places to visit in nottinghamshire with a dog

The 28 best pet-friendly places and activities in Nottingham

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1 Bread & Bitter

2 The Frame Breakers

3 Robin Hood (AND) Little John

4 the white lion, 5 crafty crow, 6 meadow covert, 7 doctor's orders, 8 wollaton pub & kitchen, 9 ye olde trip to jerusalem, 10 rushcliffe country park, 11 malt cross, 12 the grosvenor, 13 the angel microbrewery, 14 the lincolnshire poacher, 15 the vat & fiddle, 16 prickly pear, 17 bestwood country park, 19 colwick country park, 20 the organ grinder, 21 gedling country park, 22 poppy & pint, 23 portello lounge, 24 tuckwell & co, 25 the old volunteer, 26 the boat inn, 27 robin hood inn, 28 wired on wheels, top searches in nottingham, popular road trips from nottingham, what's the weather like in nottingham.

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA on what the weather is like in Nottingham for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

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Home ❯ Discover ❯ Five of our favourite dog-friendly walks in Nottinghamshire

Five of our favourite dog-friendly walks in Nottinghamshire

Finding the best places in the countryside to take your dog(s) isn’t always straight-forward, so we’ve lined up five country parks in the county that you and your pooch will love!

1. Bestwood Country Park

A gem on the outskirts of Nottingham, near Bestwood Village.  Woods that used to form part of Sherwood Forest, wildflower meadows, and a lake, so there’s much to explore!  Very popular with dog walkers.  Although there are a few onsite facilities ( http://www.fbcp.org.uk ) there is plenty of space where you can just take your own time to walk.

2. Burntstump Country Park

A lovely wood with lots of features. Popular with dog walkers and families.  There is easy access and a nice combination of wooded and open grassy areas. Lovely for a stroll. All conveniently close to the Burntstump public house, orr start a walk from the main car park next to the Sherwood Lodge Police Headquarters.

3. Colwick Country Park

The main entrance to the park is off Mile End Road, Colwick.  The park has two lakes: Main Lake covers 65 acres and West Lake covers 24 acres.  A rich diversity of wildlife including butterflies, dragonflies and a large number of migratory birds including the nationally important population of wildfowl that are present during the winter.

4. Gedling Country Park

580 acres of open space, footpaths and wildlife, with stunning views over the surrounding areas and plenty of space to enjoy the outdoors for exercise and activities and to experience nature and wilderness on your doorstep.  There’s also a café with a new outdoor, decked, seating area at the front where your canine companions are welcome.

5. Rushcliffe Country Park

210 acres located on Mere Way just south of Ruddington.  Dog walkers are welcome, if they’re kept under control.  There’s a  ‘dogs on leads’ zone but plenty of other spaces to exercise Rover.  There is even a Dog Agility Area with a trail is in a fenced and gated area featuring obstacles and activities to entertain your dog.

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Luxury Dog Friendly Cottages in Nottinghamshire

Ever been on a walk or two through Sherwood Forest? The best dog friendly cottages in Nottinghamshire are more accessible and affordable than ever before. Not only is the county famous for the city that gives it its name, it’s also home to some seriously big cottages! 

We search the best dog friendly cottages in Nottinghamshire

Little Wayside

Nestled in the stunning Vale of Belvoirin Nottinghamshire, this quaint cottage is the perfect romantic hideaway. With a super king-size bedroom, shower room and bright and airy open plan living, this premium property won’t disappoint. Your canine companion is also welcome and there are dozens of scenic dog walks to enjoy together nearby.

The Dovecote

Surrounded by wildlife, two national parks and scenic walks, this characterful Nottinghamshire cottage, decorated in neutral tones throughout, is the perfect hideaway for couples. The open plan kitchen living area is stylish and airy; there’s a lavish double bedroom, modern ensuite shower room and a small seating area outside to enjoy a sundowner.

The Hideaway

Tucked away in the lush Nottinghamshire countryside, this charming little cottage is ideal for a romantic break. There’s a Yoga studio on-site and a host of calming holistic treatments on offer. The well laid out studio has a boutique hotel feel and the local pub serving delicious food is just a stone’s throw away.

Corn Bunting

A delightful ground-floor property based on a working farm with one king size bedroom and one bathroom. There is a shared games barn for guests to enjoy, a private enclosed garden and a BBQ. Explore the 927 acres of Idle Valley Nature Reserve on your doorstep.

The Secret Escape

This large luxury accommodation has 14 bedrooms and 14 bathrooms. Perfect for a group, facilities include a games room, a music cellar and multiple private hot tubs. You are spoilt for choice with the woodland walks and cycling routes on your doorstep.

The Anchorage

A beautiful lakeside holiday home with four bedrooms and two bathrooms, it’s ideal for a group. Fishing is available, there is a jacuzzi and the local shop is less than 0.5 miles. Take a stroll along the River Trent or visit the National Civil War Museum 9.1 miles away.

Verne Cottage

A truly romantic cottage tucked away in the countryside with a king size bedroom and one bathroom. There’s a smart TV in the lounge, ample parking and the local pub is within 50 metres. Take a trip to Southwell Racecourse for the day just 3 miles away.

Beauvale Priory

This cosy escape has two bedrooms, one shower room and is located on a working farm. There are farm activities available as well as fishing and lockable bike storage. There are plenty of local walks on your doorstep as well as micropubs and Wollaton Hall is nearby.

