Best places to live near Nottingham: 8 highly desirable towns and villages you'll want to call home

Nottinghamshire is a lovely place to live. It has great amenities, access to major cities and towns and quaint villages worthy of postcards.

In 2023, Muddy Stilettos compiled its annual guide to the 250 top places to call home outside of London - and unsurprisingly several Nottinghamshire locations were listed.

The list includes the perfect choices for people wanting to start a family and those who desire access to the many attractions in the county.

Here is a round-up of the highly desirable Nottinghamshire towns and villages, you'll want to call home - last year, this year and for many to come (we hope!)

Read more: Nottingham property

Wollaton

This leafy suburb located to the west of Nottingham is ideal for families and working couples, with plenty of amenities close by and direct transport links for those who need to commute.

The tranquil neighbourhood is known for its namesake park, which is home to the 16th-century country house Elizabethan Wollaton Hall. The attraction was used as Wayne Manor in the Dark Knight Batman trilogy and also houses the Natural History Museum.

Farnsfield

If you’re looking for an area with a traditional country village feel, Farnsfield might be the perfect place to settle.

The beautiful village is on the doorstep of Sherwood forest, and it is here that you’ll find the much-loved Attenborough Nature Reserve, which is home to around 250 species of birds.

Beeston

Beeston is just a stone’s throw from Nottingham City centre and is a hub for families, creatives and students.

The town’s link to bees goes beyond just its name, and you may catch a glimpse of street furniture in the High Road decorated in black and gold with a bee symbol.

There is also a sculpture of a man sitting next to a beehive, popularly known as the ‘Bee-man’.

The best-kept secret is that Beeston is known for its various public houses and has one of the highest concentrations of them in the UK.

Southwell

Southwell is one of the prettiest towns in Nottinghamshire and has plenty to offer if you’re looking for somewhere to relocate.

The market town is steeped in history and has many historical attractions, including the Southwell Minster and The Workhouse.

Foodies will love the narrow high street that is packed with an array of independent pubs and restaurants.

According to Muddy Stilettos, Southwell’s best-kept secret is: “Southwell is home to the original Bramley Apple Tree. It grew out of one pip planted by Mary Anne Brailsford in 1809. To celebrate its history, Southwell’s Bramley Apple Festival happens every year in October with live cookery demonstrations and loads of stallholders.”

West Bridgford

West Bridgford is an upmarket town three miles from Nottingham, with cosy pubs, well-kept parks and major sporting venues.

Muddy Stilettos claims the area is popular with families, students and young couples due to its excellent commuter links.

Newark

Newark is a picturesque town steeped in history and is a desirable spot to live outside of Nottingham.

Anyone who has visited the city will notice the gorgeous Georgian and Victorian architecture and the castle by the river dating back to the 12th century.

For those who enjoy supporting local businesses, the town is packed with small independent shops and hosts annual antique fairs.

Edwinstowe

Edwinstowe is a village right on the edge of Sherwood Forest and is associated with the legends of Robin Hood and Maid Marian.

According to Muddy Stilettos, it has “a strong sense of community, a charming high street, and loads of outdoor fun to be had”.

Burton Joyce

If you’re looking for a close-knit community - this might be the right place for you.

The rural village can be found on the outskirts of Nottingham next to the river Trent.

The best-kept secret is: “Matthew Horne, aka Gavin from Gavin & Stacey, grew up here and attended the primary school here, and often pops backs for a pint locally.”

*This article has been updated and republished.