Nottingham Open
British tennis' best-kept secret. It's here for the love of the game, and so is everyone else.
The Vibe
This tournament means business, but in the best way. At its heart it's about promoting tennis, not just by letting you watch the pros, but by giving you a real chance to pick up a racquet yourself. There are courts everywhere, from grass and blue hard courts to mini-tennis and even Padel.
Families aren't just welcome, they're encouraged. Kids 16 and under get in free on a grounds pass, and they're as gripped by the tennis as the grown-ups. Set in the LTA's Nottingham Tennis Centre, the whole place lives and breathes the sport year round, with a sense of permanence only Wimbledon can outdo.
Have a go
Grab a racquet and balls on the have-a-go courts for just £5.
Get close to the players
Practice courts are out in the open, and Centre Court sits right by the locker room, so players cross your path coming and going. Bring something to sign.
Fan Q&As
Players are brought to the fan village to answer questions from ticket holders, not journalists.
Getting There
We don't recommend driving unless you have an access need. Parking is tiny, has to be booked well in advance, and goes quickly, and there's nowhere nearby to leave a car.
Tram, our pick
Nottingham's tram network is excellent and there's a stop right across the road from the grounds.
Park and ride
If you must drive, park and ride on the tram for £5.80, which covers you for the whole day.
Train
Take a train to Nottingham Station, then hop on the tram out to the event.
Tickets
Tickets are sold through the LTA website, the same as every tournament outside Wimbledon. An Advantage Membership gets you early access before the general sale. It's an affordable day out: Centre Court runs £14 to £40 across the week, with £40 buying a good seat for the final, and grounds passes go from about £18 early on down to £10 by the finals.
Nick's ticket tip: early in the week, Centre Court is barely more than a grounds pass and gives you 100% of the action, including the British stars. That said, the tennis is strong enough that a day on the outer courts is still brilliant, and the access there is fantastic.
Seating & Views
Here's the magic: you can watch from almost anywhere. Unlike most tournaments where standing on the walkways is impossible or quietly discouraged, Nottingham is set up so you can take in any match from nearly any spot. Even Centre Court has gaps where you can stand and watch.
Courts 3 and 4 run along the walkways with a few fold-out chairs, but most people stand and the paths are wide enough that everyone keeps moving. Leave your seat and there's usually still space when you come back. It's far more relaxed than the frantic feel of Wimbledon or Queens.
The one exception
If a British player is on an outer court, seats fill fast. Be patient or come back at the end of a set and you'll get on.
Hidden paths
Reaching the Court 1 and Court 2 seating takes a bit of wandering. Keep walking and the stewards will guide you to the entrances.
Food & Drink
You can bring your own food and drink, which is handy because the on-site street food is fairly limited. As always, pack a reusable water bottle. There are a few refill stations, though they're tucked away in out-of-the-way spots.
Relax, explore, enjoy
If there's one match you're desperate to see, get yourself a seat. Otherwise just wander, because you can catch the tennis from almost anywhere. And if you take the tram, which I recommend, allow up to 30 minutes each way.
Pack This
It's Britain in June, so plan for all four seasons in one day. Tap each one as you sort it.
"Nottingham is a really great tennis event. I know that sounds like something an AI would write, but it's the truth. It's here for the love of the game, and so is everyone else. The women are main tour and the men are Challengers, and they comfortably share the stage. Tennis is the star."
See you in Nottingham,
Nick