Little Hoots Roost

This beautiful single-level accommodation has two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a cosy lounge. There is an enclosed garden, BBQ, hot tub and doggy shower. The Newark Air Museum is just 1.5 miles away and National Civil War Centre is 2.5 miles.

Oak Tree Lodge

This wonderful cabin escape has two bedrooms and two bathrooms. There is a shared grass area, decking with a hot tub and off road parking for two cars. Take a trip to Clumber Park and Rufford with your pets for a memorable day out.

The Windmill

Within the Sherwood District of Nottinghamshire, The Windmill is close to the River Trent and sleeps 8 people. There are 4 bedrooms total, and there’s also space for 2 pets to come and join you. This fantastic holiday cottage is one of the top dog friendly holidays in Nottinghamshire. It also offers Wi-Fi throughout, along with an enclosed garden and all your living / kitchen needs on the ground floor. This really is a holiday retreat with lots of character! 

Grooms Cottage

Grooms Cottage is a lovely holiday nook that offers space for 1 dog as well as 3 roomy bedroom spaces. You’ll also find that there are 2 bathrooms and there’s space to sleep 5 guests, total. This rural nook also offers an open fire, Wi-Fi, a TV in the main lounge, and the backdrop of a working farm location.

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About holidays in nottinghamshire with dogs.

Nottinghamshire  is known for its forests and beautiful landscape. This is the perfect destination to take your dog along on holiday. They can join you on walks, hikes and even run next to you during a cycle ride. Some Nottinghamshire pubs and restaurants allow well-behaved dogs so you can take them with you on trips into town.

Beautiful rural market towns are full of history and are ideal for just walking around doing window shopping and getting to know the friendly locals. This alone is a great way to explore Nottinghamshire.

Take your dog with you. If you are looking for something a bit more exciting then try some  mountain biking  or sky-diving in Nottinghamshire. Release your creative side by doing cookery courses or photographic workshops. The cooking course might be just what you need for preparing a tasty romantic meal. Here are a few attractions in Nottinghamshire that will help you to get excited about your break away. 

Where Is It

Nottinghamshire dog friendly accommodation provide an ideal holiday escape with stunning natural beauty all year round. Couples and families wanting to spend time together will find the East Midlands full of great places to relax or spend days out packed with adventure. This county is known for its quaint villages and the hearty welcome you receive from the residents, as well as being famous for Robin Hood and Sherwood Forest. Outdoor activities include fishing, hiking, and cycling. Your pooch is also welcome.

Cheap Weekend Breaks

Not everyone has the time or money to spend on a long holiday abroad whish is why Nottinghamshire is a great option. You will be happy to know that you can enjoy a stunning weekend break in these Nottinghamshire dog friendly cottages. It is just one of those destinations that you can visit on a shoestring budget without having to sacrifice quality. There are several accommodation options to suit any budget.

1-2 Night Self Catering

If you are wanting a little time away then book a short stay in dog friendly accommodation in Nottinghamshire. There is so much to explore without having to do much traveling. One or two nights will be ideal just to relax or do some fishing or hiking. Don’t forget your dog. There are dog friendly places to stay in Nottinghamshire available even if it’s just for a short stay.

Nottinghamshire offers endless attractions and activities to keep everyone happy – whether it’s a family holiday, romantic weekend or maybe a reunion with a group of your friends.

The holiday cottages in Nottinghamshire for dogs listed here will be great for that romantic weekend. The hiking trails and forest walks in Nottinghamshire will be perfect for your canine companion to stretch their legs.

Nottinghamshire is also home to the most famous forest in the world. You will also be treated to museums and quaint villages. There are beautiful public gardens, stunning stately homes, and family attractions.

Eat out in Michelin starred restaurants or stay home and prepare something yourself.

Whether it’s a holiday or a short break in Nottinghamshire, our guide to the best pet friendly cottages in Nottinghamshire has something for everyone that will leave you with lasting memories.

Why not check out more  Heart of England dog friendly cottages  over on our county page. 

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• Newark-on-Trent

Dog friendly Newark-on-Trent

Looking for things to do in Newark-on-Trent? VisitRevisit have all you need to plan a fun packed day. Search for attractions, activities and events. Adventure awaits for you, your family and friends. Keep a track of the things to do in your itinerary and build a day out in Newark-on-Trent to enjoy and remember. Have a great day out and remember to come back and share your experiences with others.

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Doddington Hall and Gardens

Includes a Farm Shop, Bike Shop, Cafe, Restaurant, Coffee Shop, Home Store, Farrow & Ball, Country Clothing Store, Bauble Barn and more.

Walesby Forest

International Outdoor Adventure Activity Centre set in over 250 acres of forest, with over 30 adventure activities and a range of accommodation.

Hartstholms Country Park

Hartsholme Country Park is an oasis in the city, full of nature and wildlife, it's the perfect spot for a stroll or a picnic.

Lincoln Castle

A place where kings and convicts have walked. A symbol of power and punishment through the ages and home to an original 1215 Magna Carta.

The Dice Cup Board Games cafe

Nottingham's First and Largest Board Games Cafe. Inclusive community where anyone and eveyone can be themselves.

The Arboretum

This Green Flag award winning park is Nottingham's oldest public park and the closest park to the city centre.

Clumber Park

Clumber Park is a historic country park located near Worksop, Nottinghamshire.

Bransby Horses

Bransby Horses is a great day out for all the family. Come and meet our four-legged rescue animals all year round! | Free entry and parking | Dog-friendly.

An award winning park in Nottinghamshire.

