tower retains much of its original yellow cross-bedded sandstone, with repairs using various local sandstones reflecting Nottingham’s geology.Interior Highlights and Spiritual Life
Inside, visitors encounter a magnificent carved rood screen, a modern reredos behind the altar, and the poignant Workers’ Memorial Window honoring those who lost their lives at work. The church maintains a strong musical tradition, featuring a choir known nationally and internationally. It serves as a spiritual and social hub, welcoming all city residents and particularly supporting disadvantaged communities. Regular worship services and midweek meditations continue the church’s long-standing role in Nottingham’s religious life.Historical Significance and Community Roots
St Peter’s has deep historical roots, with records of rectors dating back to the 13th century and guilds active in the 15th century that provided social welfare and community cohesion. The churchyard and surrounding streets once formed a vibrant medieval market town setting, with artisans and tradespeople living nearby. Despite urban development and challenges such as damage during the English Civil War, the church has remained a steadfast presence, adapting to the city’s changing face while preserving its heritage.Modern Role and Visitor Experience
Today, St Peter’s Church offers visitors a chance to step back into Nottingham’s medieval past while enjoying a peaceful retreat amid the city centre bustle. The adjacent churchyard and St Peter’s Centre provide pleasant spaces for reflection and refreshment, including a coffee shop and fair-trade shop. The church’s accessibility and welcoming atmosphere make it a meaningful destination for history enthusiasts, worshippers, and those seeking a moment of calm in a lively urban environment.Architectural Uniqueness and Conservation Challenges
St Peter’s is unique for its Anglo-Saxon architectural features, including its tower with characteristic string courses and triangular arches, identified by early 19th-century historians. The church’s construction history reflects a blend of Anglo-Saxon, Norman, and Gothic elements, showcasing the evolution of English ecclesiastical architecture. Conservation efforts continue to balance preserving these historic features with the demands of a modern urban parish, ensuring St Peter’s remains a vital landmark for future generations.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
St Peter's Church, Nottingham
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A medieval sanctuary and historic gem in Nottingham’s city centre, blending centuries of architecture and community spirit.
The Tokenhouse
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Explore The Tokenhouse in Nottingham for unique gifts and heartfelt treasures that capture the essence of the city.
Right Lion
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Discover Nottingham’s iconic Right Lion, a historic stone sculpture and beloved meeting point near the Council House in Old Market Square.
The Left Lion
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Meet Nottingham’s iconic Left Lion, a historic stone sentinel and beloved city landmark at the heart of Old Market Square.
Citylife UK
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Explore Nottingham with Citylife UK, your trusted travel agency for personalized experiences and local insights.
Weekday Cross Monument
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Historic heart of Nottingham’s medieval market life, commemorating centuries of trade and community gatherings in the Lace Market district.
Speakers' Corner
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Nottingham’s vibrant Speakers' Corner offers a historic platform for free speech, lively debates, and community connection in the heart of the city.
St Nic's Church
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Medieval survivor rebuilt from Civil War ashes, standing as Nottingham's testament to faith and resilience.
The Hockley Arts Club
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Discover Nottingham's vibrant cocktail culture at The Hockley Arts Club, where artistry meets exceptional mixology in a stylish bar setting.
Watson Fothergill's Office
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Explore the vibrant Gothic Revival office of Watson Fothergill, Nottingham’s iconic Victorian architect, showcasing intricate brickwork and historic homage.
King's Walk sign
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A pedestrianised passage where Georgian elegance meets contemporary commerce in Nottingham's historic heart.
16 Stoney Street
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Discover 16 Stoney Street, a preserved Victorian lace warehouse in Nottingham’s historic Lace Market, echoing the city’s rich industrial heritage.
Statue of Captain Albert Ball
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A striking bronze tribute in Nottingham Castle Gardens honoring WWI flying ace Captain Albert Ball’s valor and legacy.
Scale Space Nottingham
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Experience collaboration and innovation at Scale Space Nottingham, the premier co-working space in the heart of the city, perfect for entrepreneurs and remote workers.
