From Big Ben to Sherwood: Riding the Rails to Nottingham

#myfavoriteroute

Swapping the capital for castles, cobblestones, and a hint of legend? The train ride from London to Nottingham is a speedy escape packed with green fields, cathedral cities, and that unmistakable East Midlands charm. Whether it’s for work or a cheeky weekend break, this journey delivers serious main-character energy. 🎭🌿🧳

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🎯 Highlights Along the Way
• London St Pancras Departure 🕰️
Start at one of London’s most beautiful stations. Admire the soaring glass roof, wave at the Meeting Place Statue, and grab a cappuccino at EL&N before boarding your East Midlands Railway service.
• Speed Through the Home Counties 🌳
As you pull away from London, watch city blocks fade into open skies, golf courses, and pockets of farmland.
• Quick Stop: Market Harborough 🍓
This charming market town in Leicestershire is surrounded by countryside and known for strawberries in summer and fine stone houses year-round.
• Leicester City Sights (if you hop off) 🏰
Home of King Richard III’s final resting place and a buzzing food scene — from curries on Belgrave Road to local street markets.
• Into Nottinghamshire 🌾
Past Loughborough, the train cuts through flat fields and patchwork farmland — often dotted with sheep, crumbling barns, and flashes of forest.
• Nottingham Arrival 🏹
Roll into Nottingham Station, a beautiful red-brick terminal just a stone’s throw from the Canal Quarter, Nottingham Castle, and the Lace Market. Robin Hood vibes? Absolutely.

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🗺️ Getting There
• Train Operator: East Midlands Railway
• Route: London St Pancras → Nottingham (direct)
• Journey Time: ~1 hr 40 mins
• Frequency: Trains every 30 mins or so during the day
• Top Tip: Choose a “Clifton via Leicester” service for more countryside scenery

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🌟 Tips from a Robin Hood Route Regular
• 🪟 Best Seat: Sit on the right heading north — best for open field views around Market Harborough and between Loughborough & Nottingham.
• 📱 Quiet Work Spot: Carriage A often has fewer passengers during off-peak — ideal for getting stuff done.
• 🧁 Snack Tip: Pick up a sweet treat at PAUL or Benugo before boarding — the train moves fast and food options are limited onboard.
• 🕵️♂️ Hidden Gem Detour: Once in Nottingham, take a 10-min tram to Wollaton Hall — it’s Wayne Manor in The Dark Knight Rises and has deer roaming the park!

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💬 Final Thought

The London to Nottingham train ride may be short, but it’s packed with contrasts: modern rail lines through ancient counties, hidden legends behind glass buildings, and forests just beyond the skyline. Whether you’re heading there for history, festivals, or just a change of pace, this route gets you into East Midlands magic in under two hours. 🚄🍂🏰