An Area Guide to Arnold, Nottingham

Arnold isn’t just a suburb of Nottingham; it’s a fully-fledged market town with its own identity, rooted in industry and surrounded by spectacular green space. Located just four miles to the north-east of the city centre, Arnold perfectly balances convenience with a strong sense of community. With an estimated 38,000 to 39,000 residents, Arnold is one of the most populous and well-established towns in the region.

History and Heritage: From Eagles to Knitters

Arnold’s history is long and fascinating, stretching back over nine centuries.

• The Ancient Name: When the Normans carried out their Great Survey, Arnold was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as “Ernehale.” This Old English name translates roughly to “the place of the eagles” (or possibly herons), a nod to the area’s ancient, wild landscape. This name is still honoured today – in fact, the local wetherspoons is named The Ernehale
  
• The Textile Engine: Arnold’s fortunes were truly forged in the Framework Knitting industry. The town was a major hub for this complex textile trade from the 18th century, with knitters often working out of small workshops attached to their homes. At its height, Arnold had an estimated 1,400 knitting frames in use, making it a critical part of the East Midlands hosiery industry. This economic engine brought both prosperity and hardship, connecting the town directly to the volatile social change of the Luddite Riots in the early 19th century.
  
• A Local Luminary: Arnold is the birthplace of Thomas Hawksley (1807-1893), a monumental figure in civil engineering. Hawksley was a pioneer of modern municipal water supply systems, and his innovations ensured that many industrial cities, including Nottingham, had clean, reliable tapped water.

For more Arnold history, Local Historian Bob Massey is a fountain of knowledge on the subject – regularly holding events for all to join.

Where to Eat and Drink

Arnold’s high street is full of vibrant, independent places to eat and socialise, offering a cosmopolitan choice that goes far beyond typical market town fare.

• Paradise Cafe: The undisputed local favourite for a brilliant start to the day. Famous for its hearty, generous Full English Breakfast, it’s a classic, no-nonsense spot where the service is as warm as the coffee. 

Photo: Paradise Café

• Emilios: A true local institution, Emilios specialise in authentic Greek and Cypriot dishes, served in a welcoming, family-run atmosphere. It’s the perfect spot for souvlaki, moussaka and a proper taste of sunshine.
  
• Himalayan Inn: If you’re looking for refined spice, this establishment offers a delightful mix of traditional Indian and Nepalese flavours. Known for its quality ingredients and sophisticated menu, it’s a popular choice for a special night out
  
• Sprinters: For those seeking comforting British fare, Sprinters is highly rated for its selection of steaks and traditional dishes, with brilliant pricing
  
• Istanbul: Specialises in authentic Turkish cuisine, with a focus on charcoal-grilled meat dishes and fresh ingredients. The restaurant has beautiful decor and a vibrant atmosphere, whilst the menu includes a variety of grilled meat dishes, kebabs, pide, hot and cold mezze and desserts.
  

Photo: Istanbul Restaurant

Luigi’s: Cuisine and reputation: Serves authentic Italian food, including homemade pasta and antipasti. It is well-established and has a reputation for high-quality food, often noted by patrons as a local favourite for both casual meals and special occasions. The restaurant is cosy and welcoming, with a bustling and popular vibe, even on weekday evenings.

A Lively Pub Scene

• The Arrow: A famously lively spot, popular for watching sports and serves as an entertainment hub. Popular with families and getting together for a pint after a game of football at the PlayFootball pitches based in Arnold Hill School, which keeps the atmosphere buzzing throughout the week.
  
• The Eagles Corner: A traditional community pub known for its excellent food menu, welcoming environment, and family-friendly approach. It’s the ideal place to gather with neighbours for a bite and a pint.
  
• Organ Grinder Arnold: A craft beer and real ale haven with a relaxed, warm, and friendly atmosphere. With a large beer garden and board games, it’s a social and laid-back spot. It’s best for sampling a wide range of unique cask ales, a lazy afternoon in the sun, or a quiet drink with a book or board game.

Photo: The Organ Grinder, Arnold

• The Robin Hood and Little John: is a cosy and quiet real ale pub run by the Lincoln Green Brewing Company. It provides a more relaxed alternative to the livelier town center pubs. Enjoying a perfectly poured pint of real ale, attending a weekly quiz or history talk, or relaxing on the sun terrace. It has two distinct bar areas – a lighter front bar and a cosy snug. While dog-friendly, the food menu is limited to snacks like pork pies and cobs.

Parks and Green Spaces

One of Arnold’s greatest draws is its proximity to nature, providing residents with an abundance of well-maintained parks and large country estates.

• Arnot Hill Park: This is the town’s magnificent centrepiece, a Green Flag Award-winning park with beautiful grounds that once belonged to the historic Arnot Hill House (now the Council offices).
  
• Bestwood Country Park: A short drive away, this sprawling former royal deer park offers over 700 acres of meadows, ancient woodland, and walking trails. It’s a huge area for cycling, horse riding, and serious wildlife spotting.
  
• Gedling Country Park: Built on the site of the former Gedling Colliery, this park is a stunning example of industrial reclamation. It offers fantastic high-point panoramic views across Nottinghamshire and is a testament to the region’s commitment to creating beautiful, accessible green spaces.

Education

Outstanding Ofsted Rating

• Pinewood Infant and Nursery School
• The Good Shepherd Catholic Primary School
• Redhill Academy (secondary school)

Good Ofsted Rating

• Arnold Hill Spencer Academy: An academy for ages 11–18. While its sixth form was rated outstanding, the overall school rating is good, following an inspection in June 2025.
• Arnbrook Primary School
• Arnold View Primary School
• Burford Primary and Nursery School: 
• Burntstump Seely CofE Primary Academy
• Christ The King Voluntary Academy (secondary school)
• Coppice Farm Primary School
• Ernehale Junior School
• Killisick Junior School
• Richard Bonington Primary and Nursery School
• Robert Mellors Primary Academy

Property 

Arnold’s housing market is a huge reason for its popularity—it offers affordability and space without sacrificing connection to the city.

Transport Links

Commuting is simple via the highly reliable bus network. Nottingham City Transport offers frequent, direct routes to Nottingham city centre, passing key points like Sherwood and the City Hospital. This makes Arnold a perfectly convenient base for anyone working in the city.

Nottingham City Transport (NCT): 

• Route 25: A frequent service running from Arnold (Front Street) to Nottingham city centre via Mapperley, Carlton Hill, and Carlton Road.
• Route 58: Operates from Killisick (via Arnold Market) to Nottingham city centre along the Mansfield Road corridor, passing through Sherwood.
• Route 59: Connects Killisick (via Arnold Market) to the city centre, also serving the Mansfield Road route.
• Route 79/79A/79B: These services run from Arnold to Nottingham city centre. They pass through Rise Park and Hucknall Road.
• Route 87: Connects Arnold (Front Street) to Nottingham city centre via Mansfield Road, serving Redhill, City Hospital, and Sherwood.
• Route 53B: A bus service connecting Arnold to Clifton, which passes through the Queen’s Medical Centre and Ring Road, offering an alternative route. 

Trentbarton: 

Trentbarton also operates bus services between Arnold and Nottingham, with a route running approximately every 15 minutes during the day

In summary, Arnold is a fantastic option for those seeking a friendly, historic, and well-equipped place to call home, offering that perfect balance between local living and urban access.