The City Ground
Nottingham Forest Complete Travel Guide – 2026-27 Season
⚠️ Season Currency Notice: This guide is accurate as of August 2026 for the 2026-27 season. Forest have submitted planning applications for a major City Ground redevelopment, though building work hasn’t started yet. Details like ticket prices, pub status, and transport can change – always double-check before travelling.
🔴 ABOUT THE CITY GROUND
The City Ground is one of English football’s most historic and atmospheric stadiums, home to Nottingham Forest since 1898. Located on the banks of the River Trent, just south of Nottingham city centre, this 30,445-capacity ground enjoys a spectacular setting with the river on one side and Trent Bridge cricket ground as its neighbour.
The stadium features four distinctive stands – the Brian Clough Stand (main stand), Bridgford Stand (away section), Trent End, and Peter Taylor Stand, all named after figures from the club’s history. The intimate riverside setting creates a brilliant atmosphere, and on matchdays the walk across Trent Bridge towards the ground, with the river flowing below, is genuinely special. This is proper football heritage.
Nottingham Forest – The Reds or The Garibaldi – are one of English football’s most storied clubs, founded in 1865, making them one of the oldest professional football clubs in the world. Forest have won the English top-flight championship once (1977-78), the FA Cup twice (1898, 1959), the League Cup a record four times, and famously won the European Cup twice in consecutive seasons (1979, 1980).
Winning back-to-back European Cups remains one of football’s greatest achievements – only a handful of clubs in history have managed it. The famous Garibaldi red shirts date back to the club’s founding, and the East Midlands derby against Derby County creates one of English football’s fiercest local rivalries. Nottingham Forest represents proper football heritage and European glory that few clubs can match.
📊 STADIUM SPECIFICATIONS
| Capacity | 30,445 (all seated) |
| Opened | 1898 (126+ years of history!) |
| Away Section | Bridgford Stand (Lower Tier, Block W) |
| Away Allocation | Typically around 3,000 seats (can extend higher for cup fixtures) |
| Record Attendance | 49,946 vs Manchester United (1967) |
| Division | Premier League (2026-27) |
🚗 GETTING TO THE CITY GROUND
City Ground is located on the south bank of the River Trent, roughly a mile south of Nottingham city centre. Nottingham Station has excellent rail connections from across the UK. The ground is accessible on foot, by bus, tram, or taxi from the station and city centre. The scenic walk across Trent Bridge is highly recommended on decent weather days.
🗺️ STADIUM LOCATION MAP
City Ground Address: Pavilion Road, West Bridgford, Nottingham, NG2 5FJ
🚂 BY TRAIN – The Recommended Choice
Why Trains Work: Nottingham Station has excellent connections from across the UK. From the station, City Ground is around a mile – either a pleasant 20-25 minute walk straight down to Trent Bridge (highly recommended!), a short bus ride, or a 10-minute taxi journey.
Journey Times to Nottingham Station:
🔴 London St Pancras: 1 hour 45 minutes (direct)
🟠 Birmingham New Street: 1 hour 10 minutes (direct)
🟡 Sheffield: 50 minutes (direct)
🟢 Leicester: 30 minutes (direct)
🔵 Derby: 15 minutes (direct)
🟣 Manchester Piccadilly: 1 hour 50 minutes (direct)
🔴 Leeds: 1 hour 45 minutes (usually via Sheffield)
Getting from Nottingham Station to the City Ground
🚶 Walking (20-25 minutes) – Highly Recommended!
Exit the station and turn left, heading straight down Arkwright Street and London Road. Continue until you cross the magnificent Trent Bridge over the River Trent, and you’ll see City Ground ahead on your left with Trent Bridge cricket ground on your right. This is genuinely one of English football’s most scenic stadium walks!
🚌 Bus – Often The Easiest Option
Frequent Nottingham City Transport Green Line services (numbered 5-11) run from outside the station and city centre stops straight to a stop close to the ground. This is generally more direct than the tram for reaching City Ground itself. Check nctx.co.uk for routes and times.
