Nottingham Forest were founded in 1865 and are one of England's oldest professional football clubs. Based at the City Ground beside the River Trent, Forest are famous for their remarkable success under Brian Clough, including winning the European Cup in 1979 and 1980. The club have a strong East Midlands identity and rivalries with Derby County and Leicester City.
The City Ground is one of English football's most atmospheric riverside stadiums, sitting on the south bank of the River Trent in West Bridgford. The ground is close to Trent Bridge cricket ground, Notts County's Meadow Lane and the walkable approaches from Nottingham city centre, which gives the area a strong sporting identity on matchdays.
The stadium is made up of the Brian Clough Stand, Peter Taylor Stand, Trent End and Bridgford Stand. The Trent End, behind one goal, is one of the key home-atmosphere areas and looks out towards the river side of the stadium. The Brian Clough Stand is the large side stand opposite the older Peter Taylor Stand, while the Bridgford Stand houses away supporters in the lower tier at one end. The ground has a traditional four-stand feel rather than a modern bowl layout.
The City Ground is tight, loud and very close to the pitch in places. It does not have the scale of some newer Premier League stadiums, but it has far more character than many of them. When Forest are at home for a major game, the noise from the Trent End and the wider ground can make it one of the most intense atmospheres in the league. For neutrals, side-stand seats provide the best overall view, while the Trent End is the most partisan home area.
Away supporters at The City Ground are normally located in the lower tier of the Bridgford Stand, towards the corner nearest the Brian Clough Stand. The exact number of seats and blocks can vary depending on the competition, segregation and expected away following, but the Bridgford lower section remains the normal visiting-supporter area.
The away end is close to the pitch and close to home supporters, so the atmosphere can be lively. Views are generally good, but the lower-tier position means some seats are flatter than a high side-stand view. The concourse can feel tight when the full away allocation travels, especially at half-time.
Away supporters should follow the official visiting-supporter matchday guide issued by Nottingham Forest and their own club. The streets around the ground, Trent Bridge and West Bridgford become very busy before and after the match, and police or stewards may manage routes back towards the city centre, coach parking or rail links.
From the north, take the M1 southbound and leave for Nottingham, commonly using Junction 26 for the A610 or other signposted routes towards the city. Follow signs towards West Bridgford, Trent Bridge and the City Ground. Matchday traffic can be heavy around the river crossings, so consider pre-booked parking, Meadow Lane/Notts County options where available, or park-and-ride before walking towards the ground.
From the south, take the M1 northbound and leave for Nottingham using Junction 24, 25 or 26 depending on your route, then follow signs towards West Bridgford, Trent Bridge and the City Ground. Traffic around the river crossings can be slow before and after matches. Consider pre-booked parking, park-and-ride or parking away from the ground before walking in.
From the east, approach Nottingham using the A46, A52 or local routes towards West Bridgford and Trent Bridge. The City Ground is close to the River Trent and traffic around the bridges can be slow before and after matches. Consider parking away from the ground, using park-and-ride or pre-booked options, then walking towards the stadium to avoid the worst congestion.
From the west, approach Nottingham using the A52 from Derby, the A453 from the M1, or other routes towards West Bridgford and Trent Bridge. The City Ground sits close to the River Trent, and traffic around the bridges can be slow before and after matches. Consider pre-booked parking, park-and-ride or parking away from the ground before walking in, especially for evening games and larger away followings.
Nottingham station is the main rail option for the City Ground. The stadium is across the River Trent in West Bridgford and can be reached by walking, tram and bus combinations, taxi or local bus depending on preference. Walking is popular but allow time for the route through the city and over the river. Trent Bridge and nearby crossings can be very busy after full-time, so plan return trains carefully.
Nottingham station is the main walkable station for the City Ground. The walk usually takes around 20 to 30 minutes, heading through the city and over the River Trent towards West Bridgford. It is a popular route for supporters, but Trent Bridge and the nearby river crossings become very busy after full-time, so leave enough time for return trains.
East Midlands Airport is the closest major airport for Nottingham Forest. Onward travel usually involves bus, coach, taxi or rail connections via Nottingham, Derby or East Midlands Parkway depending on timing. From Nottingham station, continue to the City Ground by walking, bus, taxi or tram and bus combination. Check late return options carefully, as airport and rail connections may be limited after evening fixtures.
Nottingham Cars are a major local private hire operator and can be used for journeys to or from the City Ground. The stadium is across the River Trent from the city centre, so taxis may be delayed by traffic around Trent Bridge and West Bridgford after full-time. Pre-book and choose a pickup point away from the busiest river crossings.
DG Cars operate in Nottingham and offer app-based taxi booking. They are a useful option for supporters connecting between Nottingham station, hotels and the City Ground. After the match, allow extra time because Trent Bridge, Lady Bay Bridge and nearby roads can be heavily congested.
Nottingham Forest state that the City Ground is served by a number of frequent services across Nottingham, with routes 5 to 11 most likely to pick up and drop off closest to the stadium. Nottingham City Transport describe the Green Line 5-11 services as stopping close to the ground, with city-centre pickups including Parliament Street, Angel Row and outside the railway station.
A paid car park option promoted for City Ground events, with access from the Nottingham station side of the river. It is useful for supporters arriving from the city centre, but allow time for the walk and post-match river crossing congestion.