King Charles I Standard Hill Monument
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Historic site where King Charles I raised his standard in 1642, igniting the English Civil War and shaping Nottingham’s rich heritage.
Unmissable attractions to see
Inspired
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Discover Nottingham’s historic boutique arcade blending timeless charm, independent shops, and elegant Georgian architecture in the city’s vibrant heart.
The Exchange (Exchange Arcade)
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Discover Nottingham’s oldest shopping arcade with exclusive boutiques beneath a stunning 200ft glass dome in the city centre.
Nottingham Council House
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Historic Edwardian elegance in Nottingham's heart—where nine versatile rooms create unforgettable celebrations.
Nottingham Tourism Centre
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Your welcoming gateway to Nottingham’s attractions, events, and local insights in the heart of the city.
Old Market Square
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Discover the bustling heart of Nottingham at Old Market Square, a historical landmark rich in culture, events, and captivating architecture.
Old Mkt Sq
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Nottingham’s historic Old Market Square: a vibrant civic heart blending medieval roots with modern urban life and lively events.
White Rose Nottingham Outlet
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Leeds’ vibrant shopping and entertainment hub with over 120 stores, an IMAX cinema, and family-friendly outdoor play area.
Nottingham Contemporary
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Explore cutting-edge contemporary art in Nottingham’s iconic sandstone gallery with free exhibitions, lively events, and a vibrant café.
City of Caves
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Explore Nottingham’s hidden underground world: medieval tanneries, wartime shelters and centuries of history carved into sandstone beneath the city streets.
Bell Inn
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Step into Nottingham’s oldest pub where 15th-century beams, historic caves, and traditional ales create an unforgettable medieval atmosphere in the city’s heart.
Lace Market Square
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Historic heart of Nottingham’s lace industry, blending Victorian charm with vibrant cultural life and creative energy.
National Justice Museum
0.3 km
Explore five centuries of crime, punishment, and justice in Nottingham's authentic Georgian gaol and Victorian courtroom.
The Turf Tavern
0.3 km
Experience the rich history and local flavors at The Turf Tavern, Nottingham's iconic pub steeped in tradition and charm.
Lace Market
0.4 km
Explore Nottingham’s oldest district, the Lace Market, where industrial heritage meets vibrant creativity in a historic lace-making hub.
Robin Hood Statue
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Iconic bronze statue of Robin Hood beside Nottingham Castle, celebrating the legendary outlaw and Nottingham’s rich folklore heritage.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Bar Gigi
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Elegant Italian dining and cocktails in a historic Nottingham setting, perfect for intimate evenings and sharing inspired plates.
No.Twelve
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Experience the best of vegan dining at No.Twelve in Nottingham - where creativity meets sustainability for unforgettable meals.
baresca
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Experience authentic Spanish tapas and vibrant atmosphere in Nottingham’s lively Baresca, where Catalan flavours meet rustic charm.
Everyday People
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MasterChef-inspired ramen with rich broths and creative fusion dishes in Nottingham’s stylish Byard Lane eatery.
Cosy Club
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Historic charm meets eclectic British dining and vibrant bar culture in the heart of Nottingham city centre.
Piccolino Nottingham
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Elegant Italian dining with classic flavors, a vibrant cocktail bar, and alfresco terrace in Nottingham’s city centre.
The Loxley
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Discover Nottingham's vibrant pub culture at The Loxley – where great food meets friendly faces in a cozy atmosphere.
Bill's Nottingham Restaurant
0.2 km
Cozy British dining with hearty classics and lively atmosphere in Nottingham’s vibrant city centre.
Yamas Meze & Tapas
0.2 km
Authentic Greek and Cypriot mezze in Nottingham's vibrant city centre—sharing plates, Mediterranean flavors, exceptional value.
George's Great British Kitchen
0.2 km
A vibrant Nottingham eatery serving classic British fish and chips with a modern twist in a lively, nostalgic setting.
Pizzamisú
0.3 km
Experience authentic Neapolitan pizza and Italian charm in Nottingham’s historic High Pavement at Pizzamisú.