🚊 NET Tram (Line 2)
The nearest tram stops to the ground are Queens Walk or Meadows Embankment on Line 2, but both still leave a roughly 20-minute walk along the river to reach City Ground – so the tram doesn’t actually save much time over walking direct from the station. It’s a pleasant riverside route if you fancy it. Check thetram.net for routes and times.
🚕 Taxi (10 minutes, £8-£12)
Taxis are available outside Nottingham Station for a short journey to City Ground. Convenient if carrying bags or running late, though walking across Trent Bridge is genuinely lovely if you’ve the time.
💡 Top Tip: Arrive at Nottingham Station 3-4 hours before kick-off. Nottingham is a brilliant city – explore the Old Market Square, visit Nottingham Castle, grab lunch in one of the city’s excellent restaurants, then take the scenic walk across Trent Bridge to City Ground around 90 minutes before kick-off.
🔗 Train Times & Tickets: nationalrail.co.uk | thetrainline.com
🚗 BY CAR – Challenging Parking
⚠️ Parking Warning: Parking around City Ground is challenging, with limited official facilities and most surrounding streets in West Bridgford residents-only on matchdays. Walking from the station across Trent Bridge (20-25 mins) or the bus is genuinely easier. Traffic congestion around the ground can be severe on matchdays.
If You Must Drive:
- From the M1: Leave at Junction 24 or 26 and follow signs for football/cricket traffic and NG2 5FJ towards Trent Bridge
- Limited Official Parking: Very limited official stadium parking, largely reserved for members and season ticket holders
- West Bridgford Streets: Residents-only on matchdays with strict enforcement – do not attempt street parking near the ground
- City Centre Car Parks: Park in Nottingham city centre then walk or bus to the ground – much easier exit after the match
- Private Driveways: Book well in advance via yourparkingspace.co.uk
🚨 Our Strong Advice: Don’t drive to City Ground expecting to find parking easily. Take the train to Nottingham and walk across Trent Bridge (20-25 mins, scenic and lovely!) or catch the bus. Driving means hours searching for parking, expensive charges, and severe post-match congestion.
🍺 PUBS & DRINKS NEAR THE CITY GROUND
⚠️ IMPORTANT ADVICE: Pubs immediately around the City Ground in West Bridgford can be Forest strongholds. The safest and most enjoyable approach is to drink in Nottingham city centre (around a mile from the stadium), which has hundreds of excellent pubs and bars, then walk or bus to City Ground. Exercise discretion with away colours in West Bridgford, particularly for high-profile fixtures or the East Midlands derby.
🍺 City Centre Pubs (Safe for Away Fans)
🍺 The Joseph Else (Wetherspoons) (11-12 South Parade, Old Market Square, NG1 2JS)
Large, central Wetherspoons right on Old Market Square. Generally accepts away fans due to its chain-pub status. Cheap drinks, food from early morning, and an upstairs area overlooking the square. About 20-25 minutes’ walk to the ground.
Distance to Stadium: 20-25 mins walk | Price: £ (Budget)
🍺 The Bell Inn (18 Angel Row, NG1 6HL)
One of Nottingham’s oldest pubs, dating back to at least 1437, tucked just off Old Market Square. A proper historic boozer with wood-panelled rooms and a rock-hewn cellar, popular with locals and visitors alike. Generally welcoming to mixed crowds.
Distance to Stadium: 20 mins walk | Price: ££ (Mid-range)
🍺 Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem (1 Brewhouse Yard, NG1 6AD)
Famous historic pub (claims to be England’s oldest inn, dating to 1189) built into the cave system beneath Nottingham Castle. Fascinating rock-carved interior, generally tolerant of mixed supporters, and worth visiting for the experience alone.
Distance to Stadium: 25 mins walk | Price: ££ (Mid-range)
🍺 The Approach (12-18 Friar Lane, NG1 6DQ)
Modern pub on Friar Lane with big screens for live sport, live music, and a comedy club. Generally accepts away fans in small groups and is a handy stop on the walk towards the castle side of the city.