Idle Valley Nature Reserve

One of the largest sites for nature conservation in the East Midlands.

Rushcliffe Country Park

Set in the beautiful countryside about half a mile south of Ruddington, Rushcliffe Country Park is an ideal place to get away from it all.

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10 Best Places to Holiday in the UK With Your Dog

• By K9 Magazine
• March 28, 2018
• In Dog Travel , Editor's Pick

As Summer rolls in and plans for days out and short breaks begin to take shape, we started to think about some of the amazing places on our doorsteps to visit. We really are very lucky here in the UK, aren’t we?

So, whether you’re looking for a city break or to escape to the country, here are 10 places we think you and your dog should explore together.

The scenery alone makes this one of our favourite places in the UK, so it’s no surprise Scotland makes our list twice.

First up we have  The Orkney Islands , which were recently named on the list of best places to live in the UK so if you visit, don’t be surprised if you want to stay.

Nicole Strauss loves both the Orkney and Shetland Islands telling us on Facebook , “There are so many wonderful walks to take!”

And we can’t include Scotland in our list of best places to holiday with your dog in the UK without naming Edinburgh .

Dog owners who love city breaks are sure to love this place. We found some fantastic hotels and luxury apartment rentals that welcome dogs and their owners with open arms.

In the case of the latter, we were reliably told that The Old Town Chambers luxury apartments, set in a medieval close off the world-famous Royal Mile, actively encourage guests to bring their dogs along and even provide essentials, such as dog beds and treats.

The city has a tonne of pubs who welcome well-behaved guests (however many legs they have). But pubs aren't the only places where dogs are allowed - hair salons and clothes shops (including White Stuff and Anthropologie, for example), as well as a selection of art centres also welcome dogs.

And for those who like to explore, Arthur's Seat is a must walk for the city's dog owners too, but it's not the only park dogs are welcomed in. Inverleith Park near the Royal Botanic Gardens is noted for its peaceful atmosphere, and nearby Cammo Estate gets the seal the of approvals from local dog owners.

Greater Manchester

The best place to live, according to people from Manchester at least, and from the list of pet friendly places we’ve found that welcome dogs you might find it hard to disagree.

So, if you’re looking for a city break with your dog here’s what we think you should know about visiting Manchester.

The city’s biggest park, Heaton Park, has regular events and Platt Fields Park is another that local dog owners love. The one we find most intriguing is Clifton County Park which has 120 acres, so it's recommended you download a map before visiting.

Whether you holiday in the city’s centre or outskirts, when you’re all walked out we found plenty of places to eat and drink that welcome dogs.

Our favourite on the outskirts in Chorlton is The Horse & Jockey , well and truly dog friendly for dogs of all shapes and sizes. In the city, we like Albert Schloss however small dogs are only welcome before 7pm (so no late nights).

Norfolk & Suffolk

Bordering Lincolnshire, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire, Norfolk is one of those places that is a bit of a gem. Packed full of history and rivers, the Norfolk Broads make a great getaway for dog owners looking for a river or coastal town short break.

East Ruston , a village near Norwich has some great dog friendly holiday cottages, Astrid Want tells us.

Dawn Rutter told us on Facebook why she highly recommends Wells-next-the-Sea , “They let dogs in the shops and pubs there. They also have a great beach café where they have a dog wash which is free of charge.”

And if you’re visiting Norfolk, consider crossing the border into Suffolk to take a trip to Lavenham .

After a recent visit with her Pug, Ming Ming, Hollyoaks actress Sarah Jayne Dunn told us it's a place she thinks people should definitely visit.

This Medieval village is incredibly pretty and well preserved with Tudor buildings all around. It's also home to one of the most dog friendly pubs we've visited .

Article continues below >>

North Wales

Last month we shared some of the high points of travel writer Paul Wojnicki’s visit with his family and their dog, Falco, to Snowdonia ,  which has something for everyone.

But beyond the wonders of Snowdonia, Loreto Urbina M tells us that her dog loves a village called Penmachno , which is in Conwy, North Wales, saying, “There are plenty of walks around there and dog friendly pubs. My dog loves it every time we go.”

Nottinghamshire

Recharge your batteries in the heart of Sherwood Forest .

Newstead Abbey is at the heart of one of the county's villages, Ravenshead. Once owned by Lord Byron who loved his dog, Boatswain so much that he erected a statue in the grounds to him when he passed away. Newstead Abbey is also home to a local dog rescue's annual fundraising event, known as Glastonjerry .

Creswell Crags (also dog friendly) is a few miles away from Sherwood Forest and has a history dating back to the last Ice Age between 50,000 and 10,000 years ago. An easy walk for all ages, it’s a seriously impressive place that’s eerily quiet!

Across Dorset, dog owners will find plenty of countryside walks and trails to enjoy.

Home of The Jurassic Coast and an area of outstanding natural beauty, Dorset is also home to one of the UK's most dog friendly beaches without restrictions - the Durdle Door.

Set in the Lulworth Estate, which welcomes dog owners to stay in their luxury dog friendly cottages. Lulworth Cove, pictured above, is particularly recommended for an easier, less steep walk and a favourite for dog owners to explore.

K9 Magazine

K9 Magazine is your digital destination helping you have a happier, healthier dog. Here you'll find advice on everything from dog training to dog diet advice as well as interviews with well known dog lovers and insightful features on the broadest range of canine lifestyle topics.

