Police remind Gedling borough motorists about rules over parking outside schools

Gedling Eye
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Police remind Gedling borough motorists about rules over parking outside schools

Police are reminding motorists across the borough on the rules around parking outside schools.

Pick-up and drop-off times are busy outside schools and police officers from the Gedling Neighbourhood Policing Team are reminding motorists that this causes an increased safety risk to both children and parents at peak times.

“Parking restrictions outside schools are there to keep you and your children safe,” said Keith Crowhurst, who is a PCSO on the Carlton Beat Team.

“Parking inconsiderately can put people in danger and you also risk being fined. It’s important that motorists follow the Highway Code.

“Most school entrances and exits in the UK have yellow zigzag road markings with the writing ‘School Keep Clear’.

“Zigzags can also be found at entrances and exits of hospitals, fire stations, police stations and ambulance stations. They indicate the part of the road where motorists should not wait, stop, or park a vehicle. 

“Sometimes there may be an accompanying sign that shows specific times when these restrictions are in place. Motorists are legally allowed to park on the zigzags outside of these hours.

“Both yellow and white zigzags also show areas that must be kept clear so that children and other road users can see clearly when crossing the road.”

They are now reminidng people in the borough abouyt the parking rules.

Parking on yellow zigzags

You can legally park on yellow zigzags under certain circumstances.

Yellow zigzags without accompanying signs

These advise motorists not to wait or park there at any time for the safety of children and others. We can and do issue tickets for parking on them, based on causing an obstruction to other motorists or pedestrians. Some yellow zigzags have a single or double yellow line, which indicate different parking restrictions.

Parking opposite yellow zigzags

You can legally park opposite yellow zigzags. However, this can make crossing the road more dangerous, especially for children. Some schools have yellow zigzags on both sides of the road for this reason.

Do not park on yellow zigzag lines and avoid parking opposite them. If you decide to park further away, please be considerate of local residents and avoid blocking driveways or accessways.

Fines

Local councils can issue motorists with penalty charge notices (PCN) for waiting, stopping, or parking on yellow zigzags if restrictions are in place. These are issued by civil enforcement officers.

Most parking or waiting fines are now enforced as a civil matter, rather than a police matter. A PCN does not result in a criminal record or points on a licence if dealt with by the council.

In some areas, the local council doesn’t have civil parking enforcement powers. In these areas parking is enforced by us or by police-employed traffic wardens who will issue a fixed penalty notice (FPN). These are enforced through the criminal justice system.

Fines can vary depending on location. Stopping in a restricted area outside a school will result in a higher fine. The fee is also halved if paid within 14 days and you have 28 days to pay or challenge the fine.

Police to ramp up motorbike patrols this weekend to tackle ‘nuisance’ bikers across Gedling borough

Gedling Eye
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Police to ramp up motorbike patrols this weekend to tackle ‘nuisance’ bikers across Gedling borough

Gedling’s local police team is planning to put on extra patrols this weekend to help tackle the scourge of ‘nuisance’ motorbikers in the borough.

Motorbike patrols will be in the area to tackle the illegal use of e-bikes and motorcycles after residents made it clear in a recent police survey that they saw it as a priority to reduce incidents.

Gedling South officer PC Tom Packer said: You may notice a presence in the local area from the police motorbike team this coming weekend, if you do see them and want to chat or need any advice do feel free to approach and speak with them. 

“Tackling antisocial behaviour can be a complex issue, and one which requires input and action from more than just the police.

“If you have any information relating to the use of such vehicles please report it either by 101 or by using crime stoppers. Both options can be made anonymously if you choose. 

February 2025 saw the publication of the Ministry of Justice Crime and Policing Bill: Antisocial behaviour (ASB) factsheet. This outlined a number of new measures including making powers to seize vehicles under section 59 of the Police Reform Act 2002 easier to use, allowing the police to react quickly to the anti-social use of motor vehicles.

Young performers from borough singing academy set to sparkle on stage this Sunday at city’s Winter Wonderland

Gedling Eye
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Young performers from borough singing academy set to sparkle on stage this Sunday at city’s Winter Wonderland

Students from The Rebecca Lomas Academy of Voice are set to spread Christmas cheer across the city as they take to the stage at Nottingham Winter Wonderland next Sunday. (14).

