West Bridgford

Day Trips

Make the most of your day with our curated plans, packed with West Bridgford's hidden gems and unique experiences!

day 1
Riverside Walks and Bridgford Park
morning
:

Begin your day with a gentle riverside walk along the Trent, where the morning mist hovers over the water and the sound of birdsong fills the air. Stop at the Trent Bridge meadows to watch rowers glide by and soak in the peaceful surroundings. Capture photos of the historic bridges and the shifting light on the river bank.

afternoon
:

Head to Bridgford Park for a lively picnic amidst manicured lawns and vibrant flower beds. Join friendly locals for a casual game of football or frisbee on the open green fields. Wander over to the community café to sample freshly baked pastries and locally roasted coffee.

evening
:

Dine at a riverside gastropub serving hearty British fare and seasonal specials. Enjoy a pint of local ale as the sun sets, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink. Finish with a leisurely riverside stroll under twinkling street lamps.

day 2
Sports Stadium Adventures
morning
:

Kick off your day with a guided tour of Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, home to England’s national cricket team. Explore the players’ pavilion, the press box, and the historic Long Room while learning about the ground’s storied past. Pose for photos in the hallowed indoor nets and souvenir shop.

afternoon
:

Cross the river to visit the City Ground, Nottingham Forest FC’s iconic stadium, for another behind-the-scenes experience. Wander through the trophy room, media suites, and player tunnel while reliving famous victories. Enjoy a matchday snack at the stadium café and mingle with fellow football fans.

evening
:

Return to West Bridgford for a relaxing evening at a sports bar overlooking the river. Catch highlights of ongoing matches on big screens while savoring gourmet burgers and craft beers. Cap off the night with a friendly game of pool or darts with new acquaintances.

day 3
Market Mornings and Heritage Trails
morning
:

Stroll to the West Bridgford Market where stalls brim with fresh produce, artisan cheeses, and homemade preserves. Chat with local farmers and craftspeople as you sample seasonal fruits and baked goods. Pick up a handcrafted souvenir or two to remember your visit.

afternoon
:

Embark on a self-guided heritage trail through West Bridgford’s Victorian and Edwardian streets. Stop at landmarks like the Old Rectory and historic churches, reading informational plaques along the way. Pause at a cozy tearoom for a traditional cream tea and rest your feet.

evening
:

Dine at a family-run bistro in the town centre, enjoying dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. Relax over a glass of fine wine while listening to soft acoustic music. Conclude your evening with a leisurely stroll past illuminated heritage buildings.

day 4
Nature Escapes in the Meadows
morning
:

Begin at Wilford Clay Pits Nature Reserve for serene birdwatching and wildlife spotting at first light. Follow the wooden boardwalks through reedbeds and watch as swans, herons, and kingfishers dart across the water. Bring binoculars and a field guide to identify local species in their natural habitat.

afternoon
:

Rent a canoe or paddleboard on the nearby river and glide beneath leafy canopies along the Trent. Feel the gentle current steer you past hidden alcoves and sandy riverbanks perfect for a midday snack. Pause on a secluded shore to enjoy homemade sandwiches and sip chilled elderflower cordial.

evening
:

Head to Trent Meadows for a relaxed outdoor barbecue under the open sky, gathering around a shared fire pit. Grill seasonal vegetables and burgers while swapping stories with fellow nature enthusiasts. Conclude the evening with marshmallows toasted to golden perfection and the distant call of owls in the trees.

day 5
Culture on Loughborough Road
morning
:

Begin at a trendy café on Loughborough Road, sampling artisan coffee and freshly baked sourdough toast topped with avocado and local eggs. Watch daily life unfold as cyclists pass by and shopkeepers set up their displays. Plan your cultural itinerary with a warm latte in hand.

afternoon
:

Wander through independent boutiques and art galleries lining Loughborough Road, discovering unique clothing, handcrafted jewelry, and contemporary paintings. Step inside a local studio for a short pottery or printmaking workshop led by a resident artist. Treat yourself to homemade cake and tea in an intimate gallery café.

evening
:

Dine at a modern European restaurant renowned for seasonal dishes and innovative flavours. Savor plates crafted with local produce while enjoying jazz tunes playing softly in the background. Conclude with a nightcap at an intimate cocktail bar, sampling signature concoctions inspired by British botanicals.

day 6
Historical Gems and Theatre Nights
morning
:

