11, Nottingham Victoria Centre to Cropwell Bishop

Journey Overview

The Green Line 11 and 11C together provide one of Nottingham’s most appealing suburban links, connecting the city centre with riverside suburbs, major leisure destinations and the open countryside of south‑east Nottinghamshire. Both routes begin in the heart of Nottingham, close to the main shopping streets and cultural landmarks, before heading past Nottingham Station and into The Meadows. This early section marks a clear shift from the bustle of the city to quieter residential streets, with glimpses of the canal and the broad sweep of the River Trent.

Crossing Trent Bridge is one of the most distinctive moments of the journey, offering views towards the cricket ground, Victoria Embankment and the riverside paths that run along the Trent. From here, the 11 and 11C continue together through Lady Bay, a popular suburb with tree‑lined avenues, independent shops and easy access to green spaces. The combined half‑hourly frequency between the City Centre and Lady Bay makes this part of the route especially convenient for both residents and visitors.

At Lady Bay, the two routes divide. The 11C turns east towards Holme Pierrepont and the National Water Sports Centre, a major regional attraction set in extensive parkland beside the river. The 11 continues south‑east towards Cotgrave, passing the edge of Cotgrave Country Park, a large reclaimed landscape created from the former colliery. Beyond Cotgrave, the scenery becomes increasingly rural as the route approaches Cropwell Bishop, a village known for its agricultural heritage and its long association with Stilton cheese production. With modern electric buses providing a smooth and environmentally friendly ride, the 11 and 11C together offer a clear narrative of Nottingham’s changing landscapes, from city streets to riverside parkland and finally to open countryside.

A Fab Day Out!

A day out using the Green Line 11 and 11C offers two distinct but equally rewarding experiences, each showcasing a different side of Nottinghamshire. For visitors heading to the National Water Sports Centre on the 11C, the journey opens up into wide, open countryside as soon as the bus leaves Lady Bay. The centre is one of the East Midlands’ most recognisable outdoor attractions, known internationally for rowing and canoeing but designed to be welcoming to casual visitors as well as elite athletes.

The Regatta Lake is the focal point of the site. Stretching for two kilometres, it is bordered by a wide, level path that is ideal for walking, running or cycling. A full circuit offers uninterrupted views of the water, the surrounding woodland and the activity on the lake, with everything from training crews to paddleboarders making use of the space. Equipment hire for paddleboarding and kayaking makes it easy for newcomers to try something new, and open‑water swimming sessions take place at set times of year in clearly marked areas of the lake.

The White Water Course is another major attraction. Even for those not taking part, it provides an engaging spectacle, with kayakers and rafters navigating fast‑flowing channels that twist and drop through the site. Viewing points close to the water allow visitors to watch the action at close range, and the café overlooking the course offers a comfortable place to pause and enjoy the atmosphere. The surrounding parkland includes meadows, woodland and riverside paths, giving plenty of space for picnics, gentle exploration and wildlife spotting. Longer walking routes follow the Trent towards nearby villages, making the area suitable for both short visits and full‑day outings.

For those choosing the 11 to Cotgrave and Cropwell Bishop, the experience is more rural but no less appealing. Cotgrave Country Park is one of the highlights along the route. Created on the site of the former Cotgrave Colliery, the park has been transformed into a varied landscape of lakes, grassland and woodland. Its network of paths suits both short strolls and longer walks, and elevated viewpoints offer wide vistas across the Trent Valley. Wildlife is plentiful, with birds, insects and small mammals making use of the diverse habitats.

Continuing to the end of the route brings visitors to Cropwell Bishop, a village with a strong sense of identity and a long agricultural tradition. The village is closely associated with Stilton cheese, and although the creamery is not generally open for tours, local shops often stock the cheese, adding a distinctive flavour to any visit. Cropwell Bishop also offers two welcoming pubs: The Wheatsheaf, a warm and friendly local with cask ales, a beer garden and a traditional atmosphere, and The Chequers Inn, a classic village pub with a two‑bar layout and an attractive garden. Both provide comfortable places to relax after a walk or before the return journey.

Footpaths lead from the village towards Cropwell Butler, Colston Bassett and the rolling landscape of the Vale of Belvoir, offering opportunities for peaceful walks and scenic views. Whether the destination is the activity‑rich Water Sports Centre or the rural charm of Cropwell Bishop, the Green Line 11 and 11C make it easy to enjoy a varied and rewarding day out without a car, supported by a dependable combined half‑hourly service and modern, comfortable buses.