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Retiree horrified after police issue warning over fallen leaves

• Lorraine Perro, 66, was visited by officers from Nottinghamshire Police 
• She was left so intimidated by the warning she erected netting to catch leaves

A retired teacher was threatened with criminal action after fallen leaves were allegedly blown onto her neighbour's drive.

Lorraine Perro, 66, was visited by officers from Nottinghamshire Police who said her garden waste constituted antisocial behaviour and handed her a Community Protection Warning.

Ms Perro was left so intimidated by the warning she erected netting on her property to catch any fallen leaves and bark.

She claimed the source of the waste is fallen leaves from trees on nearby parkland that she doesn't own.

Ms Perro accused Nottinghamshire Police of overstepping their powers, adding it had infringed on her liberties.

She said: 'I have no convictions and this has caused me major distress.

'We have a park area where the trees blow on to my drive and my neighbours' drives. But I'm told by the police that I am responsible.

'I asked why the police didn't give warnings to the squirrels and birds as well – the wind blows the leaves around.

'I have had to put a net up to prevent leaves being blown about. I feel terribly intimidated by this.

'My rights and freedoms are affected, as it ignores my right to have my garden the was that I want it.

'You are treated as a culprit, as if you have done something wrong and not given a chance to respond or defend yourself.

'I am sure the public would like to see a better use of police time and resources in preventing serious crime.'

While Ms Perro was told the CPW referred principally to garden bark, police confirmed action could be taken 'whether it be leaves, bark [or] stones, which could have reasonably been avoided'.

The warning letter given to Ms Perro also accused her of 'inconsiderate parking', which caused her neighbour difficulty.

And it accused her of 'the allowing of garden materials from your garden to go on to your neighbour's drive'.

Nottinghamshire Police have denied fallen leaves could be covered by the warning.

Ms Perro's experience is just one highlighted in a report by civil liberties group the Manifesto Club, who have highlighted police misuse of anti-social behaviour powers.

Other incidents included a hotel owner issued with a CPW over a false accusation of dog fouling and a pensioner banned from feeding a stray cat in his garden.

And Nottinghamshire Police were found to have attempted to criminalise people letting off fireworks and people leaving their belongings unattended.

The report has warned officers are being set 'on a dangerous course of 'fast and loose' policing'.

It revealed many police forces in England and Wales don't record the Community Protection Notices they had out.

And it warned new provisions in the Home Office's Criminal Justice Bill could see child as young as 10 issued CPNs and on-the-spot fines increased to £500.

Josie Appleton, the report's author, said: 'The government is foolhardy to charge ahead with the Criminal Justice Bill when officials have so little idea how current powers are being used.

'The Manifesto Club receives unjust cases every week, which suggests that misuse is widespread.

'The main result of increasingly slack powers with even heavier penalties will be more injustices.

'These powers are taking the police into areas they have no business, such as the feeding of stray cats and leaves falling on drives, which is wasting their time and leading to misery for innocent members of the public.'

A Nottinghamshire Police spokesman said: 'Nottinghamshire Police use community protection warning notices when someone has failed continuously to change their behaviour which is causing problems for their neighbours and their communities.

'This is a long-standing dispute between two people over a number of years, which includes a multitude of allegations, where police have been called.

'A community protection warning has been issued to the two people involved. Fallen leaves or leaves blowing onto drives is not the reason why this community warning notice has been issued. It is vitally important that our resources are directed to those who need them and that we concentrate on serious crimes blighting our communities.

'Community protection warning notices are therefore designed to ensure that behaviour does not escalate and in this case was a last resort.

'We work closely with Rushcliffe Borough Council around our parks and playgrounds to ensure they are safe places for the community to enjoy. This includes tackling street drinking, drugs which can include discarded needles, and the dumping of rubbish.'

A Home Office spokesperson said: 'We know the serious impact that anti-social behaviour can have on both individuals and the wider community. Everyone has the right to feel safe where they live, which is why the Criminal Justice Bill includes measures to strengthen the powers of the police, local authorities, and other partners to tackle anti-social behaviour. This includes extending the use of Public Spaces Protection Orders for police.

'The legislation contains clear safeguards and legal tests to ensure the fair and proportionate use of these measures. Last year, we published updated statutory guidance to support local areas to make effective use of these powers.'

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What B.C. travellers need to know about new rules for bringing dogs into the U.S.

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Canadians with dogs who travel to the U.S. will need to make a new digital pal: the  DogBot .

The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has created new regulations for all dogs arriving in the U.S., including Canadian canines (except wild wolves, who famously ignore borders and all human laws). 

For those learning the new regulations, a DogBot is a digital tool to help guide people to the right forms.

"If you don’t follow CDC’s rules, your dog won’t be allowed to enter the United States," states the CDC's website. "If denied entry, your dog will be sent back to the last country of departure at your expense."

Though the term the CDC uses is "import," the new rules apply to anyone: i.e. going to Bellingham for gas and groceries, flying to Hawaii for a destination wedding with the family pooch in tow, or moving to the U.S. with a dog.

The rules apply to all dogs, "including puppies, service animals, and dogs that left the United States and are returning."

What are the new rules for bringing a dog into the U.S.?

Prior to the rule change, to bring a pet or service dog into the U.S. a simple statement about the dog's travel past was needed to determine eligibility for entrance, to make sure it hadn't been to a country deemed to have a high risk of dog rabies . The rules were not necessarily enforced by border agents, and dog owners may have made many trips without being asked to show paperwork. 

Canada is considered free of canine rabies by the CDC.

The new rules have several requirements. One is the dog's age; it must be six months or older.

