Exploring England: Loughborough & Nottingham

This post is a little late because it has been crazy since September started. Work has been getting much busier due to the start of a new exciting term at University. If I hadn’t taken a year out for my placement, I would be in my final year. Seeing all the new students over the past week has got me excited in my final year (next year) It also made me realise how ridiculously quick University really is, I still remember laughing and crying when I got my unconditional offer 3 years ago!

*gets emotional*

Anyway, today I decided to share my short (but sweet) weekend away from my little hometown of Sheffield. Although it’s not a typical weekend destination for most (to Loughborough and Nottingham), I always enjoy exploring and comparing places with my hometown.

I’m also smashing my New Years goal of travelling around England ??, check out where I’ve been via the hashtag #pawleanexploresengland on Instagram!

One of the best things I love about exploring new cities in England is the calming ride there – usually by train, it’s always “me” time.

Below are some photos I took as I was strolling around:

Unfortunately, the weather wasn’t great. I got caught up in the horrible rain, and whilst walking around cars splashed water on me multiple times. Has this ever happened to you?  I used to think, that it NEVER happens because it only happens in movies. Clearly not!

I was soaked by the end of the day, having Nandos and arriving at such a beautiful hotel (Roomzzz – 100% recommend!) in Nottingham made up for it. Food will always make me less grumpy, that’s for sure!

Nottingham had better weather and although I didn’t get to see much, I did get a feeling of “I need to come back here as soon as possible!” because there were so many attractions I missed like the well-known Sherwood Forest.

Lunch destination was Turtle Bay and it was indeed the best Caribbean Resturant and Bar in the UK. I had taken photos of the food but my phone recently required a reset so I’ve lost them. Take it from me, though – large portions (to the point I couldn’t finish it!) and a welcoming atmosphere.

After strolling around the main city centre (I think, I have to admit I was lost a few times) it was time to chill out and relax with none other than my favourite tea – green and lots of it at the 200 degrees coffee shop which again, was a great choice, I can imagine going there often if I lived in Nottingham.

If you live in the UK, have you ever been to Nottingham? Where are some places you’d recommend?

Have you ever been splashed by water from cars driving past? (Multiple times at once?)