Distance to Stadium: 20 mins walk | Price: ££ (Mid-range)
🍺 The Crow (formerly Crafty Crow; 102 Friar Lane, NG1 6EB)
Well-regarded craft beer and real ale house near the castle, focused on local breweries. Renamed from Crafty Crow after reopening under new ownership. Good range of taps and cask ales, generally tolerant of away fans.
Distance to Stadium: 20 mins walk | Price: ££ (Mid-range)
⚠️ Near the Stadium (Exercise Caution)
⚠️ The Larwood & Voce (Fox Road, off Radcliffe Road, around five minutes’ walk from the away end)
Large pub near the away section and often used by visiting supporters on matchdays. Can get mixed crowds and atmosphere varies by fixture, so exercise normal discretion with colours and check with stewards if unsure.
⚠️ Caution advised
💡 Local Tip: Stick to city centre pubs before kick-off, then make the walk across Trent Bridge together with the crowd – it’s part of the experience and the safest way to arrive.
🍽️ FOOD OPTIONS
Cafe Sobar
Location: Friar Lane, city centre
Why go: Relaxed British cafe-bar close to the castle, popular for brunch, burgers, and coffee before making the walk over to the ground.
The Cumin Restaurant
Location: Friar Lane, city centre
Why go: Highly rated Indian and South Asian restaurant, popular with locals and visitors for a proper sit-down meal before or after the match.
Old Market Square Food Stalls & Chains
Location: Old Market Square, city centre
Why go: The Square and surrounding streets have everything from independent street food to major chains, ideal for a quick bite before heading to the ground.
West Bridgford Cafes & Takeaways
Location: West Bridgford, near the ground
Why go: A handful of cafes and takeaways sit close to City Ground itself, handy if you’re arriving without much time to spare.
Stadium Concourse Food
Location: Inside City Ground
Why go: The usual matchday pies, burgers, and hot food are available on the concourse if you’d rather eat once you’re inside.
🏨 WHERE TO STAY IN NOTTINGHAM
Nottingham offers excellent accommodation across all price ranges. Being a major city with two universities and thriving tourism, there are hundreds of hotels. Stay in the city centre for the best experience – nightlife, restaurants, attractions, and easy access to City Ground. Book well in advance for big fixtures.
💷 Budget (£45-70/night)
Premier Inn Nottingham City Centre (Chapel Bar)
Reliable chain hotel right in the city centre, close to the Royal Concert Hall and Old Market Square. Comfortable rooms and a solid breakfast option.
Location: City centre | Book: premierinn.com
Travelodge Nottingham Central
Basic but functional accommodation near the city centre. Good value and a convenient base for the walk to Trent Bridge.
Location: City centre | Book: travelodge.co.uk
💷💷 Mid-Range (£80-130/night)
The Mercure Nottingham City Centre
Modern hotel in a Georgian building near Old Market Square. Contemporary rooms, an on-site restaurant, and a central location.
Location: Near Old Market Square | Book: mercure.com
Roomzzz Nottingham City
Aparthotel with kitchenettes in the city centre. Modern studios and apartments, handy if you’d rather self-cater or stay longer.
Location: City centre | Book: roomzzz.com
💷💷💷 Luxury (£130+/night)
Hart’s Hotel
Boutique hotel on Standard Hill, just off Park Row beneath Nottingham Castle. Stylish rooms, an award-winning restaurant, and a genuinely peaceful setting for a city-centre hotel.
Location: Standard Hill, near the castle | Book: hartsnottingham.co.uk
Park Plaza Nottingham
Four-star hotel in the city centre with modern rooms, a spa, and a good restaurant. A reliable top-end choice close to Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem and the castle.
Location: City centre | Book: parkplaza.com
⚽ Booking Tip: Book well ahead for big fixtures – Nottingham’s hotels fill quickly around high-profile Premier League matches and the East Midlands derby. Staying centrally keeps the walk to Trent Bridge easy either way.
🎯 THINGS TO DO IN NOTTINGHAM
Nottingham is a vibrant city with fascinating Robin Hood heritage, brilliant nightlife, a stunning castle, and unique caves running beneath the streets. It combines top-flight football with a proper city break. Make a weekend of it!