Spice Cay Restaurant & Bar
0.3 km
Discover bold Caribbean flavors and vibrant vibes at Spice Cay, Nottingham’s premier tapas-style restaurant and bar on Pelham Street.
Dino
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Modern dining and lively bar in Nottingham city centre, known for juicy burgers, generous portions, and a welcoming atmosphere.
The Cumin Restaurant
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Experience authentic North Indian and Punjabi cuisine with bold flavors and warm hospitality in Nottingham’s family-run gem.
The Soulville Steakhouse
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Experience Nottingham’s vibrant soul-themed steakhouse with expertly cooked steaks and a lively 60s Motown atmosphere.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Vivienne Westwood
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Discover bold British fashion and iconic accessories at Vivienne Westwood’s Nottingham boutique in historic Flying Horse Walk.
Relic x Hooked Nottingham
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Discover eclectic vintage fashion and unique style treasures in Nottingham’s edgy and vibrant Relic x Hooked store.
18montrose
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Discover premium streetwear and designer fashion at 18montrose, nestled in Nottingham’s historic Bridlesmith Gate shopping district.
Garms Nottingham
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Discover unique vintage streetwear and stylish outerwear at Garms Nottingham, a vibrant boutique nestled in the historic heart of Bridlesmith Gate.
White Stuff Nottingham
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A cheerful, independent-feel clothing store on Nottingham’s main shopping street, offering relaxed British style for women, men and children.
Tutu urban boutique
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Discover Nottingham’s stylish independent ladieswear boutique offering unique, high-quality fashion from emerging designers in a charming city centre arcade.
Stick & Ribbon
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Discover curated women’s fashion with a personal, sustainable touch in Nottingham’s historic Bridlesmith Gate.
White Rose Nottingham WR6
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Discover thoughtfully curated vintage and recycled fashion at White Rose Nottingham WR6, where style meets sustainability in the city’s historic heart.
Primark
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Explore vast, affordable fashion and home goods at Primark Nottingham, a lively city centre store with accessibility and style for all.
Bubble Vintage
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Discover timeless style and sustainable fashion treasures at Bubble Vintage, Nottingham’s vibrant vintage clothing shop in The Exchange.
Shop Zero
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Nottingham’s zero-waste shop championing sustainable living with refillables, reusable goods, and community-driven eco-consciousness.
OH DUCK IT
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Dive into duck-tastic humor and Nottingham dialect delights at this cheeky gift shop, where quirky souvenirs and local crafts quack up the city's shopping scene.
Hopkinsons @ Cobden Place
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Vintage emporium with bar and café flair in Nottingham's creative Hockley—hunt treasures, sip pints, savor cakes in a restored lace factory gem.
Mood Outfitters
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Discover Nottingham's boldest independent fashion at Mood Outfitters, where local designers craft unique, wearable art in the heart of Hockley's creative scene.
The Bead Shop (Nottingham) Limited
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A vibrant independent bead and craft shop in Nottingham’s historic Market Street, offering expert workshops and a vast range of jewellery-making supplies.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Pepper Rocks
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A lively Nottingham cocktail bar blending quirky charm, great value drinks, and a vibrant two-floor atmosphere for memorable nights out.
Coco Tang -Cocktail Bar
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Daytime Asian café and a theatrical underground cocktail bar — two distinct moods under one roof in Nottingham’s Lace Market.
The Bierkeller Nottingham
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Experience lively Bavarian beer hall vibes with authentic brews, live Oompah bands, and festive fun in Nottingham’s city centre.
O'Neill's Market Square Nottingham
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Lively Irish pub in Nottingham's Market Square: pub grub, live sports, DJ nights, and pints in a buzzing city-centre spot that parties till late.
All Bar One Nottingham
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Sophisticated wine bar in Nottingham's Weekday Cross, perfect for after-work unwinds, bottomless brunches, and vibrant evenings with global wines and sharing plates.
Tilt
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Discover Nottingham’s cozy cocktail retreat, where expertly crafted drinks meet intimate candle-lit ambiance and soulful blues.
