Nottingham

What kind of thing are you looking to do/eat? Nottingham's a big place and not knowing what you're after makes recommendations a bit haphazard.

Personally I'd skip the castle (it's just a big house) but take in Nottingham Contemporary art gallery. Then you're near Hockley which is a good hub for a variety of things. Although the Trip to Jerusalem is a great pub for tourists (and it's a pretty nice pub in general) and that's right near the castle, so maybe you do want to see the big house?

I'm not a foodie but a friend of the family runs The Larder and it is 100% excellent food. It's not overly pricey for a fancy restaurant but it is restaurant prices rather than pub food prices. I haven't lived in Nottingham for almost a decade now so can't really give any more tips there.

Between Nottingham and Leeds there's only really Sheffield, unless you want to take a slight detour and stop off in the Peak District?

Food: vegetarian. Cheap 'n' cheerful. Not an epic meal.

Do: well, the places we've thought of going are the Peaks (not sure which bit), Saltaire and Yorkshire Sculpture Park. Light-weight walks rather than hikes, probably.

Oh damn, there are definitely some good veggie places but I can't think. The Alley Cafe is still around which has always specialised in vegetarian/vegan food, and is not too expensive, but I can't vouch for quality as I've not been there in years (also am not a vegetarian so usually wanted to go somewhere else for a bacon sandwich).

Yorkshire Sculpture Park is a pretty good shout for a stop-off! The peaks are very lovely, though.

Thanks emil.y.

The sofa I am sitting on right now came from the Danish Home Store.

I no longer live in Nottingham, but have visited twice in the last week, after a 16 month gap. There is now a good record shop in Cobden Chambers, down an alleyway by the Bodega on Pelham Street, and excellent periodical emporium next door. Edins (see upthread) now has a second branch on Carlton Street, which did a great breakfast this morning. There's a good craft beer place down another alleyway, which connects Bridlesmith Gate and Fletcher Gate. Other alleyways host a fine book store, Five Leaves, and the second hand junkstore palace that is Rob's Records. Another record store - Plates on St James St, beneath the characterful Malt Cross - leans more towards dance music. Rough Trade is on the same street as the glorious Broadway Cinema; a street below that, there's Jamcafe, which has live music and DJs. I hope the Chameleon is still going, a uniquely amazing little gig venue. The city has long punched above its weight for live music in general. Le Chien Et Moi on Derby Road stocks Interesting and Different Things. Lakeside does consistently good exhibitions.

...and I was told that the National Videogame Arcade is vast and amazing, with many Machines of Yesteryear. If that's your thing. (It's not mine.)