Take an early bus to Wollaton Hall, Nottingham’s striking Elizabethan mansion nestled in woodland parkland. Tour the grand interiors, admiring period furniture, portraits, and the Natural History Museum housed on the grounds. Wander the deer park for a chance to spot fallow deer grazing at dawn.

afternoon
:

Return to West Bridgford to explore the Riverbank Arts Centre, enjoying rotating exhibitions of contemporary art and crafts. Join a guided talk by a visiting artist or curator to gain deeper insight into current displays. Relax with a light lunch at the on-site café overlooking the river.

evening
:

Book tickets at the Nottingham Playhouse for a captivating evening performance, from classic drama to cutting-edge new writing. Arrive early to explore behind-the-scenes exhibits and meet the cast during pre-show talks. Finish with late-night drinks at the theatre bar, chatting about standout moments from the show.

day 7
Brewery Discoveries and Cafés
morning
:

Start at a local microbrewery offering morning caffeine infusions with coffee stout lattes and breakfast pastries. Learn about the brewing process with a behind-the-scenes tour of the fermentation halls. Sample a flight of unique beer-infused coffees alongside freshly baked muffins.

afternoon
:

Hop on the West Bridgford Brew Trail, visiting breweries and taprooms scattered around town. Sip on hoppy IPAs, smooth porters, and zesty pale ales while chatting with head brewers about recipe inspirations. Pair your tastings with gourmet snacks like cheese boards and cured meats.

evening
:

Gather at a lively beer garden as the sun sets, filling the air with laughter and clinking glasses. Join a guided tasting session to refine your palate and discover local hops. Cap off the day with wood-fired pizza shared among new friends under string lights.

day 8
Cycle the Trent Valley
morning
:

Rent a bike from a local shop and set off on the Trent Valley Way, following well-marked trails along the river. Feel the breeze in your hair as you pedal past scenic meadows, quaint bridges, and charming wildlife habitats. Stop at a riverside bench to enjoy a homemade granola bar and fresh fruit.

afternoon
:

Continue your cycling adventure through Ruddington countryside, pausing at small villages for a pub lunch and a pint of real ale. Chat with locals in traditional inns while sampling regional specialties like Nottinghamshire pork pies. Explore hidden footpaths to discover ancient mills and river fords.

evening
:

Return to West Bridgford for a restorative dinner at a farm-to-table restaurant, enjoying salads topped with garden-fresh ingredients. Sip on herbal teas or local ciders as you recount the day’s scenery. Unwind with an evening stroll along the floodlights of the cricket ground reflecting on your journey.

day 9
Shopping at Central Avenue
morning
:

Head to Central Avenue for a relaxed morning browsing stylish boutiques and homeware shops. Discover eco-friendly fashion, artisanal candles, and bespoke gifts crafted by local makers. Pause for a whipped coffee at a minimalist café while watching shop owners arrange their new stock.

afternoon
:

Indulge in a leisurely lunch at a cosy brasserie offering hearty soups, gourmet sandwiches, and fresh salads. Sample seasonal dishes made with produce from nearby farms and bakeries. Follow this with a visit to a charming bookshop and stationery store to pick up unique souvenirs.

evening
:

Dine at a contemporary British restaurant on Central Avenue, savouring thoughtfully plated dishes paired with local wines. Enjoy live acoustic music or poetry readings as the atmosphere gently hums in the background. Finish your evening at an elegant cocktail lounge, toasting to a day of retail discoveries.

day 10
Watersports Farewell
morning
:

Return to the Holme Pierrepont Watersports Centre for an adrenaline-pumping session of white-water rafting or kayak slalom. Receive expert instruction from seasoned guides and challenge yourself on the purpose-built rapids. Refuel with a hearty brunch at the centre’s café overlooking the rapids.

afternoon
:

For a more relaxed pace, try paddleboarding on the tranquil lakes or climbing the centre’s indoor walls. Breathe in fresh air and focus on balance as you glide across the water or ascend new heights. Reward yourself with ice cream and sunshine on the lakeside deck.

evening
:

Celebrate your final evening with a private riverside BBQ arranged through a local events company. Enjoy a feast of grilled specialties accompanied by live acoustic guitar and riverside ambiance. Raise a toast under the stars to ten unforgettable days in West Bridgford.

Discover West Bridgford

Read more in our West Bridgford 2025 Travel Guide.

West Bridgford Travel Guide