Splendour
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Splendour Festival invites you to experience a joyous summer weekend in Wollaton Park – Nottingham’s iconic deer park. This annual celebration transforms the city’s historic woodland into a vibrant festival playground. The magnificent Wollaton Hall, an Elizabethan mansion set amidst rolling lawns, provides a stunning backdrop for the festivities. Each July, thousands of music lovers flock here to dance on the grass and soak up Nottingham’s summer spirit together. It feels like both a big community get-together and a grand musical adventure all rolled into one. The mix of green woodlands and sunlit skies creates a magical setting for the festival, as people of all ages share in two blissful days of live music and fun.
Across five stages, Splendour presents a vibrant mix of musical styles. Chart-topping headliners share the bill with up-and-coming local bands, bringing a lineup that spans pop, rock, dance, electronic, indie and more. One moment you might be belting out a sing-along anthem on the main stage, and the next you’re discovering a hidden gem in a smaller tent or dancing to a DJ set under the trees. There’s truly something for everyone – whether you’re here with family, friends or flying solo, the music connects you all. Every performance promises a great time, and you might even walk away with a new favorite artist.
The fun doesn’t stop at music. Wander beyond the stages to embrace the full festival experience. Food stalls and trucks serve up sizzling gourmet burgers, wood-fired pizzas, fresh salads, vegetarian delights and sweet treats to satisfy every appetite. Nearby bars pour local craft beer, artisan cocktails and refreshing soft drinks to keep you going. Fancy a festival-style makeover? The glitter and body-art bar is always busy with face paints, henna and sparkles. You can also browse market stalls selling handmade crafts and souvenirs, or enjoy carnival rides and fairground games. There’s even a dedicated family area with gentle rides and activities for the youngest festivalgoers, so parents can relax watching shows on the lawn. And when you need to recharge, cozy lounge zones provide shady sofas to sit back, chat and plan your next set. From morning to night, Splendour keeps the good times rolling.
The setting of Wollaton Park itself makes Splendour extra special. Wollaton Hall, the festival’s grand backdrop, is an Elizabethan masterpiece – a Grade I listed mansion that houses Nottingham’s natural history museum. Its silhouette forms a breathtaking backdrop, and as darkness falls it is often lit up for an unforgettable sight. The festival spills out through the park’s 500 acres of majestic lawns and woodland. Herds of deer and local wildlife often roam these meadows, so it’s common to spot deer grazing nearby as the music plays. Wide-open fields mean there’s endless space to picnic on the grass, dance around the stages, or relax under the trees between acts. As the sun sets, strings of lights twinkle through the woods and the night air buzzes with energy, making the whole evening feel enchanting. Splendour combines music and nature in a way that feels truly magical.
In every way, Splendour is Nottingham’s summer highlight. It’s a festival built on community spirit, where longtime fans and newcomers alike can make lasting memories. Year after year, people come together here to dance under the sun, discover new music, and share in the joy of live performances. The atmosphere is wonderfully welcoming – you’ll quickly be swept up by the crowd’s energy and the park’s gorgeous surroundings. Meanwhile, the organizers and staff take care of all the details so you can relax and enjoy every moment. So pack your picnic blanket and dancing shoes – Splendour promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you smiling long after the last act finishes.
Nottingham is very well-connected by public transport, which is often the easiest way to reach Wollaton Park. Nottingham’s main train station (Rainworth Street) has frequent services to and from London, Birmingham, Manchester and other major UK cities. In town, Nottingham’s tram and bus networks make getting around simple. The Nottingham Express Transit (NET) tram runs toward Wollaton Park on the Toton Lane line; the closest tram stop is University Boulevard (about a 30-minute walk or short bus ride from the festival site). Nottingham City Transport also operates regular buses from the city centre to Wollaton Park on the Pink 30 service, and during large events it often adds special shuttle buses from the Victoria Centre or nearby hubs directly to the park. Return shuttles usually run late into the evening back to town. Purchasing a day pass or group ticket is a convenient way to use these services for the day.
By car, Wollaton Park can be reached via Nottingham’s road network. The main entrance is off Wollaton Road (A6514) in Wollaton (postcode NG8 2AE). From the north (M1 southbound), take Junction 26 (Trowell) and follow signs toward Wollaton. From the south (M1 northbound), use Junction 24 (Nottingham South) and follow the A6514 through the city to Wollaton. Limited on-site parking is available but must be booked in advance through the festival’s parking partner. Alternatively, consider using Nottingham’s park-and-ride sites or parking in the city and taking public transport to the festival. Traffic can be very heavy on event weekends, so allow extra travel time. Accessible drop-off and Blue Badge parking are provided near the main entrance for those who need it.
The closest airport to Nottingham is East Midlands Airport (EMA), about 15 miles northwest of the city. From EMA, travelers can take a taxi or Skylink express bus to East Midlands Parkway station, then catch a train to Nottingham (around a 15–20 minute journey). Birmingham Airport is about 60 miles away (roughly a 1–1.5 hour drive, or you can train via Birmingham New Street). London airports can be reached by train (for example via Birmingham New Street or London St Pancras, about 2–2.5 hours total). There are also National Express coaches serving Nottingham directly from other UK airports and cities. Once you arrive in Nottingham, simply use the local bus or tram services mentioned above to reach Wollaton Park.
Nottingham offers a wide range of accommodations to suit any preference. In the city centre (a short tram or bus ride away), you’ll find many hotels, guesthouses and B&Bs, along with apartments and hostels. The University of Nottingham also offers summer halls accommodation (allowing visitors to stay in student rooms at budget rates), which can be a convenient walk or short bus ride from the festival site — book early to secure a room. If you prefer to stay even closer, a few hotels and lodgings (for example the Wollaton Park Hotel) are located near the park. Since Splendour is a popular event, it’s wise to make reservations well in advance. No matter where you stay, Nottingham’s 24-hour transportation (buses, trams and taxis) and walkable neighborhoods make it easy to travel to and from Wollaton Park.
| Name | Star | Distance | Prices From | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Contractors INN | 1.4 ml | £28.00 | Book | |
| Tudor Lodge Hotel | 1.5 ml | £50.00 | Book | |
| De Vere Venues Orchard hotel | 1.5 ml | £53.10 | Book | |
| The Clarence Hotel | 1.6 ml | £32.00 | Book | |
| P and J Hotel | 1.6 ml | £45.00 | Book | |
| The Walton Hotel | 1.8 ml | £19.00 | Book | |
| The Nottingham Belfry - QHotels | 1.9 ml | £49.80 | Book | |
| Strathdon Hotel | 2.2 ml | £45.00 | Book | |
| Park Hotel | 2.2 ml | £39.00 | Book | |
| SACO Nottingham - The Ropewalk | 2.2 ml | £75.60 | Book | |
| Hart s | 2.3 ml | £62.50 | Book | |
| Roomzzz Nottingham City | 2.3 ml | £59.00 | Book | |
| St James Hotel Nottingham City Centre | 2.4 ml | £50.00 | Book | |
| Park Plaza Nottingham | 2.4 ml | £52.00 | Book | |
| Britannia Nottingham City Centre | 2.4 ml | £32.00 | Book |
Nottingham, Nottingham, NG82AE
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