A list of the eight best places to live in Nottinghamshire has been revealed, including three new entries. The towns and villages include hotspots and up-and-coming areas.
The annual 260 Best Places to Live guide for 2026 has been compiled by Muddy Stilettos, the UK’s No. 1 women’s lifestyle website outside London. The insider guide includes expert local advice on where to buy, with locations independently handpicked by Muddy’s editors, each living and bringing up their families across the UK.
Readers will vote for their favourite next year. It says: “There’s more to Notts than Robin Hood and football. It’s a county of lush, rolling countryside, forests steeped in legend and creative communities. With vibrant, buzzy city bursting with iconic landmark buildings at its heart, there’s a lot to love.”
Each detailed online feature, comes with a location map, up-to-date information on desirable properties available for sale and on-the-ground insights into schools, and nurseries, shopping, culture, restaurants and health and wellbeing, plus the all-important commuting journeys for those still traveling into London and major conurbations.
Hero Brown, the founder and editor-in-chief of Muddy Stilettos said: “When people decide to move, they’re searching for more than just a house — they want a home, a lifestyle that works for them and their family, and if they’re strategic, a long-term investment too. Our 2026 Top 260 Best Places To Live guide will give them that extra reassurance they need to make their search easier in these difficult economic times.
“We’ve built our reputation on our first-hand knowledge of the most exciting, vibrant places to go and things to do outside London. Now, with Scotland and Wales added to the guide and new information added on important considerations such as schools, culture and health and wellbeing, the 2026 list is a natural step for us to continue to expand our authority in this area. Combined with up-to-the-minute listings of desirable properties, we think it’s a unique reference point in a turbulent yet hopefully resilient property market.”
Best Places To Live in 2026 in Nottinghamshire, in alphabetical orderAttenborough (new entry)
With its cottage-lined cricket pitch that doubles as a village green, winding lanes and wildlife-rich nature reserve, you’d never guess that this sleepy village is on the fringe of one of Britain’s buzziest cities. Quaint, quiet and quintessentially English, Attenborough is a calm place to retreat to after a day in the city.
There’s pedestrian and cycle access to the big, beautiful nature reserve via leafy Church Lane. A lazy lunch hour dog walk, run after work or weekend fun with the kids couldn’t be more convenient. Yet, with terrific transport links, you can be in Nottingham city centre in 11 minutes and at the nearest airport in ten. This is rural village life with a very generous slice of city convenience
Bingham (new entry)
A buzzing farmers’ market, cool cafés and friendly locals — just a few reasons to move to this lovely little market town. Surrounded by lush green countryside close to the Vale of Belvoir but just nine miles from the heart of Nottingham, Bingham is handy for city shopping and nightlife but has all the benefits of small town rural living.
With excellent local schools, affordable housing and a recent injection of youthful, entrepreneurial spirit, Bingham is a great spot for families looking to put down roots.
Bingham’s Market Place -Credit:Muddy Stilettos
Ravenshead (new entry)
Peaceful, with great schools and a strong community, the tranquil village of Ravenshead sits between the bustling city of Nottingham and the historical town of Mansfield. With a quiet, countryside vibe, it’s far from remote but, to make the most of living here you’ll need your own wheels.
Families flock here for the generous properties (often with decent gardens), beautiful countryside and the outdoor spaces. Nearby Newstead Abbey is brilliant for weekend walks and family-friendly events and there are enough shops and eateries on the doorstep that you don’t have to venture far for day-to-day needs.
With an excellent choice of schools, it’s an ideal spot to raise young kids — just expect them to moan that there’s ‘nothing to do’ once they hit their teens.
Ruddington
Want all the benefits of a big city on the doorstep, wrapped up in a vibrant rural village experience? Look no further. Ruddington’s gorgeous village green is the beating heart of the village, hosting vibrant monthly markets and cool community events.
There are rural yomps a-plenty in Rushcliffe Country Park, enough café culture to keep up with the local goss and the bright lights of Nottingham’s cultural offerings are just a few miles away
Southwell
Picture a high street teeming with Muddy Award-winning indies, a glut of great restaurants, fantastic local schools and some fab music festivals, right on your doorstep. Plus for office commuters and urban addicts, it’s only a short drive right to the centre of Nottingham.
Southwell Minster -Credit:Getty
The Park, Nottingham
Built on the old castle deer park, The Park Estate is elegant, leafy and just lovely. With wide streets, flagstone pavements and mature leafy trees, it’s hard to believe you’re just a few minutes’ walk from the bustling city centre. Known for its beautiful Victorian architecture, the houses here are grand with a capital G.
Although, reality check, many are now split into flats or semis. Adding to the dignified Victorian vibe, the streets are still lit by quaint gas street lamps (residents pay a ‘Park rate’ on top of council tax for this that also funds the upkeep of the roads and green spaces).
Unusually for a city space, there’s a real sense of community with the residents’ association hosting monthly Sunday socials and there’s a thriving tennis club with beautiful courts. It’s a relaxing, refined and oh so green. And breathe.
West Bridgford
This leafy ‘burb is only three miles away from the city, making it an excellent commuter town on foot or via brilliant transport links. Edwardian homes with gardens, all the mod cons of city life and a good schools make it a hit with families, plus there’s an excellent foodie and shop offering all ready to enjoy.
West Bridgford is very much the home of sports. On your doorstep, there’s Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, Notts County and Nottingham Forest football grounds, and the National Watersports Centre in nearby Holme Pierrepont.
Wollaton
Dominated by the home of Batman and its glorious surrounding deer park, there’s everything you could need with the added benefit of top-notch transport links.
And if you don’t fancy nipping to the city, settle in for a cosy one at some of Wollaton’s quaint pubs and cute restaurants.