The Exchange (Exchange Arcade), Nottingham
Discover Nottingham’s oldest shopping arcade with exclusive boutiques beneath a stunning 200ft glass dome in the city centre.
The Exchange is Nottingham's oldest and most prestigious shopping arcade, established in 1929. Located on High Street in the city centre, it features a stunning 200ft high glass dome and houses 17 exclusive stores offering fashion, gifts, art, and homeware. This Grade II* listed building blends historic Edwardian architecture with a vibrant retail experience, complemented by eateries and easy access via public transport and nearby parking.
A brief summary to The Exchange (Exchange Arcade)
- High St, Nottingham, NG1 2DD, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 9 am-6 pm
- Tuesday 9 am-6 pm
- Wednesday 9 am-6 pm
- Thursday 9 am-6 pm
- Friday 9 am-6 pm
- Saturday 9 am-6 pm
- Sunday 10 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Visit during weekdays to avoid weekend crowds and enjoy a more relaxed shopping experience.
- Explore the festive decorations and the magnificent Christmas tree if visiting during the holiday season.
- Use nearby Lace Market or Broadmarsh car parks for convenient parking, but expect busy periods on weekends.
- Take advantage of free Wi-Fi throughout the arcade to stay connected while shopping.
- Combine your visit with a stroll around Old Market Square and nearby Nottingham landmarks for a fuller city experience.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Public Transport
Numerous Nottingham city centre buses stop near Old Market Square, a short walk from The Exchange. Tram services also run frequently with stops directly outside the arcade. Typical travel times from Nottingham train station are 10-15 minutes on foot or via a short tram ride. Tickets cost approximately £2-£4 depending on the route.
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Car
Nearby car parks include Lace Market Car Park and Broadmarsh Car Park, both within a 5-10 minute walk. Parking fees range from £2 to £5 per hour, with daily maximums around £15. Note that these car parks can be busy during weekends and peak shopping periods.
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Walking
The Exchange is centrally located in Nottingham’s Old Market Square, easily accessible on foot from many city centre hotels and attractions. Walking routes are flat and suitable for wheelchairs and strollers, with journey times ranging from 5 to 20 minutes depending on your starting point.
The Exchange (Exchange Arcade) 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 The Exchange (Exchange Arcade)
A Historic Shopping Landmark in Nottingham
The Exchange, opened in 1929 by the then Prince of Wales, stands as Nottingham’s oldest shopping arcade and a cherished civic landmark. Constructed between 1927 and 1929 alongside the Council House, the building is a nationally significant Grade II* listed site. Its mellow York Stone walls and distinctive Edwardian architectural style evoke a sense of timeless elegance. The arcade’s centerpiece is a magnificent 200ft high glass dome that floods the interior with natural light, creating a bright and airy atmosphere that has welcomed shoppers for nearly a century.Exclusive Retail and Culinary Offerings
Inside, The Exchange hosts 17 exclusive stores featuring designer labels across fashion, gifts, art, and home décor. Notable brands include Crabtree & Evelyn, Dr Martens, Jack Wolfskin, Radley, and Tutu, providing a curated shopping experience distinct from larger malls. Food and drink options are available all day, with popular eateries such as Patisserie Valerie and Pret a Manger offering a place to relax and refresh. The arcade’s blend of specialty shops and dining venues makes it a refined destination for both shopping and leisure.Architectural Charm and Visitor Experience
Visitors stepping into The Exchange are greeted by intricate detailing and classic shopfronts that transport them back in time. The arcade’s flat and accessible layout ensures ease of movement for all visitors, including wheelchair users. Its central location in Nottingham’s Old Market Square places it at the heart of the city’s vibrant shopping district, providing a tranquil oasis amid the urban bustle. The Exchange’s historic charm and architectural beauty make it not only a shopping venue but also a cultural experience.Seasonal Highlights and Events
The Exchange is renowned for its festive atmosphere during the Christmas season, featuring a spectacular 60ft Christmas tree beneath the grand dome and elaborate decorations that attract visitors citywide. Throughout the year, the arcade maintains a welcoming ambiance with regular events and promotions that celebrate Nottingham’s rich retail heritage. This seasonal vibrancy adds to the arcade’s appeal as a year-round destination.Accessibility and Location Benefits
Situated on High Street, The Exchange benefits from excellent public transport links, including tram stops directly outside and a short walk from Nottingham train station. Several nearby car parks, such as Lace Market Car Park and Broadmarsh Car Park, provide parking options, though these can be busy during peak times. The arcade offers free Wi-Fi and is fully wheelchair accessible, catering to a wide range of visitors.Preserving Tradition Amid Modern Retail
Despite evolving retail trends, The Exchange remains a thriving centre for speciality shopping in Nottingham. Its combination of historic grandeur and contemporary retail offerings creates a unique environment that honors the city’s past while serving modern consumer needs. This balance ensures The Exchange continues to be a must-visit destination for locals and tourists alike, embodying Nottingham’s cultural and commercial spirit.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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.