The academy’s young singers, aged 5 to 16, have been rehearsing with passion and dedication, preparing a magical setlist filled with festive favourites guaranteed to delight audiences of all ages.

For many of these talented young performers, this event marks an exciting milestone singing live in one of Nottingham’s most popular seasonal attractions. The experience offers not only a wonderful celebration of music but also a powerful confidence-building opportunity that lies at the heart of what the academy stands for.

Founder, vocal coach, and professional singer Rebecca Lomas expressed her pride in the students’ journey:

“Our performers have poured so much energy and enthusiasm into their rehearsals, she said.

“Seeing them come together as a team and take their place on such a special stage is exactly why the academy exists to give young voices the chance to shine.”

Following the children’s performance, Rebecca herself will take to the main stage to deliver a festive set of her own — a treat for audiences and a moment of inspiration for her students, who look up to her both as a mentor and a performer.

Known for its supportive atmosphere, expert vocal training, and commitment to bringing out the best in every child, The Rebecca Lomas Academy of Voice continues to grow as a trusted creative hub for aspiring young singers across the area.

Welcoming New Students in the New Year

With the start of a fresh term on the horizon, The Rebecca Lomas Academy of Voice is delighted to announce that enrolment for new students will open in January. The academy offers a unique, nurturing environment where children can develop their vocal skills, build confidence, make new friends, and take part in exciting performance opportunities like Winter Wonderland.

Whether your child dreams of the stage or simply loves to sing, the academy provides a playful yet professional space for young voices to flourish.

Parents are encouraged to enquire early, as spaces for the new term are limited and fill quickly.

Arnold residents invited to share ideas to help shape East Midlands mayor’s ambition to improve transport across region

Emily Sanchez
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Arnold residents invited to share ideas to help shape East Midlands mayor’s ambition to improve transport across region

Residents in Arnold are being asked to share their ideas for better, fairer, and more connected transport across the area.

Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward has launched her Big Transport Conversation that sets out a bold 15-year vision to transform the way people travel across the region.

Now a 12-week public conversation has been launched, giving residents the chance to help shape a transport system that truly works for them.

And representatives from the East Midlands Combined County Authority will be at Arnold Library on Friday, December 19, from 9am-noon, to hear your views.

Mayor Claire said: “Every city, town and village in our region has its own transport challenges, and the best ideas come from the people who live and travel there. That’s why we’re bringing this conversation to local communities. So come along to the event in Arnold Library and tell my team what would make travel simpler, fairer, and genuinely better for you.”

The Mayor’s Transport Plan aims to make public transport easier to use and more affordable and also connect communities in a bid to reduce car dependency. She also wants to look at upgrading and maintaining highways to ensure they’re reliable and resilient.

Mayor Claire said: “My vision for the East Midlands is simple: public transport that’s easy and affordable to use, communities connected to one another, not just to the biggest cities, and roads and infrastructure that are safe, well maintained, and fit for the future.”

For further information and to have your say on the transport issues which matter to you, visit an upcoming consultation event, or see www.eastmidlands-cca.gov.uk/mayors-transport-plan

The consultation runs until February 8, 2026.

MPs call on Chancellor to raise gambling taxes

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A cross-party group of MPs has urged Chancellor Rachel Reeves to raise taxes on the gambling industry in the forthcoming Budget. The recommendation arrives as the government faces pressure to fund social programmes, with gambling taxation emerging as a significant fiscal opportunity.

The Treasury Select Committee’s statement, published in early November, has urged the government to recognise different types of gambling and adjust taxation accordingly. This position aligns with recommendations from the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) and the Social Market Foundation (SMF), both of which have proposed raising Remote Gaming Duty from its current 21% to 50% for online casinos, increasing Machine Gaming Duty from 20% to 50%, and raising General Betting Duty from 15% to 25%. These organisations estimate such measures could generate between £2 billion and £3.2 billion annually for the Treasury.

One paragraph of the report highlights the rapid growth of online and remote offerings, where the shift to digital platforms has been significant. Modern gambling platforms increasingly offer diverse products ranging from sports betting to casino games and beyond, blending traditional gambling habits with modern technology. Some platforms even accept cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin (source: https://esportsinsider.com/uk/bitcoin-casinos), opening up for the future’s gambling habits. By adjusting tax policy to evolving market formats, the government could both safeguard existing revenue streams and plan for future growth.