The dog also must have an International Organization for Standardization (ISO)-compatible microchip implanted in it, and documented.

A free form called a CDC Dog Import Form will need to be filled out; they won't be available until July 15 . Once it is available it should be filled out two to 10 days before arriving in the U.S. (though it could be done at the border crossing). The form requires a clear and recent photo of the dog showing its face and body.

Once the form is sent in, a receipt will be sent back. The receipt needs to be printed out and kept with whomever is travelling with the dog.

For dogs arriving from Canada that haven't been to a high-risk country, a few things are needed . Dog owners will also need one of the following forms  for each animal, which will likely require a trip to a veterinarian and are only valid for 30 days:

• Certification of Foreign Rabies Vaccination and Microchip  form
• Certification of U.S.-issued Rabies Vaccination  form
• Valid USDA export certificate
• Certification of Dog Arriving from DMRVV-free or Low-Risk Country  form
• A "foreign export certificate" from a country that shows the dog is at least six months old, has an ISO microchip, has been certified by a veterinarian and medical records.

When arriving at the border the dog must be visibly healthy; dogs carrying a disease contagious to humans will be turned back.

On the CDC's website a simple digital tool called "DogBot " is there to help people figure out exactly what is needed for their dog. There's also a checklist  Canadian travellers to the U.S. can use to prepare for a border crossing.

Coming to Canada with a dog

Currently, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, which deals with people travelling with pets, says it's reviewing the new regulations from the CDC.

Right now, people bringing dogs into Canada need a valid rabies certificate  (for the dog).

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The huge solar storm is keeping power grid and satellite operators on edge

Geoff Brumfiel

Willem Marx

NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory captured this image of solar flares early Saturday afternoon. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says there have been measurable effects and impacts from the geomagnetic storm. Solar Dynamics Observatory hide caption

NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory captured this image of solar flares early Saturday afternoon. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says there have been measurable effects and impacts from the geomagnetic storm.

Planet Earth is getting rocked by the biggest solar storm in decades – and the potential effects have those people in charge of power grids, communications systems and satellites on edge.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says there have been measurable effects and impacts from the geomagnetic storm that has been visible as aurora across vast swathes of the Northern Hemisphere. So far though, NOAA has seen no reports of major damage.

The Picture Show

Photos: see the northern lights from rare, solar storm.

There has been some degradation and loss to communication systems that rely on high-frequency radio waves, NOAA told NPR, as well as some preliminary indications of irregularities in power systems.

"Simply put, the power grid operators have been busy since yesterday working to keep proper, regulated current flowing without disruption," said Shawn Dahl, service coordinator for the Boulder, Co.-based Space Weather Prediction Center at NOAA.

NOAA Issues First Severe Geomagnetic Storm Watch Since 2005

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"Satellite operators are also busy monitoring spacecraft health due to the S1-S2 storm taking place along with the severe-extreme geomagnetic storm that continues even now," Dahl added, saying some GPS systems have struggled to lock locations and offered incorrect positions.

NOAA's GOES-16 satellite captured a flare erupting occurred around 2 p.m. EDT on May 9, 2024.

As NOAA had warned late Friday, the Earth has been experiencing a G5, or "Extreme," geomagnetic storm . It's the first G5 storm to hit the planet since 2003, when a similar event temporarily knocked out power in part of Sweden and damaged electrical transformers in South Africa.

The NOAA center predicted that this current storm could induce auroras visible as far south as Northern California and Alabama.

Extreme (G5) geomagnetic conditions have been observed! pic.twitter.com/qLsC8GbWus — NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center (@NWSSWPC) May 10, 2024

Around the world on social media, posters put up photos of bright auroras visible in Russia , Scandinavia , the United Kingdom and continental Europe . Some reported seeing the aurora as far south as Mallorca, Spain .

The source of the solar storm is a cluster of sunspots on the sun's surface that is 17 times the diameter of the Earth. The spots are filled with tangled magnetic fields that can act as slingshots, throwing huge quantities of charged particles towards our planet. These events, known as coronal mass ejections, become more common during the peak of the Sun's 11-year solar cycle.

A powerful solar storm is bringing northern lights to unusual places

Usually, they miss the Earth, but this time, NOAA says several have headed directly toward our planet, and the agency predicted that several waves of flares will continue to slam into the Earth over the next few days.

While the storm has proven to be large, predicting the effects from such incidents can be difficult, Dahl said.

Shocking problems

The most disruptive solar storm ever recorded came in 1859. Known as the "Carrington Event," it generated shimmering auroras that were visible as far south as Mexico and Hawaii. It also fried telegraph systems throughout Europe and North America.

Stronger activity on the sun could bring more displays of the northern lights in 2024

While this geomagnetic storm will not be as strong, the world has grown more reliant on electronics and electrical systems. Depending on the orientation of the storm's magnetic field, it could induce unexpected electrical currents in long-distance power lines — those currents could cause safety systems to flip, triggering temporary power outages in some areas.

my cat just experienced the aurora borealis, one of the world's most radiant natural phenomena... and she doesn't care pic.twitter.com/Ee74FpWHFm — PJ (@kickthepj) May 10, 2024

The storm is also likely to disrupt the ionosphere, a section of Earth's atmosphere filled with charged particles. Some long-distance radio transmissions use the ionosphere to "bounce" signals around the globe, and those signals will likely be disrupted. The particles may also refract and otherwise scramble signals from the global positioning system, according to Rob Steenburgh, a space scientist with NOAA. Those effects can linger for a few days after the storm.

