Nottingham stag do

Nottingham is one of the most underrated stag cities in the UK. It's central, good value, and full of students, which means the nightlife is busy and cheap. It also has some of the oldest pubs in the country.

It's an easy weekend to organise, with two universities' worth of bars, a compact centre and a good range of activities nearby.

Nottingham is friendly and relaxed, and stag and hen groups are common on weekend nights. You'll be one of many.

As in any student city, the busiest bars get rowdy late on, and locals tend to drift to the quieter pubs. Respect the old pubs, which have regulars who've been drinking there for decades.

Most bars in the centre take stag groups, especially earlier in the evening. The bigger clubs can be choosy with large groups of men later on, so split up before the door.

Dress codes are relaxed in most of the city, but sportswear and football shirts will get you turned away from the bigger clubs at weekends.

Fancy dress is fine in the party bars and the student-heavy areas, less so in the Lace Market's cocktail bars.

The Lace Market and Hockley

Cocktail bars, independent pubs and restaurants in old warehouse streets. The best area for a good night out.

The Old Market Square

The heart of the city, with big bars and clubs nearby.

Around the castle

Historic pubs, including Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, built into the rock below the castle.

Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem

One of the pubs that claims to be the oldest in England, built into the caves under the castle. A must for a pint.

Caves tour

Nottingham has hundreds of man-made caves under the city. Tours run from the city centre.

Sport

Nottingham Forest at the City Ground, Notts County at Meadow Lane, or cricket at Trent Bridge in summer.

Escape rooms, darts and crazy golf

Plenty of social activity bars in the centre.

Paintball, karting and clay shooting

All within easy reach outside the city.

Friday

Arrive at Nottingham station, drop the bags, and head to Hockley for dinner and drinks.

Saturday

A caves tour and a pint at Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, then the football or an afternoon activity. Dinner in the Lace Market, then a big night.

Sunday

A long breakfast and the train home.

Hotels and serviced apartments in the centre are good value compared with most UK cities.

Big home matches and university events push prices up, so check the calendar.

Prices change, so check before you book.

• Freshers' week in late September makes the city very busy and very young. Avoid it unless that's the point.
• Book Saturday dinner for the group in advance.
• Use licensed taxis or an app late at night.