Things To Do
in Arnold
Arnold is a market town and suburb north-east of Nottingham in Nottinghamshire, England, known for its mix of Victorian streets, parks and modern shopping facilities. It serves as a convenient base for exploring the Nottinghamshire countryside, including nearby Gedling Country Park and Sherwood Forest. The town offers a compact high street with independent shops, cafés and traditional pubs alongside regular market stalls and community events.
Arnold is largely residential and commuter-friendly, giving visitors easy access to Nottingham's cultural attractions while retaining a quieter, small-town atmosphere.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a delightful breakfast at a local café, savoring traditional English fare. After your meal, take a leisurely stroll through the charming streets of Arnold, where you can admire the historic architecture and vibrant shops. Don't forget to visit the local market, where you can find handmade crafts and fresh produce.
In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the rich history of the area by visiting the Arnold Library, which holds fascinating exhibitions about the town's past. Afterward, enjoy a peaceful walk in Arnot Hill Park, surrounded by lush greenery and picturesque landscapes. Take some time to relax by the pond or have a delightful picnic on the grass.
As the sun sets, head to one of Arnold's cozy pubs for a traditional pub dinner, complete with local ales. Enjoy the lively atmosphere and perhaps join in on a game of darts or trivia night. End your evening with a leisurely walk back to your accommodation, soaking in the quaint charm of Arnold at night.
Start your day with a refreshing walk through Arnot Hill Park, taking in the beautiful natural surroundings and fresh air. As you wander along the pathways, keep an eye out for local wildlife and enjoy the various flower beds in bloom. After your walk, treat yourself to a coffee at the park café while soaking in the peaceful atmosphere.
In the afternoon, explore the park further by renting a bike or taking part in a guided nature tour. Discover the hidden gems of the park, such as its historic structures and tranquil lake. Bring your camera to capture the stunning views and perhaps enjoy a packed lunch on one of the scenic benches.
As evening approaches, return to your accommodation to freshen up before heading out for dinner. Choose a local restaurant that offers a menu featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients. After dinner, take a leisurely stroll through the park to watch the sunset, casting a golden hue over the landscape.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-20 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $3-5 |
| 🍺Pint of beer at pub | $5-7 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (3–5 miles) | $8-18 |
| 🚌Local bus single fare | $2-4 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Close to Nottingham with easy access to city amenities and culture
- Good base for exploring nearby countryside and Sherwood Forest
- Compact town centre with markets, cafés and traditional pubs
- Lower accommodation and dining costs than larger cities nearby
- Limited late-night entertainment compared with Nottingham city centre
- Public transport links to some rural spots can be infrequent
- Fewer specialist dining options within the town itself
- Weather can be changeable, affecting outdoor plans
Places to Visit in Arnold
Visit one of these nice places.
Well-kept parkland with mature trees, a boating lake, and panoramic views over Arnold — great for landscape and seasonal shots.
Elevated viewpoints and long trails offering wide vistas over the Nottinghamshire countryside, ideal for sunrise/sunset photography and wildlife.
Ancient oaks and atmospheric woodland paths provide dramatic nature photography and a sense of history.
Colourful market stalls, traditional shopfronts and everyday street scenes that capture local life and architecture.
From some vantage points in the surrounding parkland you can photograph Nottingham’s skyline at dusk with foreground countryside.
Food in Arnold
Arnold Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A British classic widely available in Arnold’s pubs — roasted meat, roast potatoes, seasonal veg and gravy. Best enjoyed at weekend pub lunches in town.
Must-Try!
Crispy battered fish with chips from a local chippy — simple, filling and available in several spots on Front Street and surrounding roads.
Meat or vegetarian pies from local bakeries and cafés; good places to try homemade-style savoury pies and steak-and-ale varieties.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Regular market stalls offering fresh produce, baked goods and occasional street-food vendors; a good place to sample local produce and pick up snacks.
Weekly or monthly farmers’ markets in nearby towns and Nottingham itself, where you can find regional cheeses, preserves and seasonal produce.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Respect orderly queues, say please and thank you, and keep interactions polite and relatively reserved — British politeness is important.
Be on time for guided activities and meetings; being a few minutes early is appreciated.
At busy pubs, order at the bar unless table service is offered; tipping at the bar is not customary but offering to buy a round for friends is common social behaviour.
Follow local rules about dog control, litter and path usage — take litter home and keep dogs on leads where indicated.
Safety
Tipping in Arnold
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory — typically 10%–15% in sit-down restaurants if service is good and not already added to the bill; pubs and cafés generally leave tipping optional, often by rounding up or leaving change. For taxis, round up or add a small percentage; for takeaways tipping is not common.
Contactless card payments and mobile wallets are widely accepted in shops, cafés and taxis; most places accept major debit/credit cards. Smaller market stalls and very small businesses may prefer cash, so carry some coins and notes for convenience.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warmest and sunniest months, good for long walks in parks and Sherwood Forest; expect local events, outdoor markets and busy weekends. Bring a light waterproof and sunscreen — British summers can still be changeable.
Crisp air and colourful foliage make parks and woodland walks very scenic; cooler temperatures and occasional windy or rainy days, so pack layers and sturdy footwear.
Cold and damp with short daylight hours; occasional frost or light snow is possible. Indoor attractions, cosy pubs and seasonal menus are the highlight — dress warmly.
Milder weather with blossoms and new growth; a great time for countryside walks and fewer crowds than summer. Expect some rainy days and muddy trails, so waterproof boots are useful.
Arnold at Night
Hiking in Arnold
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A network of paths and viewpoints with relatively easy walking routes, grassy slopes and wildlife; suitable for families and photographers.
Historic woodland trails among ancient oaks and well-marked paths; ranges from short family walks to longer countryside routes.
A variety of country lanes and footpaths around villages north of Arnold offering longer hikes, farmland scenery and quiet walking conditions.
Woodland and lakeside trails with diverse plantlife, good for birdwatching and moderate walks within a short drive.
Airports
How to reach Arnold by plane.
The closest major airport (about 25–40 miles away depending on route), offering domestic and international flights; accessible by car in around 40–60 minutes and by coach services from Nottingham.
Larger international airport roughly 1–1.5 hours by car or public transport, providing many long-haul and European connections.
Major international hub further afield (about 2 hours by car), useful for additional flight options if needed.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many residents commute into Nottingham for work, giving Arnold a sizable population of working-age adults and families.
The area has a mix of family households and older long-term residents attracted by suburban amenities and parks.
A proportion of young adults and students use Arnold as a more affordable base while studying or working in Nottingham.
Arnold reflects regional demographic changes with growing ethnic and cultural diversity, particularly in nearby urban areas.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is the most popular sport regionally, with nearby professional clubs (Nottingham Forest, Notts County) and many local amateur teams and youth clubs.
Cricket is widely played in local clubs during the summer months, with community grounds hosting matches and junior programmes.
Rugby and netball are common grassroots sports, with facilities and clubs in the broader Nottinghamshire area.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Arnold.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most cafés and pubs now offer vegetarian mains and sides; look for clearly marked menu items, and larger places in town or in Nottingham offer more choice.
Vegan options are growing — independent cafés and some pubs provide vegan dishes, but for wider selection consider a short trip to Nottingham city centre.
Many venues can provide gluten-free options but cross-contamination can be an issue in older kitchens; ask staff about preparation if you have coeliac disease.
Halal and other culturally specific options are more readily found in Nottingham; Arnold has limited specialist outlets so plan ahead if this is required.