Like Dahl, Steenburgh said it's unclear just how bad the disruptions will be. While we are more dependent than ever on GPS, there are also more satellites in orbit. Moreover, the anomalies from the storm are constantly shifting through the ionosphere like ripples in a pool. "Outages, with any luck, should not be prolonged," Steenburgh said.

What Causes The Northern Lights? Scientists Finally Know For Sure

The radiation from the storm could have other undesirable effects. At high altitudes, it could damage satellites, while at low altitudes, it's likely to increase atmospheric drag, causing some satellites to sink toward the Earth.

The changes to orbits wreak havoc, warns Tuija Pulkkinen, chair of the department of climate and space sciences at the University of Michigan. Since the last solar maximum, companies such as SpaceX have launched thousands of satellites into low Earth orbit. Those satellites will now see their orbits unexpectedly changed.

"There's a lot of companies that haven't seen these kind of space weather effects before," she says.

The International Space Station lies within Earth's magnetosphere, so its astronauts should be mostly protected, Steenburgh says.

In a statement, NASA said that astronauts would not take additional measures to protect themselves. "NASA completed a thorough analysis of recent space weather activity and determined it posed no risk to the crew aboard the International Space Station and no additional precautionary measures are needed," the agency said late Friday.

People visit St Mary's lighthouse in Whitley Bay to see the aurora borealis on Friday in Whitley Bay, England. Ian Forsyth/Getty Images hide caption

People visit St Mary's lighthouse in Whitley Bay to see the aurora borealis on Friday in Whitley Bay, England.

While this storm will undoubtedly keep satellite operators and utilities busy over the next few days, individuals don't really need to do much to get ready.

"As far as what the general public should be doing, hopefully they're not having to do anything," Dahl said. "Weather permitting, they may be visible again tonight." He advised that the largest problem could be a brief blackout, so keeping some flashlights and a radio handy might prove helpful.

I took these photos near Ranfurly in Central Otago, New Zealand. Anyone can use them please spread far and wide. :-) https://t.co/NUWpLiqY2S — Dr Andrew Dickson reform/ACC (@AndrewDickson13) May 10, 2024

And don't forget to go outside and look up, adds Steenburgh. This event's aurora is visible much further south than usual.

A faint aurora can be detected by a modern cell phone camera, he adds, so even if you can't see it with your eyes, try taking a photo of the sky.

The aurora "is really the gift from space weather," he says.

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You are here > Plan A Visit > Pet Friendly > Pet Friendly Pubs & Cafes

Pet Friendly Places to Eat and Drink

On the lookout for the best places in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire to eat and drink, where both you and your pooch will be able to catch your breath and refuel? Many of our local pubs and cafes will gladly welcome you and your loyal companion to make sure you won’t be going anywhere on an empty stomach!

We’ve put together a list, revealing all the best dog-friendly places to eat in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, to make sure both you and your pet can put up your paws before you continue on your way to peruse the city!

FOOD & DRINK HIGHLIGHTS

• 2 Cosy Club
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Number of results: 22

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The Organ Grinder - Nottingham

The Organ Grinder is Blue Monkey's pub in Canning Circus (just off Derby Road) in Nottingham.

Cricketer's Rest

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

The Cricketers Rest, poised idyllically at the top a hill in Kimberly, is a warm and welcoming pub at the centre of its community. Looking the part amongst the cottages of the town, the Cricks is a traditional pub streaked with intriguing…

Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem

Situated at the foot of Nottingham Castle and nestled in the sandstone cliff rock, Ye Olde Trip To Jerusalem is England's oldest inn and a landmark of Nottingham history.

The Organ Grinder - Newark

The Organ Grinder is a very traditional pub, it has won both the CAMRA Pub of the year and CAMRA Cider Pub of the year the last few years after reopening after the COVID restrictions.

The Station Hotel

Lincoln Green breathed new life into the building back in 2017, creating a showcase of cask ales and developing a great pub classics menu of freshly prepared dishes including an noteworthy selection of vegan choices.

Stratford Haven

The Stratford Haven is a charming, traditional pub in the thriving suburb of West Bridgford. It is located just a short stroll from Trent Bridge and the City Ground.

Horse and Plough

The Horse and Plough is a charming pub in the market town of Bingham, Nottinghamshire.

Revolución de Cuba

Bringing the soul of Cuba to the heart of Nottingham!

The Wollaton Pub and Kitchen

The Wollaton Pub & Kitchen is a vibrant pub serving quality food and drink to the surrounding community and visitors to nearby Wollaton Hall and Park. Enjoy the combination of traditional, home-style cooking with a cut-above-the-rest dining…

The Embankment was designed by Albert Nelson Bromley, the architect behind some of the most distinctive Boots pharmacy buildings, and opened in 1907 as ‘Boots Store 2.

Fox & Grapes

Situated in the creative epicentre of Nottingham, the Fox & Grapes first opened in the 1830s and has been part of the fabric of the city’s pub scene ever since.

Homemade Pavilion

Homemade is delighted to announce the opening of it's latest venue at The Forest Pavilion.

Lincolnshire Poacher

The Lincolnshire Poacher opened as a Castle Rock pub in the late 1980s, rising from the shell of the Old Grey Nags Head. The Poacher quickly earned a steadfast reputation for quality and choice of cask beer – a distinction it has never lost.

Malt Cross is an Grade-2 listed Victorian Music Hall set at the heart of Nottingham city centre, just off Old Market Square.