The Blind Rabbit
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New York-inspired Nottingham bar blending juicy burgers, wild cocktails, live sports on mega screens, arcade games, and casual vibes in a historic Lace Market gem.
BOX Nottingham
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Experience Nottingham’s premier sports bar in a stunning historic building with live sport, games, music, and great food under one roof.
Penny Lane
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Step into Nottingham’s Penny Lane for nostalgic arcade fun, creative cocktails, and a lively, family-friendly vibe in the heart of the Lace Market.
Pit & Pendulum
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Descend into Poe-inspired gothic splendor at Nottingham's most haunting pub, where shadowy decor, themed cocktails, and rock anthems craft unforgettable nights.
Be At One - Nottingham
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Discover Nottingham’s vibrant cocktail scene with over 100 expertly crafted drinks and a lively late-night atmosphere at Be At One.
Billy Bootleggers Nottingham (formerly Percy Picklebackers)
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Dive into Nottingham's live music heartbeat at Billy Bootleggers, where nightly gigs, moonshine cocktails, and Lace Market history fuel epic nights until 3am.
TIER Nottingham
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A lively Nottingham cocktail bar with quirky décor, creative drinks, and popular Happy Hours in the heart of the city.
Ye Olde Salutation Inn
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Step into Nottingham’s oldest pub, where medieval history meets lively rock vibes and ghostly legends in a welcoming atmosphere.
MOJO
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MOJO Bar Nottingham: Where rock ’n’ roll meets expertly crafted cocktails in a lively, no-pretence late-night hotspot.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Popworld - Nottingham
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A neon-soaked, singalong pop-club in Nottingham city centre — colourful cocktails, nostalgic anthems and compact dancefloor energy.
The Cell
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Dive into Nottingham's pulsing heart at The Cell, where affordable drinks, diverse beats, and Hockley's electric vibe fuel unforgettable nights of dance and discovery.
Tantra Night Clubs
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Dive into Nottingham's electric nightlife at Tantra Night Clubs, where pulsating beats, dazzling lights, and stylish vibes create unforgettable nights of dance and discovery in the city center.
The Bodega Nottingham
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Intimate two-level live-music bar and late-night club on Pelham Street — gritty, affordable and centred on close-up gigs and local sounds.
ICON
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A compact, DJ-driven late-night club on St James’s Street — small footprint, high-energy nights and a tight city-centre atmosphere.
Tunnel Club
0.3 km
Loud. Intimate. Disruptive. Dive into Nottingham's raw underground beats at this city-center nightclub powerhouse.
Ocean Nightclub
0.3 km
Unpretentious beats and dazzling lights fuel all-night dances at Nottingham's go-to multi-room nightclub on Greyfriar Gate.
VIBES NIGHTLIFE
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Dive into Nottingham's pulsating party hub where weekend beats, neon lights, and vibrant crowds fuel epic nights until 2am—pure vibes unleashed.
Wax Bar
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Discover the lively nightlife at Wax Bar, Nottingham's premier cocktail bar and social club, featuring expertly crafted drinks and an inviting atmosphere.
Eleven
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A lively, multi-bar nightclub in Nottingham’s Hockley district, famed for great cocktails, student nights, and an intimate yet energetic party vibe.
Unit 13
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Dive into Nottingham's underground bassline haven at Unit 13, where industrial beats and stellar DJs fuel unforgettable warehouse raves.
Love zoo
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Dive into Nottingham's electrifying beats at Love Zoo, where house rhythms, dazzling lights, and cocktail-fueled nights create pure nightlife magic on Weekday Cross.
NG-One
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A large, late‑night Nottingham club with multiple dancefloors, strong sound and long weekend hours — built for night owls and student crowds.
Stealth
0.5 km
Nottingham's drum and bass dynamo: world-ranked beats, epic nights, and unrelenting energy since 2004 in the heart of Goldsmith Street.
Rescue Rooms
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Nottingham's intimate live music powerhouse: raw gigs, electric crowds, and beats till 3am in a historic nook.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Relaxing
- Historic
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Sacred Sites
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Mindfulness
- Spiritual / Energy Spot
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
