Nottingham is the other London. With its cultural and historical pedigree, impressive foodie scene, and wealth of cultural spots, Nottingham is one of England’s most-visited cities and a great place to spend a long weekend. To enjoy a longstanding Nottingham pastime, go in the first week of October for the annual Goose Fair, a 700-year-old tradition.

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  The Malt Cross

  Built in 1877, the Malt Cross is one of England’s few remaining Victorian music halls. Updated and run by a non-profit, today’s Malt Cross is one of the best bars in Nottingham that regularly features live performances. More than just a bar — and a good one at that — the space also houses a mini-museum. Moreover, hops aficionados are always impressed by the bar’s beer selection.

  • 16 St James's St, Nottingham NG1 6FG
  • 0115 941 1048
  • maltcross.com
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  Tilt

  Cozy, candlelit, and oh-so British, Tilt bar boasts an extensive cocktail menu and ever-changing menu. Their happy hour is a romantic spot to kickstart the evening, but it can get crowded — so arrive early to secure a quaint table for two.

  • 9 Pelham Street, Nottingham NG1 2EH
  • +44 115 950 1226
  • www.tiltbar.co.uk
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  Hockley Arts Club

  A collage of deep leather couches, antique lamps, and comfy mid-century modern chairs, Hockley Arts Club is a trendy bar right in the heart of Nottingham. The lighting is always set to sexy, and it’s a great place to people-watch while enjoying a fine glass of wine.

  • 20A Carlton Street, NG1 1NN
  • 01157 860293
  • thehockleyartsclub.com

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  Nottingham Playhouse

  Since 1948, actors at the Nottingham Playhouse have been entertaining audiences with musicals and plays alike. There’s almost always something afoot, and the company stages both traditional classics and modern adaptations.

  • Wellington Circus NG1 5AF
  • 0115 941 9419
  • nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk
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  Theatre Royal

  The Theatre Royal first opened in 1865 and is located next to the Royal Concert Hall. The venue regularly hosts traveling operas, ballets, and musicals. Every year, the forum puts on a pantomime that features a celebrity popular with the British public. In 2013, “Knight Rider” frontman turned international icon David Hasselhoff starred as Peter Pan.

  • Theatre Square, Nottingham NG1 5ND
  • 0115 989 5555
  • trch.co.uk
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  Nottingham Castle Museum

  Home to the City of Nottingham’s decorative and fine art collections, Nottingham Castle Museum also has extensive exhibitions on the area’s archeology and the legend of Robin Hood. The 1,000-plus-year-old castle has undergone many renovations but maintains its medieval facade.

  • Lenton Rd, Nottingham NG1 6EL
  • 0115 876 1450
  • www.nottinghamcastle.org.uk
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  New Art Exchange

  If modern art floats your artistic boat, the New Art Exchange should make your to-do list while in Nottingham. Located in the Hyson Green neighborhood, the building opened in 2008. Works from local painters, sculptures, and multimedia artists are always on display, and its event calendar is worth checking out.

  Nottingham sits between two megacities: London and Manchester. It’s about two and half hours from the former and two hours from the latter by car. Smaller cities near Nottingham include Derby, Leicester, Sheffield, and Coventry.

  • 39-41 Gregory Blvd, Nottingham NG7 6BE
  • +44 115 924 8630
  • www.nae.org.uk