The current tax system on gambling remains inconsistent across formats. General Betting Duty on horse races and football stands at 15 per cent, Machine Gaming Duty (covering high-street slot machines) sits at around 20 per cent for the most popular machines, and Remote Gaming Duty is approximately 21 per cent. Casino Gaming Duty varies between 15 per cent and 50 per cent depending on the venue and stakes. The Treasury Select Committee has recommended that the government maintain differentiated rates rather than merging all these into a flat duty.

From the industry perspective, organisations such as the Betting & Gaming Council highlight that the gambling sector contributes considerable employment, sporting sponsorship and tax revenue already, with estimates of around £4 billion in annual taxes and support for over 100,000 jobs. Industry representatives suggest that tax increases of the scale proposed would lead to significant job losses. The council also argues that the increases could push customers toward unlicensed, unregulated operators, ultimately reducing government tax revenue rather than increasing it.

Supporters of the tax change emphasise that the measure could help fund social policy priorities, including removing the two-child benefit cap. They argue that the financial modelling shows a tax rise in the sector could yield a meaningful contribution toward broader public-spending objectives.
Government officials have indicated that the Budget will include a review of gambling taxation, though details remain under consideration. As Chancellor Reeves has said, operators in the sector “should pay their fair share of taxes” and the Treasury is examining how the regulatory-tax framework might evolve. With the Budget approaching, the sector will be watching closely.

A Smoother Approach to Managing Your Medical Needs

Nick Salt
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A Smoother Approach to Managing Your Medical Needs

Managing your health can feel like a challenge, particularly when life is already busy. Whether you need a routine appointment, support for a long-term condition, or guidance on available services, navigating the system often requires time and persistence.

Fortunately, digital health technology is transforming the experience for patients across the UK. By offering streamlined tools and simpler ways to access care, these platforms are making everyday healthcare management far more convenient.

Improving Access to Primary Care

One of the most common frustrations for patients is difficulty accessing a GP when needed. Busy phone lines, long waiting times, and limited appointment availability can make booking a consultation feel stressful. Digital solutions are helping to address these issues by providing faster, more flexible options for arranging care.

For anyone moving home or seeking a practice that better fits their lifestyle, finding the right GP can also be a hurdle. Modern platforms now make this process significantly easier. Services such as Bookable Health allow individuals to find a NHS GP with Bookable Health, helping them register quickly with a suitable practice. This reduces administrative delays and supports a smoother start to their healthcare journey.

Convenience Through Digital Appointment Systems

Once connected to a practice, patients are increasingly benefiting from streamlined digital services. Online appointment booking, remote consultations, and electronic prescription requests are becoming standard across many parts of the NHS. These tools give patients far greater control over when and how they receive medical support.

For those with busy work schedules, caring responsibilities, or mobility challenges, the ability to consult a GP from home is particularly valuable. Virtual appointments also help reduce the pressure on surgery waiting rooms and create a more efficient workflow for healthcare teams.

Enhanced Access to Specialists

Digital innovation is not limited to primary care. Many specialist services now offer online profiles, appointment scheduling, and clearer pathways to treatment. Patients can review provider information, compare services, and choose a clinician who matches their preferences and needs.

This greater level of transparency empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their treatment. It also helps reduce delays caused by administrative bottlenecks or slow referral processes, creating a smoother overall experience.

Reliable Information for Confident Decision Making

Many people feel uncertain when researching symptoms or treatment options. This can lead to confusion or unnecessary worry. Digital healthcare platforms offer carefully curated, evidence-based information presented in an accessible way. As a result, patients can feel more confident when discussing concerns with their GP or specialist.

Improved understanding often leads to better engagement with treatment plans and preventive healthcare, contributing to long-term wellbeing.

Enhancing, Not Replacing, Human Care

While digital services offer many advantages, they exist to support healthcare professionals, not replace them. By removing administrative barriers, technology allows clinicians to spend more time providing personalised care and meaningful guidance. Patients benefit from quicker access and more efficient services without losing the human connection that is essential to good healthcare.

A More Seamless Healthcare Experience

As demand for accessible healthcare continues to grow, adopting a smoother, digitally enhanced approach is becoming increasingly important. From easier GP registration to faster specialist access, online tools are reshaping how patients manage their medical needs. For anyone seeking a simpler, more efficient way to coordinate their care, modern digital platforms provide a reliable and patient-friendly solution.