The Tokenhouse
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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.
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.
Citylife UK
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Explore Nottingham with Citylife UK, your trusted travel agency for personalized experiences and local insights.
King's Walk sign
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A pedestrianised passage where Georgian elegance meets contemporary commerce in Nottingham's historic heart.
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.
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.
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.
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.
St Nic's Church
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Medieval survivor rebuilt from Civil War ashes, standing as Nottingham's testament to faith and resilience.
Victoria Station Clock Tower
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A towering 100-foot clock tower preserving the grandeur and history of Nottingham's lost Victoria railway station.
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.
The Belgrave Rooms
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Discover The Belgrave Rooms, Nottingham's premier venue for conferences and weddings, blending elegance and modern amenities for unforgettable events.
Unmissable attractions to see
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.
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.
Flying Horse Walk
0.1 km
Discover Nottingham’s elegant boutique arcade blending historic charm with artisanal shops and cozy cafes in a tranquil city-centre setting.
Old Market Square
0.1 km
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
0.2 km
Leeds’ vibrant shopping and entertainment hub with over 120 stores, an IMAX cinema, and family-friendly outdoor play area.
Bell Inn
0.2 km
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.
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 Square
0.3 km
Historic heart of Nottingham’s lace industry, blending Victorian charm with vibrant cultural life and creative energy.
Theatre Royal & Royal Concert Hall
0.3 km
Nottingham’s historic Theatre Royal and modern Royal Concert Hall host West End musicals, concerts, comedy and more in the heart of the city.
Victoria Centre
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Shop, dine, and unwind at Nottingham’s vibrant Victoria Centre, the city’s ultimate retail and leisure destination.
The Cornerhouse
0.3 km
A dynamic Nottingham hotspot blending cinema, dining, and unique leisure activities in a vibrant city center setting.
Axed Nottingham Axe Throwing
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Experience the thrill of interactive axe throwing with expert coaching in Nottingham’s vibrant urban playground.
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.
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.
Yamas Meze & Tapas
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Authentic Greek and Cypriot mezze in Nottingham's vibrant city centre—sharing plates, Mediterranean flavors, exceptional value.
Bill's Nottingham Restaurant
0.1 km
Cozy British dining with hearty classics and lively atmosphere in Nottingham’s vibrant 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.
Cosy Club
0.1 km
Historic charm meets eclectic British dining and vibrant bar culture in the heart of Nottingham city centre.
George's Great British Kitchen
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A vibrant Nottingham eatery serving classic British fish and chips with a modern twist in a lively, nostalgic setting.
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
0.2 km
Experience authentic Spanish tapas and vibrant atmosphere in Nottingham’s lively Baresca, where Catalan flavours meet rustic charm.
Gusto Italian
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Experience authentic Italian flavors and lively dining in Nottingham’s city centre with Gusto Italian’s open kitchen and private dining options.
Everyday People
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MasterChef-inspired ramen with rich broths and creative fusion dishes in Nottingham’s stylish Byard Lane eatery.
The Soulville Steakhouse
0.2 km
Experience Nottingham’s vibrant soul-themed steakhouse with expertly cooked steaks and a lively 60s Motown atmosphere.
French Living
0.2 km
Experience authentic French cuisine in a cozy, welcoming setting at Nottingham’s long-standing French Living restaurant.
