Nottingham, birthplace of the Robin Hood myth, gives back to its people through boisterous regeneration and redevelopment. Billion of pounds have been poured into its bike-friendly streets (#9), fostering some of the UK’s most ambitious city transformations. The €1.61 billion Island Quarter draws closer to a 2030 opening, a stunning new district with restaurants, an events hall, and soon residential homes and commercial space alike. In the city centre, the Broadmarsh development has turned old retail areas into a public green, flecked with cafes, local art, and Nottingham Castle views. Here, you’ll find the Nottingham College City hub, officially buzzing since its opening in 2021. Meanwhile, innovators go to work in the new Elizabeth Garrett Anderson building at Nottingham Science Park, a stone’s throw from the #21-ranked University of Nottingham.
The effort is rewarded with good fun. Rightfully so in the “Home of English Sport”. Here, quality pubs power the #39-ranked nightlife, and the weather(#20) smiles down on Forest Fans who flock to City Ground for home games. Let ‘em come: a major redevelopment of the stadium has been announced, increasing its capacity to 52,500 by 2033. With tourism booming in 2025, it shouldn’t be hard to fill the seats.