🏰 Nottingham Castle (Must Visit!)
Completely redeveloped and reopened in 2021, with the site now run by Nottingham City Council. Museum, art galleries, Robin Hood exhibitions, and stunning views over the city from the rock the castle sits on. Tickets now work as a “pay once, visit all year” annual pass.
Cost: £18 (adult, annual pass) | Info: nottinghamcastle.org.uk | Time: Allow 2-3 hours
🕳️ City of Caves
A fascinating network of sandstone caves beneath Nottingham, with the entrance now on Garner’s Hill next to Nottingham Contemporary. Guided and audio tours cover medieval tanning, WW2 air raid shelters, and more – genuinely unique.
Cost: £11 (adult) | Info: nationaljusticemuseum.org.uk/cityofcaves | Time: Allow 1 hour
🏹 Robin Hood Heritage
Nottingham embraces its Robin Hood heritage! Visit the Robin Hood statue near the castle, explore Robin Hood exhibitions at the castle itself, or head out to Sherwood Forest (around 20 minutes by car) to see the ancient Major Oak.
Cost: Statue and forest FREE, castle £18 | Info: visit-nottinghamshire.co.uk
🎨 Nottingham Contemporary
Excellent free contemporary art gallery in a striking modern building in the Lace Market. Rotating exhibitions of modern and contemporary art, always free to enter.
Cost: FREE | Info: nottinghamcontemporary.org | Time: Allow 1-2 hours
🍻 Nottingham Nightlife
Nottingham has one of England’s best nightlife scenes. Being a university city, the bars and clubs are excellent – try Hockley for independent bars and Old Market Square for the bigger mainstream venues.
Cost: Varies | Time: Evening/night
🏟️ City Ground Museum & Stadium Tour
A 90-minute behind-the-scenes tour on non-matchdays covering the boardroom corridor, media facilities, and Forest’s new club museum celebrating the club’s history, including the two European Cup trophies. Book in advance.
Cost: From £10 | Book: nottinghamforest.co.uk/stadium-tour | Time: Allow 90 minutes
Nearby Attractions
Sherwood Forest:
Around 20 minutes by car, home to the ancient Major Oak and lovely woodland walks. Free to explore, with parking charges applying. visitsherwood.co.uk
🎭 THE NOTTINGHAM EXPERIENCE
🌉 Trent Bridge Walk: The walk across Trent Bridge to City Ground is genuinely one of English football’s most scenic stadium approaches!
🏰 Redeveloped Castle: Nottingham Castle reopened in 2021 after a major renovation and is now run by the city council – stunning views over the city.
🕳️ City of Caves: A unique attraction – explore medieval caves literally beneath the city streets!
⚽ THE MATCHDAY EXPERIENCE
🏆 European Royalty: Back-to-back European Cup winners in 1979 and 1980 – one of football’s greatest achievements!
🏟️ Genuine Heritage: One of the oldest clubs in world football, founded in 1865, with stands named after some of the club’s most celebrated figures.
🌳 Riverside Setting: City Ground’s location on the Trent, with the cricket ground next door, is genuinely special!
📞 USEFUL CONTACTS
🏟️ Nottingham Forest: 0115 982 4444 | nottinghamforest.co.uk
🎫 Ticket Office: 0115 982 4388 | nottinghamforest.co.uk/tickets
🚂 National Rail: 03457 48 49 50 | nationalrail.co.uk
🚌 Nottingham City Transport: nctx.co.uk
ℹ️ Visit Nottinghamshire: visit-nottinghamshire.co.uk
🏰 Nottingham Castle: nottinghamcastle.org.uk
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© 2026 Football Nonsense. All rights reserved. All information correct at time of publication. Always check with venues directly before your visit.
John Herman is a Leeds-based, would-be football writer and founder of Football Nonsense. Blending fan passion with sharp opinion, attempting to tackle the game’s biggest debates, from the terraces to the boardroom, with honesty, (attempted) humour, and heart.