About England |
Nottingham, the city of castles and cathedrals, is among the most notable destinations in the UK. It's far from the bustling capital city, London, nor as idyllic as Cornwall, but it still has its own unforgettable charms. Not to mention the fact that it's an up-and-coming metropolis that's on its way to becoming a vital part of Great Britain. Because of this, the number of people who visit or even relocate here continues to increase. It's even highly likely that Nottingham becomes the next business hub of the country. So you'll definitely want to learn more about it!
Nottingham has an estimated population of around 800,000 residents, making it quite the bustling metropolis. Though it's far from how crowded or busy London is, the city remains ever lively. It helps that the city is big, covering up to 74.61 kilometers squared in total. Nottingham has enough space to welcome tourists and new residents alike, so it's no surprise that the city is among the most well-visited in the country. Though no matter how many people visit or move here from other countries, English remains its main language. You'd do well to learn English before or when you get to Nottingham.
Nottingham is located in the midlands of England, which is known for its cold weather. During winter, it's this region that's often among the coldest places in all of the UK. So as far as the best time to visit Nottingham is concerned, you'd do well to go here during spring or summer. Specifically, from April to August. You can enjoy as much warm weather and sunshine as you want during this time of the year, perfect for sightseeing and exploring the city. The only catch here, however, is that this is also the peak season for tourists in Nottingham. Expect high rates for accommodations and lots of crowds.
Nottingham is a city that's not so easily defined. You probably think that it's another run-of-the-mill city in the English countryside, don't you? Well, it's far from that! The neighborhoods in Nottingham are actually pretty diverse, with each district befitting a specific lifestyle. If you want to live a suburban life here in the city, for instance, you'll want to settle down in Aspley, Bakersfield, or Mapperley. The Park Estate, on the other hand, is more for the upper class who can afford luxury homes and rentals. And if you prefer a livelier area, you'll want to stay in the City Centre instead.
Nottingham isn't one of the top tourist destinations in the UK for nothing. The city offers a ton of great sights to see, so much so that you can fill just one day here with so many things to do. From manors to parks, this is the beautiful English countryside you've read about or watched in movies or on TV.
Nottingham Castle, Newstead Abbey, Highfields Park, and Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem—these are just some of the amazing must-see spots that show off the city's history and heritage. The Old Market Square, with the grand Council House in the background, is also a place you simply have to visit while you're here!
Nottingham is a pretty affordable destination as far as British cities go. Just take a look at the living costs here. There are only a few cities in the UK where you can score a great place that you can rent for only £500.00 a month. That's practically unheard of in a city like London, but here in Nottingham? It's normal! In fact, the common rental fees in the city range from a minimum of £500.00 to a maximum of £1,200.00 a month. Not bad, right? As for food, you can get by with only £60.77. That amount is good for groceries that can last you around one to two weeks tops.
As a tourist or a new resident who just got to Nottingham, you'd do well to adhere to their social customs here. Since the city is in the midland region of the UK, the vibe here is pretty provincial. They're very traditional in terms of manners and social values and they appreciate those who adjust to their standards.
A few of the rules the Brits follow include reserving hand-holding to family & friends, practicing continental dining etiquette when you're at the dinner table, or following a 'stiff upper lip' when faced with challenges. When you do these things in Nottingham, the locals will respect you more.
The one thing that proves that Nottingham is a bustling urban city is its public transport. From double-decker buses to its own transit system, there are plenty of ways to get around here. Though it can be challenging if you're coming from the more residential and quieter areas in the city, it's still pretty easy to commute here. At the very least, when all else fails, you can always rely on a transportation app instead. Many ride-hailing and journey-planning apps also operate in Nottingham, providing great alternatives to public transport in the city.
There's little to worry about healthcare in Nottingham. The city is home to a number of prominent hospitals that offer first-class medical services, treatments, and the like. Nottingham City Hospital and Nottingham University Hospital are prime examples. They both stay on top of health advancements and make use of the latest medical technology. Rest assured, they'll take good care of you. That is if you're registered under the British healthcare system, the NHS, as a new resident. If not, your best bet is to get a private plan for tourists. These are the only ways you can get into the hospitals.
Nottingham may not be as culinary savvy as London, but that doesn't mean that foodies will find it boring here. On the contrary, the city offers a lot of great places to eat, ranging from charming coffee shops to high-class restaurants. They also serve both local and international cuisines for your dining pleasure.
But as far as the common food here is concerned, it's traditional British all the way. Think a full English breakfast—with beans, tomatoes, sunny side eggs, and all—every morning. Or a pheasant for lunch or dinner. And don't forget scones and crumpets during afternoon tea time too!
In a city full of castles and cathedrals, Nottingham takes British holidays pretty seriously. From religious holy days to annual events, it's as if the entire city changes when it's a holiday. For example, on days like Easter Monday (Every March or April) and Boxing Day (December 26), most locals hear mass in the churches or hold prayer meetings before hosting their own respective feasts. And during days like St. Patrick's Day (March 17) or May Day Bank Holiday (First Monday of May), most people are out and about, spending time with loved ones.
In all honesty, Nottingham isn't a bad place to relocate to. In fact, it's actually one of the best cities here in the UK. It has the right balance of an urban lifestyle and a countryside charm. The place is equal parts a bustling metropolis and equal parts a rural town with a peaceful atmosphere.
But before anything else, you'll have to do a lot before settling down here. From handling your legal papers to finding a job, there's so much work to do. Luckily, you can always rely on our relocation guide to help you every step of the way.
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