Feel the Autumn vibe in Nottingham

It’s time to layer up with a chunky sweater, snuggle into a hoody and embrace cosy season again. Loosen your grip on the last hazy days of summer and slip comfortably into a fresh new groove.

Just moved to Nottingham? The bus or train may have led you to our city’s green quarter. Pick up a coffee-to-go and soak up some September sun whilst sipping a fresh brew among the gentle meadow planting of the Green Heart space – Starbucks pumpkin spiced lattes appeared back on the board as soon as the cityscape began to take on its golden glow.

Walk up through the park, past the planting that extends along the walkway up to a tree-lined Lister Gate and towards Nottingham’s modern take on Carnaby Street, the home of all things bright and beautiful, Bridlesmith Gate. The cooler air might tempt you to treat yourself to a faux fur throw from M&S Home, now available in a range of autumnal shades, and maybe even a spice-scented candle. You are sure to thank yourself for that inviting welcome home.

For budget-friendly clothing and homewares, Primark on Long Row is a top choice. You will be spoilt for choice with pumpkin-shaped plushies, teapots, jars and even candles.

Struggling to make the change to a colder-weather wardrobe? There’s no shortage of shops from which to pick new knitwear, ensuring a satisfying level of snugness as the temperatures drop. We love the soft stripes and heavy cable knits from the Fat Face autumn collection. For vintage shoppers, Garms, Cow and the iconic Wild Clothing are all within easy reach and offer rails of handpicked garments to browse, spanning decades from the sixties to the noughties.

If you qualify as one-eighth of our residents here to study, then be assured that you have come to the right place when you need a break from assignments. Nottingham is a top spot for café hangouts, bookshops and city parks.

Choose to unwind one afternoon in Waterstones, take your newest purchases up to the top floor and order a hot chocolate, sink into a comfy chair and savour the scent of a new book. If you are committed to second-hand September, Five Leaves Bookshop, Bookwise and British Heart Foundation are within walking distance from Old Market Square.

Extend a shopping trip by seeking out a festive special – Maple Hazel latté at Costa Coffee on the corner of Old Market Square. For a touch of nostalgia, head out for South Coast summer holiday memories among the hot pasties and pastries at Nottingham’s popular newcomer to Bridlesmith Gate – Cornish Bakery. Alternatively, visit another recent arrival Public and Plants on Low Pavement. Here, you can bag yourself a sourdough toasted sandwich, an oat cappuccino or a tiramisu cream-filled croissant to enjoy in relaxed green-filled surroundings.

We love a self-care Sunday, and at this time of year lazing around in fleecy pjs can feel like the ultimate indulgence when you have nowhere in particular to be. The White Company are the king and queen of luxury goods in subtle shades and scents. Their collection of supersoft loungewear might make you slow to get started, so when you do finally emerge, head out for a plate of energising carbs such as pizza or pasta from Solo Grano, or perhaps a traditional Sunday roast at Fothergills to warm you from the inside out.

Alternatively, Beauty Temple on Queen Street is bookable for a group pampering session. Liven up a fading tan, with a facial accompanied by friends, or add a pop of colour to your nails with quirky pumpkin nail art.

Follow this with a wander through the wonderland of Hopkinson Vintage, Antique and Arts Centre, a walk along the river up to Nottingham Castle, and you might just have found the perfect way to round off a slow and steady weekend before another busy week begins.

It’s autumn, the time of year when perspectives change. Embrace the new and remember to cherish those small moments.

Download our app to find more things to do in autumn in Nottingham

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