Greener double-decker buses with USBs and wi-fi to serve bus passengers from Burton Joyce to City

Emily Sanchez
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Greener double-decker buses with USBs and wi-fi to serve bus passengers from Burton Joyce to City

Six ultra-low emission buses will soon be serving bus passengers in Gedling borough thanks to a partnership between Nottingham City Transport (NCT) and manufacturer Wrightbus.

Representatives from NCT recently visited the Wrightbus factory in Ballymena, Northern Ireland, to look over the new StreetDeck Ultroliners that will be going into service on the operator’s long distance Pathfinder bus service between Nottingham, Burton Joyce, Lowdham and Southwell.

The new buses have free Wi-Fi and USB chargers installed. They also boast comfier seats, space for two wheelchairs, a table on the upper deck and improved accessibility features, including hearing loops and next stop displays that all customers can see.

Meeting stricter emission limits than the 2014-built buses they will replace, the six next generation StreetDeck Ultroliner buses are Ultra-Low Emission Bus (ULEB) accredited, with an 80% decrease in NOx (Nitrogen Oxides) emissions and lower particulate matter (PM) emissions.

Anthony Carver-Smith, head of Marketing and Projects at NCT said: “We were very pleased to be able to visit the Wrightbus factory and see the new Ultroliners for ourselves before they enter service soon. The new buses represent a significant upgrade to the buses currently operating on the Pathfinder 26 route, which are more than a decade old.

“The new buses are cleaner and quieter and provide a much more pleasant experience for passengers on this long-distance route.”

Founded in 1946, Wrightbus employs 2,300 people across its operations, with a further 7,500 jobs in the supply chain.

John McLeister, Wrightbus MD of Sales for UK and Ireland, said: “It was a pleasure to welcome the team from Nottingham City Transport to our factory in Northern Ireland and show them their new buses.

“We recognise that zero-emission buses are not suitable for every route, but through the combination of the latest technology both from our suppliers and from our teams in Ballymena we are able to produce a bus that keeps both noise and emissions to a minimum without compromising on passenger comfort.”

Roadworks and closures planned for Gedling borough this week

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Roadworks and closures planned for Gedling borough this week

Take a look at the roadworks and closures scheduled for Gedling borough’s roads for the week beginning December 14

Make sure to plan your journey and check before your travel as these planned works could affect you. 

Avon Road, Gedling
11 December – 15 December
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Openreach

Bramble Drive, Carlton
10 December – 12 December
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Openreach

Burntstump Hill, Calverton
10 December – 11 December
Roadworks, Delays possible
Works location: Burntstump hill

Crookdole Lane, Calverton
09 December – 11 December
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Openreach

Flowers Close, Arnold
11 December
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water

Georges Lane, Calverton
11 December – 12 December
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Honeywood Drive, Carlton
12 December – 16 December
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Openreach

Killisick Road, Arnold
11 December – 12 December
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Lowdham Lane, Woodborough
11 December – 12 December
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Oxton Road, Calverton
11 December – 12 December
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Pavilion Road, Arnold, Nottinghamshire
12 December
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Peters Close, Arnold
10 December – 12 December
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Openreach

Sir John Robinson Way, Daybrook
11 December – 12 December
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Wembley Road, Arnold
10 December – 12 December
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Openreach

Housing development paused for more than a year on track to have all homes handed over by Autumn 2026

Lauren Monaghan
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Housing development paused for more than a year on track to have all homes handed over by Autumn 2026

A housing development which was paused for more than a year due to a contractor’s collapse is on track for completion by autumn 2026.

The Birch Fields development on Rolleston Drive, near Arnold, hit a bump in construction after the collapse of contractor Ilke Homes in June 2023 which left dozens of unfinished homes exposed to the weather.

Ilke Homes had been appointed to build 131 affordable homes by the housing association Jigsaw Group. However, 43 modular homes – some with no roof – were exposed to the elements for around 12 months and subsequently torn down, as a new contractor was found.

This was to ensure all homes were fully compliant with the requirements of the NHBC, the UK’s leading provider of new home warranty and insurance.

Factory built homes Arnold
PICTURED: The first of 141 homes arrived at Rolleston Drive in 2022

Morro Partnerships took over the construction of the site in June 2024 and Jigsaw Homes Group says the scheme is still on track to complete in 2026

So far, 42 homes have been handed over, and the remaining 89 properties will be handed over in stages between now and August 2026, where the “sales of the shared ownership properties are going well, with all homes in the first phases sold or on hold”.

