The Ultimate Nottingham Soccer Travel Guide

At Soccer Trippers, we’ve explored the world’s greatest stadiums, matchday cultures, and fan experiences. This soccer travel guide combines expert knowledge and local insights to help you plan the perfect football trip to Nottingham.

Why Nottingham is a Top Destination for Football Fans

Nottingham is a football city with pedigree. Nottingham Forest famously won back-to-back European Cups in 1979 and 1980, while Notts County, founded in 1862, is the oldest professional football club in the world.

What makes Nottingham unique is the close proximity of its two stadiums—just 300 meters apart on opposite sides of the River Trent—creating a rare urban football ecosystem that’s walkable, accessible, and full of history.

Insider tip: Visit both grounds in one afternoon—few cities offer that kind of football double-header potential.

Must-Visit Football Stadiums in Nottingham

City Ground (Nottingham Forest)

A 30,000-seat stadium with picturesque views over the River Trent and a fiercely passionate fanbase.
Read our full stadium guide to the City Ground

Meadow Lane (Notts County)

A traditional lower-league ground steeped in history, Meadow Lane holds just over 19,000 fans and offers an intimate, old-school matchday experience.
Read our full stadium guide to Meadow Lane

Hidden gem: Cross the Trent Bridge between the two stadiums pre-match—it’s one of football’s most iconic short walks.

Where to Stay in Nottingham as a Football Fan

Central Nottingham offers great access to both stadiums, nightlife, and transport:

• Hotels near City Ground
• Hotels near Meadow Lane
• Luxury Hotels in Nottingham
• Budget-Friendly Hotels in Nottingham

Best Neighborhoods for Football Fans

• West Bridgford: Ideal for proximity to both stadiums and riverside pubs.
• Nottingham City Centre: Great for nightlife and transport links.
  Explore Nottingham’s best neighborhoods for football fans

Pro tip: West Bridgford is perfect for walking to the match and enjoying a pint afterward.

Best Sports Bars & Places to Watch the Match

Nottingham offers a quality pub culture with plenty of football-friendly venues:

• Southbank Bar (Trent Bridge): A legendary Forest haunt with loads of screens.
• The Trent Navigation: Traditional pub close to Meadow Lane, popular with both sets of fans.
• The Cross Keys: Premier League coverage in a classic English setting.

See our full list of Nottingham sports bars

Top bar for Forest fans: Southbank Bar on matchday—it’s loud, loyal, and red through and through.

How to Get Around Nottingham

Nottingham’s compact layout and strong transport system make it ideal for football travel:

• Nottingham Express Transit (NET): Tram system connects key parts of the city.
• Walking: City Ground and Meadow Lane are a 20-minute walk from Nottingham Railway Station.

Read our guide to Nottingham’s public transport system

Local tip: Book tram tickets in advance on matchdays—they get busy quickly.

Other Must-Visit Landmarks for Football Fans

Nottingham offers football history and cultural charm in equal measure:

• Brian Clough Statue: A tribute to Forest’s legendary manager, near Old Market Square.
• Nottingham Football Club Heritage Trail: A self-guided walk through football history.

Check out our football landmarks guide to Nottingham

Where to Eat with a Football Vibe

• Brewhouse & Kitchen: Craft beer and match screenings.
• Ferry Inn: Riverside pub ideal for pre-match pints.
  Explore more restaurants for football fans in Nottingham

Conclusion

Nottingham offers football heritage, passionate fans, and the rare chance to experience two iconic clubs in one walkable city.

Which side are you on—Forest or County? Share your matchday memories or explore more:

• Stadium guide: City Ground
• Stadium guide: Meadow Lane
• City guide: Sheffield

In Nottingham, history lives on through every kick, chant, and river-crossing walk.