Spice Cay Restaurant & Bar
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Discover bold Caribbean flavors and vibrant vibes at Spice Cay, Nottingham’s premier tapas-style restaurant and bar on Pelham Street.
Dino
0.2 km
Modern dining and lively bar in Nottingham city centre, known for juicy burgers, generous portions, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Piccolino Nottingham
0.2 km
Elegant Italian dining with classic flavors, a vibrant cocktail bar, and alfresco terrace in Nottingham’s city centre.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Tutu urban boutique
0.0 km
Discover Nottingham’s stylish independent ladieswear boutique offering unique, high-quality fashion from emerging designers in a charming city centre arcade.
Primark
0.1 km
Explore vast, affordable fashion and home goods at Primark Nottingham, a lively city centre store with accessibility and style for all.
Vivienne Westwood
0.1 km
Discover bold British fashion and iconic accessories at Vivienne Westwood’s Nottingham boutique in historic Flying Horse Walk.
Bubble Vintage
0.1 km
Discover timeless style and sustainable fashion treasures at Bubble Vintage, Nottingham’s vibrant vintage clothing shop in The Exchange.
White Rose Nottingham WR6
0.1 km
Discover thoughtfully curated vintage and recycled fashion at White Rose Nottingham WR6, where style meets sustainability in the city’s historic heart.
Relic x Hooked Nottingham
0.1 km
Discover eclectic vintage fashion and unique style treasures in Nottingham’s edgy and vibrant Relic x Hooked store.
18montrose
0.1 km
Discover premium streetwear and designer fashion at 18montrose, nestled in Nottingham’s historic Bridlesmith Gate shopping district.
White Stuff Nottingham
0.1 km
A cheerful, independent-feel clothing store on Nottingham’s main shopping street, offering relaxed British style for women, men and children.
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.
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.
Stick & Ribbon
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Discover curated women’s fashion with a personal, sustainable touch in Nottingham’s historic Bridlesmith Gate.
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.
Cow
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Discover timeless threads in Nottingham's coolest vintage haven—Cow curates retro gems with style and soul on Carlton Street.
Handmade Nottingham
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Discover unique handmade treasures from UK designers in Nottingham’s vibrant gift shop at 8 King's Walk.
Urban Outfitters
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Eclectic fashion, vintage finds, and creative homewares in Nottingham's vibrant shopping heart.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Tilt
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Discover Nottingham’s cozy cocktail retreat, where expertly crafted drinks meet intimate candle-lit ambiance and soulful blues.
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.
The Alchemist Nottingham
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Ignite your senses in Nottingham's alchemical lair, where molecular cocktails erupt in spectacle and inventive dishes fuel unforgettable nights on King Street.
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.
MOJO
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MOJO Bar Nottingham: Where rock ’n’ roll meets expertly crafted cocktails in a lively, no-pretence late-night hotspot.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Slug & Lettuce - Market Square Nottingham
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Vibrant cocktail bar and restaurant in Nottingham’s Market Square, known for lively atmosphere, diverse menu, and all-day 2-4-1 cocktails.
Nottingham Secret Garden
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Discover Nottingham's lush cocktail hideaway: tropical vibes, craft drinks, and electric nights in a secret beer garden oasis.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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Loud. Intimate. Disruptive. Dive into Nottingham's raw underground beats at this city-center nightclub powerhouse.
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.
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.
Eleven
0.4 km
A lively, multi-bar nightclub in Nottingham’s Hockley district, famed for great cocktails, student nights, and an intimate yet energetic party vibe.
Ocean Nightclub
0.5 km
Unpretentious beats and dazzling lights fuel all-night dances at Nottingham's go-to multi-room nightclub on Greyfriar Gate.
Stealth
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Nottingham's drum and bass dynamo: world-ranked beats, epic nights, and unrelenting energy since 2004 in the heart of Goldsmith Street.
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.
Rescue Rooms
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Nottingham's intimate live music powerhouse: raw gigs, electric crowds, and beats till 3am in a historic nook.
Rock City
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Experience Nottingham’s iconic live music and nightclub venue, where legendary acts and vibrant club nights come alive in an intimate, energetic setting.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Art Deco Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
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
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
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
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
