Leaving the car at home can make a weekend away feel much easier. There is no city-centre traffic to navigate, no searching for parking spaces and no need to nominate a driver after dinner. With regular rail, tram and bus connections, Beeston is a practical base for exploring Nottingham without relying on a car.

Friday Evening: Settle Into Beeston

After arriving at Beeston railway station, check in at The Fairhaven Hotel and take some time to explore the local area. Beeston has developed a character of its own, with independent cafés, restaurants, traditional pubs and colourful street art dotted around the town centre.

A relaxed evening in Beeston also means you do not need to begin your stay with another journey. Enjoy dinner nearby, take a walk along the High Road and return to your accommodation when you are ready.

Saturday: Explore Nottingham by Public Transport

Start the morning with breakfast before making your way into Nottingham. Trains from Beeston offer a quick route to Nottingham station, while the tram provides a useful alternative for reaching different parts of the city. Nottingham’s tram network operates a frequent “turn up and go” service, including regular weekend services.

Once in the city, many of Nottingham’s best-known attractions can be explored on foot. You could visit Nottingham Castle, walk through the historic Lace Market and explore the independent shops and cafés of Hockley. Old Market Square, the National Justice Museum and the City of Caves are also easy to include in a compact city-centre itinerary.

In the evening, stay for a theatre performance, concert or meal before returning to Beeston by train, tram or bus. Check the latest service times before setting out, particularly if you are attending a late event.

Sunday: Discover Beeston at a Slower Pace

A car-free Nottingham weekend does not have to be spent entirely in the city centre. Sunday is a good opportunity to discover more of Beeston itself.

Follow part of the Beeston street art trail, browse the town’s local shops or head towards Beeston Marina for a riverside walk. The marina sits beside the River Trent and has places to stop for food or a drink.

Lakeside Arts and the University of Nottingham campus are also accessible using local public transport. Visit Nottinghamshire highlights the university, Lakeside Arts, restaurants and independent businesses among Beeston’s attractions.

Make Travel Part of the Break

Choosing accommodation near Beeston station makes it possible to combine sightseeing in Nottingham with a quieter local base. The Fairhaven Hotel offers breakfast, free Wi-Fi and limited on-site parking, but guests arriving by public transport can enjoy the entire weekend without needing a vehicle.

Pack comfortable shoes, check live travel information and let the train or tram handle the journey.