Few football grounds capture the traditional matchday buzz like the City Ground in Nottingham. Nestled on the banks of the River Trent, it offers a picturesque setting but also one that can turn into a traffic bottleneck when Nottingham Forest are at home. Whether you’re travelling by car, bus, or foot, it pays to know how traffic behaves before kick-off.
Key Congestion Points
The City Ground’s riverside location means there are only a few key routes in, and they all tend to choke up at similar times.
Main Hotspots:
- A60 (London Road): The main route from the city centre towards West Bridgford. Expect heavy queues around Trent Bridge before and after matches.
- Lady Bay Bridge: An alternative to Trent Bridge, but still slow moving close to kick-off.
- Radcliffe Road: Popular with local parking spots, pubs and eateries, meaning steady congestion from two hours before the match.
- Colwick Loop Road: Busy with matchday park-and-ride traffic and retail park visitors.
If you’re driving, aim to arrive at least 90 minutes before kick-off. Once the final whistle blows, expect gridlock for around 30 minutes as fans spill into the roads heading back to the city.
Parking Near the City Ground
Official parking is limited, so most fans use nearby public or private car parks.
Options Include:
- Meadow Lane Car Park (Notts County ground): Just across the river, about a 10-minute walk.
- Trent Bridge Cricket Ground: Opens for selected fixtures but fills quickly.
- Victoria Embankment: Free parking along the river, but you’ll need to arrive early.
- Park-and-Ride: Located at Clifton South or Racecourse Park-and-Ride (Colwick). Buses run to the city centre and drop near Trent Bridge.
Locals often advise avoiding the roads around Pavilion Road and Scarrington Road entirely after the game unless you enjoy idling in traffic.
Public Transport Tips
If you want to avoid the stress of parking, public transport is your best bet.
- Train: Nottingham Station is roughly a 20-minute walk from the City Ground. Trains from Leicester, Derby and London arrive regularly, though expect busy platforms post-match.
- Bus: Services from Nottingham city centre stop on London Road and Trent Bridge, but traffic delays are common near kick-off.
- Walking: The riverside walk from the city centre offers a scenic and surprisingly quick route if you’re staying locally.
Matchday Timing Strategy
If you want to enjoy your day without fighting through stationary cars:
- Arrive early: Get into the area by 1.30pm for a 3pm kick-off.
- Stay after the whistle: Grab a pint or a bite to eat in West Bridgford and wait out the post-match rush.
- Use the side streets wisely: Follow police or steward advice as temporary road closures are often in place.
Local Insight
There’s a certain charm to the congestion at the City Ground. The red scarves, the chants drifting across the Trent, the hum of cars and the smell of chips, it all adds to the atmosphere. Locals have learned to live with it, timing their exits with precision and a touch of resignation.
If you’re new to the experience, take it as part of the day. The journey is slower, yes, but it’s also part of what makes Nottingham on matchday feel alive.
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