Events

Nottingham Goose Fair

July 31, 2025 17:57

Nottingham Goose Fair is one of the oldest mass events in the UK. In this article, we will tell you in detail about its history, traditions, where the name came from, and its location.

Name	Nottingham Goose Fair
Date	26 September to 5 October
Address	Forest Recreation Ground, Nottingham
Organisers	Nottingham City Council
Number of visitors	Over 500,000 people
Ticket prices	Entrance to the fair is free, only attractions and food are paid for
Patron	Queen Camilla

The History of Nottingham Goose Fair

Nottingham Goose Fair has a long history. In 1284, King Edward I signed a royal decree allowing city fairs to be held in Nottingham.

Initially, the event lasted eight days, beginning on 21 September. Later, in 1752, it was moved to the first half of October after Great Britain adopted the Gregorian calendar.

For centuries, the Goose Fair in Nottingham was held in the Old Market Square in the city centre. In 1928, the event was moved to Forest Square due to the planned reconstruction of the former location.

In 1646, the goose fair was not held due to an outbreak of bubonic plague, and then again during the two world wars of the 20th century. In 2020 and 2021, it was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

In 1766, during the fair, a ‘cheese riot’ broke out, provoked by a sharp rise in prices for this product.

In 2022, the fair lasted 10 days, longer than usual.

Why is it called the Nottingham Goose Fair?

The fair in Nottingham got its name ‘Goose’ because, traditionally, large numbers of live geese were brought there. Legend has it that the owners of the counties and villages located near the venue drove them there for sale. There were so many birds, and they honked so loudly, that Nottingham was transformed into a noisy bazaar for several days.

Attractions at the Goose Fair in Nottingham

The Goose Fair is a leisure venue with over 500 attractions offering entertainment for visitors of all ages. The event can be described as family-friendly. Visitors can enjoy adventure attractions such as:

Speed XXL (3g rotating pendulum).
XLR8 (4g rotating drum).
Wild Mouse (high-speed roller coaster with spinning cars).
Reverse Bungee (vertically mounted catapult with an elastic base).

goose fair nottingham rides — Nottingham Goose Fair rides

Family attractions include carousels, houses of laughter, and ghost rides. In addition, there is a huge Ferris wheel from which you can admire the fairground.

Other attractions include Magic, a suspended modern version of the Waltzer, and Giant Frisbee, a large swinging disc.

Visitors can enjoy traditional carousel buses and gelter skelters, as well as family kiosks such as ‘Catch the Duck,’ which offer the chance to win prizes.

Nottingham Goose Fair has come a long way from a trading fair to a thrill-seeking attraction.

Location of the Goose Fair in Nottingham

The convenient location ensures high attendance at the fair. The event is held annually at Forest Recreation Ground.

Address: Gregory Boulevard, Forest Fields, Nottingham, NG7 6HB.

It used to be held in the city centre, but since 1928, the Forest Recreation Ground has been the venue for the fair. This location is more spacious than the previous one. The fair is held throughout the recreation ground, and the adjacent area serves as a temporary camp.

Map

Study the map of the goose fair to get a clear idea of where everything is located, understand the layout of the attractions, find out where the entrance is and how to get to the venue.

How to get there

Public transport, trams and buses run to the forest base.

By bus

Buses stop on Mansfield Road and Sherwood Rise, which are nearby. There is also a direct service on the Nottingham – Forest Recreation Ground route. The bus departs from Victoria Centre station every 10 minutes.

Buses 3C, 57, 58, 59, 87, 89 and L12 also run towards the Forest Recreation Ground.

By tram

The Forest tram stop takes its name from the nearby Forest Recreation Ground.

A single tram ticket in Nottingham for adults costs approximately £0.50. You can also buy a day ticket for £3.20.

By car

The journey from London to Nottingham by car takes approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes, covering a distance of 206 kilometres.

You can also reach Nottingham by train from Birmingham, Manchester, and London.

Visitor information

When planning a trip to the Goose Fair in Nottingham, check out the visitor information about the venue and dates. In 2025, the event will take place from 26 September to 5 October. Every year, the mayor rings a pair of silver bells to announce the opening of the fair. The countdown to the start of the event is marked by the appearance of a huge goose.

As part of the fair, performances in memory of Robin Hood are held on a regular basis, recreating the atmosphere of Sherwood Forest with its inhabitants, the robbers. Musical concerts are interspersed with dance performances and jugglers.

Visitors are offered classic fair food: cotton candy and freshly baked doughnuts.

Hotels near Nottingham Goose Fair

There are many good hotels within a short distance of the Forest Base, where the goose fair is held every year.

Nottingham Goose Fair hotels — Hotels near Nottingham Goose Fair

Hilton Nottingham is located in the city centre. This hotel has a spa centre and is within walking distance of the most popular attractions. Room rates start at 70 euros.

Crowne Plaza Nottingham is 0.43 km from House of Fraser. Room rates start at 78 euros.

Roomzzz Nottingham City is 0.45 km from House of Fraser. This aparthotel has a convenient location and numerous positive reviews from guests. Rooms start at €50 and up. The hotel is within easy reach of the Motorpoint Arena Nottingham indoor stadium and the city's university.

Other popular hotels nearby include Crowne Plaza (50 metres from the centre, from €13 per night), Mercure Nottingham Sherwood Hotel (from €82 per night), and Mama's Inn Boutique Guest House (from €100 per night).

Tickets

Admission to the Goose Fair in Nottingham is free. Fees are charged only for attractions and food. Approximate prices range from £3 to £8.

Parking

During the fair, there are restrictions on traffic within the Forest Base. Local streets are closed to vehicles. This creates parking difficulties. Most people who want to visit the fair leave their cars at the Victoria shopping centre and take the tram to their destination.