Hockley Hustle

Nottingham is very easy to reach by public transport. The city's main railway station is in the city centre, with frequent trains to major cities across the UK. Direct services connect to London (via the East Midlands rail network) and to Birmingham, Sheffield, Manchester and Leeds. Major coach services like National Express and Megabus also serve Nottingham, with stops near the city centre. This makes traveling to the festival straightforward whether you come from nearby or farther away.

If you are flying in, the nearest airport is East Midlands Airport, about 15 miles away. There is a regular Skylink bus between the airport and Nottingham, and easy train connections via East Midlands Parkway station. Birmingham Airport (about 70-80 miles away) is another option, with direct train or coach services to the city. By road, Nottingham lies along the M1 motorway (take Junction 24 or 25) and is well signposted. Parking in the city centre exists but fills up quickly on busy days, so consider using a Park and Ride site on the outskirts (for example at Holme Pierrepont or the Racecourse) and taking a bus or tram into town.

Getting around Nottingham itself is convenient. The city has a modern tram system (the Nottingham Express Transit) connecting the railway station with Old Market Square and other neighborhoods, plus an extensive local bus network covering nearly all areas. You can buy a day pass (often called the 'Robin Hood' card) to ride buses and trams for a flat price. Many of the festival venues in Hockley are within walking distance of each other, but taxis and ride-sharing services (like local cabs or Uber) are also readily available. In short, you can easily explore the city's compact centre without a car.

Nottingham offers accommodation for every budget. Hotels and guesthouses are plentiful around the city centre, particularly near the train station and lively Old Market Square or Lace Market areas (so you can enjoy nearby restaurants and nightlife). Budget travelers will find plenty of cozy B&Bs and hostels scattered across the city. Wherever you stay, it is wise to book early; rooms can fill up quickly on busy weekends. Even if you choose a quieter area outside the centre, good bus and tram services mean you'll still be able to reach all the festival venues easily.