--- title: Looking for the light date: 2024-01-01T00:00:00+00:00 author: "rhys@weareabstrakt.com" canonical_url: "https://www.itsinnottingham.com/news/looking-for-the-light-in-january" section: News --- [IIN News](/news/) / [Promoted City](https://www.itsinnottingham.com/news/categories/promoted-city) # Looking for the light ![3aa8c46b6d0c9981b089832442612f37d8065afe 1920x1080 q75fitclipautoformat](/uploads/generic/_1225x690_crop_center-center_none/1044/3aa8c46b6d0c9981b089832442612f37d8065afe-1920x1080-q75fitclipautoformat.jpg) A city is just a city unless it’s your city – and then it’s home. **Posted:** Jan 2024 --- Nottingham’s Old Market Square sparkled spectacularly this Christmas. Deep in the glowing heart of the German-style market, visitors immersed themselves in the traditions and magic of the season. In contrast to the glittery frivolity of December, January can feel like the party-off switch that everyone hoped no one would find. So where do we look for the twinkle now that the last string of festive lights has been unplugged and the spring feels so far away? Well, we suggest going for a bracing mid-winter walk and *shine a light* on the unique features of this city, and let’s travel light too! Nottingham has great [transportation links](/news/getting-about-in-nottingham/) and boasts nine accessible Park & Ride sites across the network. Sainsbury’s customers will also be aware that they can take advantage of three hours’ free parking at the Castle Marina store, which gives you plenty of time for a wander along the canal. From Tinker’s Leen to Castle Wharf, you will soon spy the stately castle through the eclectic mix of period and modern properties. Keep walking, and you witness the sheer magnificence of the iconic British Waterways building. If you haven’t already nipped across the bridge at Castle Lock for a cheeky half at The Navigation, you might want to consider a light lunch by the water from the [classic pub menus](/news/restaurants-in-nottingham-city-centre/) at Via Fossa or Fellows, Morton and Clayton – both have vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options available. A Grade II listed former warehouse; the old Canal Museum’s last reincarnation is as Canalhouse. Castle Rock Brewery’s first real ale pub not only has a section of the canal running through it, but there is also a large outside terrace with cover so you can sit out and truly enjoy the canal side experience. If you plan to stay longer, it’s definitely worth staying *Southside* and heading up towards the train station for a gander at how the cityscape is being transformed. With the bones of the Broadmarsh Shopping Centre almost completely crumbled to dust, the forest green pillars that flank the walkway between the college and the new improved bus station hint at the green spaces to come. And don’t worry, there’s a reward waiting when you have scaled those steps to the Nottingham Contemporary, because someone had the marvellous idea to make the back entrance into a cool, airy [café space](/news/coffee-nottingham/). At Blend you will find freelancers and families alike scattered around the café tables and easy chairs - flick through the collection of zines whilst you sip on your beverage of choice. But if you don’t fancy the climb, then access to the City Caves is at the foot of these stairs and promises to be one of those experiences that highlights just one of the many interesting quirks of our city. The gallery is also accessible via a gentle slope on the left, and the exhibitions and gift shop offer a good deal of quality browsing time. Whilst we are *looking for the light*, it’s worth remembering that one of Nottingham’s brightest winter attractions is only a few short weeks away. A shimmering showcase of illuminated art forms, [Nottingham Light Night](/news/nottingham-light-night/) brings January to a close with brilliance, colour and luminosity, re-firing our imaginations. Meanwhile, let’s make the most of the daylight hours and discover *our* Nottingham. ## Download our app to plan your trip into Nottingham Whether you're a music fan, a foodie, looking for a great night out or things to do: our app will point you in the right direction and help you enjoy your time in our city. [Download it free today](https://qrco.de/be9W9S) on Apple or Android and start exploring Nottingham! --- Share Article: [ ](https://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.itsinnottingham.com%2Fnews%2Flooking-for-the-light-in-january"e=Looking%20for%20the%20light) [ ](https://twitter.com/share?text=Looking%20for%20the%20light&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.itsinnottingham.com%2Fnews%2Flooking-for-the-light-in-january) [ ](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.itsinnottingham.com%2Fnews%2Flooking-for-the-light-in-january"e=Looking%20for%20the%20light) ### Related Articles [ ![9c7518c624f4363408ddd7d96024cc9d6032f268 940x788 w2400q80fitclipautoformat](/uploads/generic/_320x245_crop_center-center_none/821/9c7518c624f4363408ddd7d96024cc9d6032f268-940x788-w2400q80fitclipautoformat.jpg) National Justice Museum launches new annual pass ](https://www.itsinnottingham.com/news/national-justice-museum-annual-pass) [ ![B98e10ed0fb2a73ac35bfbd1a0b10e6f197dc55a 1536x2048 w2400q80fitclipautoformat](/uploads/generic/_320x245_crop_center-center_none/b98e10ed0fb2a73ac35bfbd1a0b10e6f197dc55a-1536x2048-w2400q80fitclipautoformat.jpg) Nottingham's community spirit in action ](https://www.itsinnottingham.com/news/cleaner-nottingham) [ ![430f5e6ca3948a2a9c3b30df8e8eb37d6a0bf838 5179x3453 w2400q80fitclipautoformat](/uploads/generic/_320x245_crop_center-center_none/430f5e6ca3948a2a9c3b30df8e8eb37d6a0bf838-5179x3453-w2400q80fitclipautoformat.jpg) 30 great pubs to visit in Nottingham ](https://www.itsinnottingham.com/news/pubs-in-nottingham) Be In The Know Be In The Know Be In The Know Be In The Know Be In The Know Be In The Know ![Nottingham Contemporary Art Gallery](/uploads/generic/_360x540_crop_center-center_none/footer-flick2-01.jpg) ![Nottingham Market Square](/uploads/generic/_360x540_crop_center-center_none/footer-flick2-03.jpg) ![Red Leaves](/uploads/generic/_360x540_crop_center-center_none/footer-flick2-02.jpg) Follow us *on* SOCIALS Amazing food and drinks, all the shops you'll ever need, and inspirational events and activities. [ ](https://www.instagram.com/itsinnottingham/?hl=en) [ ](https://www.facebook.com/itsinnottingham/?locale=en_GB) [ ](https://twitter.com/itsinnottingham) [ ](https://www.linkedin.com/company/its-in-nottingham/)