Of the homes, 85 are affordable rent homes, allocated by Gedling Borough Council to meet housing need, and 46 in total will be made available through shared ownership in phases.

Garnet Fazackerley, operations director of Jigsaw Homes Group said: “Although we faced an incredibly challenging time following the collapse of Ilke Homes in 2023, we remained committed and confident that we could complete the scheme and provide much-needed affordable homes.

“We are on track to do this, with all homes being finished to a high standard and with NHBC warranty following stringent quality and compliance checks. Together with our development partners Morro, Homes England and Gedling Borough Council, we look forward to seeing the scheme completed next year.”

Borough Councillor, David Ellis (Lab), told the local democracy reporting service: “I was disappointed when [Ilke Homes] went under because we’d been to see them. The houses looked like everything you could want from a house.

“We know that housing is becoming expensive and lots of people are having problems getting on to the housing ladder. We know there’s a shortage of housing, people living in temporary housing, it’s important we get more affordable and social housing.”

Once completed, the scheme, which is part-funded by Homes England, will have 46 two-bedroom homes, 72 three-bedroom homes and 13 four-bedroom affordable rent homes, along with electric vehicle charging points and several with solar panels and air source heat pumps.

Best places to go on a date in Nottingham, England

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Best places to go on a date in Nottingham, England

Best Places to Go on a Date in Nottingham, England

Nottingham is built on sandstone riddled with caves, anchored by a castle that has stood for a thousand years, and scattered with pubs older than most nations. The city pairs well with dates because it offers range without requiring much planning. A couple can eat Michelin-starred food beneath power lines, drink in a pub where crusaders once gathered, or walk through parkland where deer outnumber people. The venues here suit different moods and budgets, and most sit close enough to reach on foot.

Finding Your Kind of Date in Nottingham

Nottingham has a knack for pairing history with good food and low-key activities. The city sits on a network of sandstone caves, around a castle that has stood for a millennium, and is dotted with pubs that predate most countries. Couples here can pick from places that suit their pace, from fine dining under pylons to swinging on wooden seats while eating Indian street food. What follows is a list of locations worth considering when planning a date in this part of England.

Relationships and What People Seek in Nottingham

Nottingham draws people with different expectations for connection. Some arrive hoping for something casual, others want long-term partners, and a fair number seek specific dynamics like sugar daddies in Nottingham. These preferences shape where people end up spending their time.

The city’s layout supports most arrangements. Quiet parks suit slower conversation, pubs work for informal meetings, and formal dining allows for something more staged. A person’s intent tends to dictate the venue before anything else does.

Nottingham Castle

The castle underwent a £31 million restoration and now covers 1,000 years of local history across its grounds. A single ticket costs £15 for adults and grants unlimited visits for 12 months. Children aged 15 and under enter free, with up to three allowed per paying adult. From April 2025, a combined ticket covering Nottingham Castle, Wollaton Hall, and Newstead Abbey costs £30.

Inside, couples can find Hood’s Hideout, a medieval-themed adventure playground, and Robin Hood Adventures, which uses storytelling screens and interactive gaming tables to depict medieval life. Winter hours run from November 3rd 2025 to early February 2026, with the site open 11am to 4pm. Visit Nottinghamshire notes the castle is a five-minute walk from Old Market Square and close to the train station.

Restaurant Sat Bains

Sat Bains holds two Michelin stars and has kept them since 2011. The restaurant sits in an industrial estate outside the city centre, beneath pylons and a flyover. Diners can choose between seven or ten course tasting menus in the main dining room, at the Chef’s Table, or in the Development Kitchen. The Kitchen Bench option offers a three-course lunch or dinner for £145.

Great British Chefs describes the focus as championing Midlands produce through modern technique. The Michelin Guide adds that food waste goes into a closed-loop composter for the kitchen garden, honey comes from on-site beehives, rainwater is collected, and solar panels generate power. The largest table seats six, and the full restaurant holds up to 28 guests.

Wollaton Hall and Deer Park

Wollaton Hall sits on a natural hill three miles west of the city centre, surrounded by 500 acres of parkland. It is a Grade I listed Elizabethan building that now houses Nottinghamshire’s largest Natural History Museum. Deer herds roam the grounds. The hall served as Wayne Manor in The Dark Knight Rises in 2012.

