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.
The Brian Clough connection gives Derby and Forest a rivalry with history, silverware and a personal edge unlike most regional derbies.
No upcoming rivalry fixture currently listed.
A same-city rivalry split by the Trent, with Forest’s major honours and County’s historic status making it one of England’s oldest urban derbies.
No upcoming rivalry fixture currently listed.
A prominent East Midlands rivalry where Leicester and Forest compete for regional standing as much as league points.
No upcoming rivalry fixture currently listed.
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, use the M1 to Junction 26 and follow signs into Nottingham via the A610 and ring-road routes before heading towards West Bridgford and the City Ground. The stadium sits by the River Trent and parking nearby is very limited. Consider approved car parks such as those around Meadow Lane, County Hall or the Cattle Market area where available.
From the south, use the M1 to Junction 24, then follow the A453 towards Nottingham and link towards the A52/A6011 for West Bridgford. The City Ground will come into view near the River Trent, but matchday congestion around Trent Bridge can be heavy. Plan parking before arrival and expect a walk to the stadium.
From Grantham, Newark or the east, use the A52 towards Nottingham and follow signs for West Bridgford, Trent Bridge and the City Ground. Local roads near the cricket ground and river crossings become very busy on matchdays. Use signed or approved parking rather than searching around residential streets.
From Derby or the west, use the A52 or M1 routes towards Nottingham, then head for the Trent Bridge/West Bridgford side of the city. River crossings and the A60/A6011 area can queue heavily close to kick-off. Arrive early and be ready for a walk from parking outside the immediate stadium area.
Nottingham Station is the nearest railway station for the City Ground and is the correct arrival point for most rail travellers. The walk to the stadium usually takes around 20 to 30 minutes via the city centre, canal and Trent Bridge area depending on route and pace. Nottingham has rail services from London, Birmingham, Derby, Leicester, Sheffield, Peterborough, Newark and Grantham. Local buses from outside or near the station can shorten the final leg.
From Nottingham Station, walk south-east towards the canal and Trent Bridge, then cross towards West Bridgford and the City Ground. The walk usually takes around 20 to 30 minutes. Follow signs for Trent Bridge and the football ground, but allow extra time because crowds and traffic build around the river crossings.
East Midlands Airport is the best airport for Nottingham Forest. The airport is outside Nottingham, Derby and Leicester, so the usual public transport route is Skylink bus or coach towards Nottingham, then walk, bus or taxi from the city centre / Nottingham station to the City Ground. A taxi or pre-booked transfer to West Bridgford is also realistic. It is much more sensible than using distant airports unless flight availability forces you elsewhere.
Birmingham Airport is a workable backup for Nottingham Forest because it is on the rail network via Birmingham International. From the airport, use the Air-Rail Link to Birmingham International, then travel by rail via Birmingham New Street towards Nottingham. From Nottingham station, the City Ground is around a 20 to 30-minute walk. It is slower than East Midlands Airport, but still viable for better flight options.
Nottingham City Transport Green Line buses numbered 5 to 11 stop close to the City Ground and pick up from central locations including Parliament Street, Angel Row and outside Nottingham railway station. They are the best normal bus option for supporters who do not want the 20 to 30-minute walk.
NCT services also provide direct links towards Trent Bridge from areas such as Clifton, West Bridgford, Ruddington, East Leake and Gotham. These are useful if you are staying south of the city or want to avoid crossing Nottingham city centre before the match.
DG Cars are a local Nottingham taxi/private hire firm. A taxi from Nottingham station or the city centre to the City Ground is short, but road closures and heavy traffic around Trent Bridge and West Bridgford can slow the journey on matchdays.
Queen's Road car park is a practical option for the City Ground, around a 20 to 30-minute walk depending on route. It has been promoted as a low-cost option at around £5 all day with RingGo or pay-and-display payment. It is useful for supporters arriving via Nottingham station or wanting to avoid the tight streets around West Bridgford.
Nottingham Forest direct drivers towards Riverside Park & Ride / Embankment-side parking on some approaches to the City Ground. This is useful from the south and west because it avoids crossing deeper into West Bridgford. Follow official matchday signs and allow time for the walk along the river area.
Greenfield Community School has been used as pre-booked matchday parking for Nottingham Forest fixtures, around a short walk from the City Ground and often listed around £10. It is a good organised option if available for your fixture, with proceeds supporting the school. Book ahead rather than turning up speculatively.
Pre-booked private spaces around West Bridgford can work well, but local residential streets are heavily used and restrictions are enforced. Choose a space with a clear walking route to the City Ground and expect slow traffic around Trent Bridge after the match.
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.