A nearby parking option often used around City Ground matchdays and also referenced for accessible parking alternatives. Availability can vary, so check current booking or event-day arrangements before travelling.
A pre-booked option for private driveways and local spaces near the City Ground. Useful because street parking in West Bridgford can be limited and residential restrictions apply on matchdays.
Castle Rock pub near Nottingham station, useful for away supporters arriving by train before walking towards the City Ground. It is a popular football pub, so expect it to be busy.
Large city-centre pub on the canal, useful before walking or taking onward transport to the City Ground. Good for supporters who want to drink away from the tight West Bridgford area.
Pub close to the City Ground and Meadow Lane. It is very convenient, but can be busy and may be more home/mixed depending on fixture, so away fans should check colours and door policy.
Castle Rock pub near Nottingham station serving food and drinks. Useful for away supporters before the walk over the River Trent to the City Ground.
Large Nottingham city-centre pub and restaurant on the canal. A good food option before walking or taking onward transport to the City Ground.
Pub close to the City Ground and Meadow Lane serving food and drinks. Convenient but likely to be busy and mixed/home-leaning depending on fixture.
Hotel close to Nottingham station and a practical base for walking to the City Ground. Good for supporters arriving by rail.
Central Nottingham hotel useful for food, drink and a walk or taxi to the City Ground. Better for supporters wanting the city centre after the match.
City-centre hotel close to Nottingham Castle and within walking/taxi distance of the City Ground. Good for an overnight away trip with city-centre plans.
The City Ground is walkable from Nottingham city centre for many supporters, although it is a longer walk than it first appears if arriving at Nottingham station or drinking in the centre. The route over the river and past the sporting venues is part of the appeal, but supporters should allow proper time, especially for evening games or large away followings.
Driving directly to the ground is not recommended without pre-booked parking. West Bridgford is busy on matchdays, and surrounding streets are controlled or heavily used by residents and local businesses. Public transport, city-centre parking followed by a walk, or organised coach travel are usually better options.
Away fans should check their club's advice on pubs and routes. Nottingham has plenty of city-centre options, but venues closer to the ground can be home-orientated. After full-time, expect slow movement around the Bridgford Stand, Trent Bridge and the river crossings.
Nottingham Forest home tickets are sold through the club's official ticketing channels, with priority normally given to season-card holders, members and supporters with booking history. Premier League demand at The City Ground is high, and many fixtures are difficult to access without the correct priority.
For neutrals, the Brian Clough Stand or Peter Taylor Stand side views are usually the best choices. The Trent End is the main home-atmosphere end and is best suited to Forest supporters wanting the most vocal experience. Seats close to the away section in the Bridgford Stand can be lively and are not always the best option for a quieter visit.
Away tickets are sold by the visiting club. Travelling supporters should check their own club's sales criteria, collection rules and any restricted-view notes before travelling. Away fans should not buy in home areas, as segregation is enforced and ejection or refusal of entry may follow if away support is identified outside the visiting section.
The City Ground operates standard Premier League ground regulations, including searches on entry, no pyrotechnics, no pitch encroachment, no discriminatory behaviour and no alcohol consumption in view of the pitch. Supporters should use the correct entrance and follow steward instructions around segregated areas.
Nottingham Forest publish matchday supporter guides, ground regulations and prohibited-items information for The City Ground. Supporters should check the latest version before travelling, as bag rules, entry arrangements and security procedures can be updated by fixture.
Large bags and unnecessary items should be avoided. The stadium is traditional and concourses can become busy, so arriving early and travelling light will make entry easier.
Nottingham Forest publish a dedicated accessibility guide for The City Ground. Accessible seating, wheelchair spaces, companion seating and accessible toilets are provided, but the exact arrangements depend on the stand and ticket type. Supporters with access requirements should contact the club or their own ticket office before matchday.
Away disabled supporters should book through the visiting club and confirm the exact away accessible location, entrance and companion-seat details. Because the away section is in the Bridgford Stand and the surrounding streets can be very busy, arrival and departure routes should be planned carefully.
The City Ground is an older stadium in parts, so access is not identical across every stand. Supporters should check walking distance from parking, drop-off or public transport, and should allow extra time after the match when crowd movement around the river and Trent Bridge is slow.
Nottingham Forest offer official Museum and Stadium Tours at The City Ground. These guided tours are advertised by the club and include behind-the-scenes access, photo opportunities and areas such as pitchside, dugouts and dressing-room spaces when available.
Tours should be booked through Nottingham Forest's official ticketing or tour channels. Availability depends on fixtures, stadium operations and events, so visitors should check the current schedule before travelling.
Major Nottingham attraction covering city history, Robin Hood heritage and museum displays. Useful before walking or taking a taxi to the City Ground.
Historic museum in Nottingham’s Lace Market area, useful for supporters spending time in the city before crossing the Trent to the City Ground.
Famous cricket ground beside the City Ground. A useful sporting landmark to see on the walk through West Bridgford.
Official Nottingham Forest ticketing page for match tickets, membership sales, hospitality, accessibility information and fixture-specific ticket updates.
Official website for Nottingham Forest. Useful for tickets, travel updates, accessibility information, stadium rules and matchday announcements.
Useful starting point for information about City Ground, including visitor details, stadium facilities and matchday guidance where available.