From April 2025, adult admission is £15 for a year-long pass. Children under 16 enter free with a paying adult, up to three per ticket. WePop will launch a Winter Light Trail from November 26 to December 31, 2025. Themed tours include Architecture, Spooky Ghost Tours, Tudors, Kitchens, and Garden tours, all requiring advance booking according to Visit Nottinghamshire.

Finding Your Kind of Date in Nottingham

Nottingham has a knack for pairing history with good food and low-key activities. The city sits on a network of sandstone caves, around a castle that has stood for a millennium, and is dotted with pubs that predate most countries. Couples here can pick from places that suit their pace, from fine dining under pylons to swinging on wooden seats while eating Indian street food. What follows is a list of locations worth considering when planning a date in this part of England.

Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem

This pub claims to have opened in 1189, which would make it England’s oldest surviving inn. It sits at the base of Castle Rock, attached to caves carved from sandstone that were reputedly used as a brewhouse during the medieval period. Legend holds that King Richard the Lionheart and his men gathered here before departing for Jerusalem.

The interior includes several bars, snug lounges, and walls lined with relics of Nottingham’s past. Visit Nottinghamshire says meals are served daily from 11am to 10pm in the Rock Bar, and visitors can sit by the fire in Yorkie’s Lounge or use the garden. The Original Nottingham Ghost Walk starts here on Saturday evenings at 7pm.

City of Caves

Nottingham has over 900 caves beneath its streets, the largest network in the UK. The City of Caves offers public access to a sizable section, including WW2 air raid shelters and a medieval tannery. Tickets now provide unlimited entry for a year from purchase. Adult admission is £8.75, and a joint ticket with the National Justice Museum costs £21 for adults.

The entrance is at the bottom of Garner’s Hill Steps next to Nottingham Contemporary, using postcode NG1 1HF. Advance booking is recommended, especially for weekends and school holidays. The official website advises bringing headphones for the audio guides.

The Hockley Arts Club

The Hockley Arts Club spreads across several floors, each with a different theme. One room resembles a Victorian saloon bar, another is styled as a botanical electric garden. The interiors are dim, unusual, and designed for lingering. DesignMyNight describes it as suitable for couples looking for more than a standard bar setting.

The cocktail menu is long and the seating encourages proximity. For a date that benefits from atmosphere and a bit of strangeness, this works well.

Mowgli Street Food

Mowgli serves Indian street food under fairy lights, with seating on wide wooden swings. Dishes include Yoghurt Chat Bombs, Fenugreek Kissed Fries, and Aunty Geeta’s Prawn Curry. The menu leans plant-based, and portions are shareable.

The owner holds an MBE for services to the food industry. The vibe is energetic but not loud, making it suited to first dates or early-stage conversations.

The Arboretum

The Arboretum holds over 800 trees and sits on Waverley Street, postcode NG7 4HF. Entry is free. The paths allow couples to walk side by side rather than sit face to face, which reduces the pressure of constant eye contact.

It is one of the more romantic spots in Nottingham, according to local guides, and it costs nothing to visit. For dates that benefit from movement and low stakes, this is a reliable choice.

Penny Lane Arcade Bar

Penny Lane is in Lace Market at Fletcher Gate, postcode NG1 1QQ. The bar combines arcade games with food, drinks, and a vintage ice cream machine. Tokens cost £1.25 each.

The Notts Edit recommends it for casual dates. The games provide something to do when conversation slows, and the tone is informal enough to take pressure off both parties.

Lost City Adventure Golf

Lost City Adventure Golf operates at The Cornerhouse on Burton Street, postcode NG1 4DB. Two 18-hole courses are available, themed around the Inca rainforest: Temple Trail and Sacred Skull. A round costs £10 per person, and there is a Tiki bar on site.

The Notts Edit notes that crazy golf works for people without athletic ability and still offers the structure of an activity. For dates where doing something together is easier than sitting still, this venue is a practical option.

National Ice Centre

The National Ice Centre is at Bolero Square, Belward Street, postcode NG1 1LA. Skating sessions cost £9 for adults and run at scheduled times. For beginners, there is a warmup zone with advice sessions every 30 minutes covering how to get started and stay upright.

The venue operates year-round, so it works regardless of weather. Couples can skate together or learn at the same time, which tends to level the playing field.

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