Willowbrook

The Willowbrook is a community pub in the suburb of Gedling.

Vat and Fiddle

The Vat and Fiddle is Castle Rock Brewery’s beloved brewery tap.

Mulberry Tree Cafe

Strelley Village, Nottingham

Mulberry Tree Cafe in the Stables area at Strelley Hall, Nottingham is situated in beautiful countryside, perfect for walks.

Poppy and Pint

The Poppy and Pint is a large community pub nestled in the leafy suburb of Lady Bay.

Bread and Bitter

The Bread & Bitter was officially opened by Barrie Judge on December 5th 2007. Back in 1991, Mr Judge shut his bakery on the same site. Now fully restored sixteen years later as a pub, his bakery ovens remain built into the wall in the central area…

The Organ Grinder - Loughborough

Loughborough

The Organ Grinder is an award-winning Blue Monkey pub, serving award-winning real ales. 

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Searching for the northern lights — but finding dog sleds, reindeer and cod

My travels to every continent but australia were not driven totally by my efforts to see the incredible light show. but for years, i had quietly chased the northern lights, it’s at the top of my bucket list — still..

Fresh from a January 2024 dog sled ride in Tromso, Norway, in sub-zero weather are (from left) Michael Sneed and travel buddies, Leslie and Maron Hindman.

Lights out!

It was another missed “cosmic” occurrence.

Once again, it was not to be, another in a lifetime of broken dates with the elusive northern lights, the rare geomagnetic storm of spectacular color also called the aurora borealis.

Breathtaking. Stunning. Shimmering above this giant of a city in translucent green and purple when it lit up the Chicago sky a week ago.

But not for me — again.

My travels to every continent but Australia (does Antarctica’s Polar Front count?) were not driven totally by my efforts to see the incredible light show.

But for years, I had quietly chased this “hound of heaven” as poet Francis Thompson wrote in 1890: ”down the nights; and down the days; down the arches of the years; down the labyrinthine ways of my own mind.”

Of course, Thompson was chasing God. I was chasing the top item on my bucket list.

So let’s back up.

This past January, I got a call. “Pack your bags,” chirped Leslie Hindman , the auction legend who is a treasured friend.

“Let’s go to Tromso, Norway, and see the northern lights,” said she, who has a passport thicker than a two-decker hamburger.

“I’ve just got to see them,” she said. “You want to see them!

“They are tricky, and who knows if we’ll ever see them in our lifetime. I’m going anyway. I missed them on the last two trips to Iceland and more before. C’mon. Let’s go!”

Soup of the day is ... reindeer?

Let’s be clear. The sky is not always clear in Tromso, Norway, which is known as the Arctic capital, an aurora sweet spot.

It is also freezing in this pristine village where the sun never sets above the Arctic Circle, where meat on the menu is primarily reindeer, and “COD is GOD!”

So I signed on, joining Leslie and her beloved sister-in-law, Maron Hindman , on a trip where it was snowing upon landing, dark upon arriving, freezing checking in and even colder checking out. And in between? Try dining next to the arctic blast of an open restaurant door when the pizza oven overheats.

Tromso, Norway

Michael Sneed/Chicago Sun-Times

What do you do during the day, while waiting for nightfall and a possible peek at the northern lights?

We three went dog-sledding, stuffed in triple-layer, below-freezing duds, looking like three plump Michelin tires before our late night skywatch. Natch.

And that night? We got skunked.

Clouds had rolled in. Our Arctic “sky voyage” via a boat on the Barents Sea was ditched.

So Leslie rolled out a last-ditch effort to find a clear night sky — hiring a guide armed with special aurora borealis “apps” — and took us on a come-hell-or-high-water car chase to find the elusive night lights.

“Leslie doesn’t give up,” chirped Maron.

Three hours later, hit by a sudden blizzard that swamped our driver’s filthy windshield, we were stuck on a hill going up while our hopes were going down. Our driver used his instinctive skills to go blindly downhill “backing up” into a main road! Lordy!

And did I add we lost the tour guide for 20 minutes when he left the car to patrol the sky (and ostensibly to answer another of nature’s calls), while the snowstorm was working its way into a blizzard?

Thus, we called it a day that night around 2 a.m. in desperate need of a survival martini. Then it was bye-bye to the village that following afternoon.

No place like home?

And go figure ...

Four months later, a TV alert signaled the Chicago sky was about to light up via a solar storm. I put my throttle in gear for what became a useless three-hour late-night drive around the North Shore , stopping at intervals to study the sky. Still hopeful, I set my alarm for another attempt after 3 a.m. the following morning, but wound up surrendering to sleep and shutting off the alarm — moments before a phosphorescent sky erupted across the Chicago area.

But luckily for JoAnn Seagren, she didn’t turn her alarm off. The close Chicago friend of Leslie Hindman did rise in the wee hours and headed to Lincoln Park, where she sat alone on a bench in the darkness, waiting in hopes of a celestial storm.

There, near the corner of Astor Street and North Avenue, sometime between 3:15 and 3:45 a.m., Seagren snapped it all up.

“It was a quiet and solitary experience to feel all at once connected to the whole of the universe … nothing expected like that in the heart of Chicago … and then, it suddenly happened,” said Seagren. “Falling, falling in the sky … green and then purple.”

The northern lights as seen from Astor Street and North Avenue earlier this month.

Courtesy of JoAnn Seagren

Heck, Seagren’s bravery in sitting in a Chicago park alone at night these days is enough of a tale to tell.

Like me, Leslie Hindman also missed Chicago’s sky dance. Next sky stop: Fairbanks, Alaska. Maron Hindman will no doubt join her in the fun.

And Sneed will no doubt continue to howl at the moon. 



Sneedlings…

Saturday birthdays : Country singer George Strait, 72; actress Tina Fey, 54. … Sunday birthdays: rock star Pete Townshend , 79; British actor James Fox, 85; actress Grace Jones, 76; singer Sam Smith, 32.

• International

The latest on the massive solar storm

By Angela Fritz, Elise Hammond and Chris Lau, CNN

Incredible lighthouse picture from Maine

From CNN's Chris Lau

Among a flurry of surreal images capturing the dazzling auroras is one taken by Benjamin Williamson of a lighthouse in Portland, Maine.

"It's one of the most incredible things I've ever seen, the awe and wonder," Williamson told CNN.

He said he used a long-exposure technique to snap the shot, but did not edit it.

Watch the full interview with Williamson here .

Things could be about to ramp up

If you still haven't seen the aurora, hold on for another 30 minutes to an hour, according to CNN meteorologist Chad Myers.

The next wave of coronal mass ejections, or CMEs, which cause the aurora, is about to arrive, he said.

"Just wait a minute because things are going to start to ramp up here," he said, adding that the increase could arrive "anytime now." "When it comes, get outside, get ready, put your coat on."

For those who are too busy to witness the phenomenon tonight, Myers said the aurora is expected to last three nights.

Why does the aurora last for a weekend?

By CNN's Chris Lau

Generally, it takes just eight minutes for light to travel 93 million miles to the Earth from the sun, but astrophysicist Janna Levin said the energized particles causing the current wave of aurora travel a lot slower, causing the phenomenon to last for the weekend.

"Some of these mass ejections are trillions of kilograms," she said. "They're slower. So they're taking longer, but still hours, maybe tens of hours."

Here's how the solar storm looks in the South and on the East Coast

The aurora was visible across the East Coast and in the South Friday.

Here's how it looked in Chester, South Carolina.

Down in Florida, waves of color swam through the sky.

Up north in New Jersey, a purple-ish haze could be seen in the sky.

Will solar storms get more intense and risky in the future?

The answer is probably not in the short term, according to astrophysicist Hakeem Oluseyi.

He said scientists study what is constantly happening on the surface of the sun and have found a pattern.

“Geological data shows us that in the past the sun was way more active than it is today. It has cycles where it goes very quiet ... and you have events that show that the solar activity was much, much greater,” he told CNN. “So there's no evidence that we're going to see those big maxima this cycle." 

But the astrophysicist also spoke of a caveat - the limitations of modern science.

“Even though it's predictable in the short term, we still don't quite understand what creates the magnetic fields in the sun,” he said, adding: “That's why NASA has so many satellites looking at the sun.”

In Pictures: Auroras light the sky during rare solar storm

From CNN Digital's Photo Team

A series of solar flares and coronal mass ejections from the sun are creating dazzling auroras across the globe .

The rare solar storm may also disrupt communications. The last time a solar storm of this magnitude reached Earth was in October 2003, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Space Weather Prediction Center.

See more photos of the aurora from tonight.

Behind dazzling aurora could lie “real danger,” Bill Nye the Science Guy says

The massive solar storm could present “a real danger,” especially with the modern world relying so much on electricity, according to Bill Nye the Science Guy , a science educator and engineer.

Scientists are warning an increase in solar flares and coronal mass ejections from the sun have the potential to disrupt communication on Earth into the weekend. Solar flares can affect communications and GPS almost immediately because they disrupt Earth’s ionosphere, or part of the upper atmosphere. Energetic particles released by the sun can also disrupt electronics on spacecraft and affect astronauts without proper protection within 20 minutes to several hours.

In comparison to tonight's event, Nye drew comparisons with another incident in 1859, known as the Carrington Event, when telegraph communications were severely affected.

“The other thing, everybody, that is a real danger to our technological society, different from 1859, is how much we depend on electricity and our electronics and so on,” Nye said. "None of us really in the developed world could go very long without electricity."

He noted that there are systems in place to minimize the impact, but “stuff might go wrong,” stressing that not all transformers are equipped to withstand such a solar event.

“It depends on the strength of the event and it depends on how much of our infrastructures are prepared for this the sort of thing,” he said.

Bill Nye breaks down significance of the solar storm | CNN

This post has been updated with more details on solar flares' impact on electronics.

Here's where clouds will block the view of the northern lights in the US

From CNN's Angela Fritz

After an incredibly stormy week, most of the Lower 48 has clear skies to see the northern lights. But there are some areas where clouds and rainy weather are spoiling the view.

A deck of clouds is blocking the sky in the Northeast, from parts of Virginia into Maine, as an area of low pressure spins off the East Coast.

In the Midwest, the aurora will be hard to see through thick clouds in parts of Wisconsin, Michigan — including the Upper Peninsula — and Illinois.

A stripe of clouds is tracking across Texas, including Dallas-Forth Worth, and into Louisiana.

And in the Southwest, patchy clouds across the the Four Corners region could make the northern lights difficult to spot.

Aurora seen at least as far south as Georgia

Barely visible to the naked eye, the aurora can be seen in Atlanta in the 10 p.m. ET hour. 

It is easier to see through photographs using a long exposure. The photos below, taken by CNN's Eric Zerkel and Emily Smith, used 3- and 10-second exposures.

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