Lady Bay Bridge
A pedestrian and cycle bridge offering scenic River Trent views and access to riverside paths, with a touch of cinematic history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Avoids match day crowds
Lady Bay Bridge
Best Time
Avoids match day crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A pedestrian and cycle bridge offering scenic River Trent views and access to riverside paths, with a touch of cinematic history.
"Enjoy scenic river views and safe walks away from traffic towards West Bridgford or Holme Pierrepont."
🚶♀️ Riverside Exploration
Walk towards West Bridgford or Holme Pierrepont for scenic river paths. :hiking_boot:
⚽ Match Day Alert
Avoid bridge and surrounding roads on Nottingham Forest match days due to crowds. :red_card:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Trent River Views
Enjoy picturesque views of the River Trent from this safe, traffic-free pedestrian bridge.
West Bridgford Riverside Path
Descend from the bridge towards West Bridgford for a lovely walk along the river.
Holme Pierrepont Trail
Head right from the bridge for a scenic route towards Holme Pierrepont along the river.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Bridge Views & River Walks
Match Day Considerations
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Path closing until 2026 as new city bridge built
🚶♀️ Riverside Exploration
Walk towards West Bridgford or Holme Pierrepont for scenic river paths. :hiking_boot:
⚽ Match Day Alert
Avoid bridge and surrounding roads on Nottingham Forest match days due to crowds. :red_card:
Well thats just great
Where in the West Bridgford area should I move?
📸 Scenic Photo Ops
Great spot for photos of the Trent River and surrounding greenery. :camerawithflash:
Parking Near Trent Bridge
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Riverside Exploration
Walk towards West Bridgford or Holme Pierrepont for scenic river paths. :hiking_boot:
⚽ Match Day Alert
Avoid bridge and surrounding roads on Nottingham Forest match days due to crowds. :red_card:
📸 Scenic Photo Ops
Great spot for photos of the Trent River and surrounding greenery. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors appreciate Lady Bay Bridge for its scenic river views and safe, traffic-free environment, making it ideal for walks and cycling. It's a peaceful spot to enjoy nature, though it can get busy on Nottingham Forest match days. The bridge also has a unique claim to fame as a filming location.
"Nice for a view and walk over the trent and safe from moving traffic. Walk over the bridge towards west bridgford, go down the steps and see the forest ground or turn right towards holme pierrepont, a Nice scenic walk along the river"
Stevie Bailey
"Makes an appearance in "Smiley's People" by John Le Carre - BBC series 1982 . It was dressed up to look like a bridge in Berlin during the cold war when Karla , the head of the Russian secret serice defected to the west. Patrick Stewart played Karla and Alec Guiness was Smiley , the retired British agent who had exposed karla. It was filmed at night so traffic must have been diverted."
Jacqui / John Cartman
"The natural place to defect from East to West if you're the compromised chief of Soviet intelligence"
Charlie W
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Lady Bay Bridge is a pedestrian and cycle bridge crossing the River Trent. It's accessible from both sides of the river, connecting Nottingham to West Bridgford. Parking is available in nearby areas, but it's best accessed on foot or by bike.
While there isn't a direct bus stop on the bridge itself, several bus routes serve West Bridgford and areas near the Nottingham side, allowing for a walk to the bridge. Check local bus schedules for routes near the river.
Yes, Lady Bay Bridge is a designated cycle path, making it a convenient and scenic route for cyclists. :bicycle:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Lady Bay Bridge is a public bridge and is free to access and walk across at any time. :moneywithwings:
As a public bridge, Lady Bay Bridge is open 24/7. However, it's best enjoyed during daylight hours for the views. :clock1:
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The main attraction is enjoying the panoramic views of the River Trent. You can also walk or cycle across, and access riverside paths leading to West Bridgford or Holme Pierrepont for longer strolls.
Yes, the bridge is designed for pedestrians and cyclists, offering a safe environment away from road traffic.
While there are no dedicated picnic facilities on the bridge itself, the surrounding riverside areas offer pleasant spots for a picnic.
Absolutely! The bridge offers excellent vantage points for capturing the River Trent, the cityscape, and the surrounding natural beauty, especially during sunrise or sunset. :camerawithflash:
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, you can find excellent food and service in West Bridgford, which is easily accessible from the bridge. Sunday lunch is highly recommended by visitors.
There are no food or drink vendors directly on Lady Bay Bridge. It's advisable to bring your own refreshments or plan to dine in West Bridgford. :sandwich:
🎫 🎬 Filming Locations
Indeed! Lady Bay Bridge was famously used as a stand-in for a bridge in Berlin during the filming of the 1982 BBC series "Smiley's People," based on John le Carré's novel.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Walkers & Cyclists
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Riverside Paths
Alternatively, turning right from the bridge towards Holme Pierrepont opens up another scenic trail. This route is perfect for those looking for a longer, more immersive nature experience. The paths are generally well-maintained and provide a welcome escape from the urban bustle, allowing visitors to connect with the natural beauty of the area.
A Bridge with a Cinematic Past
In the series, the bridge played a pivotal role in a dramatic defection scene, with Patrick Stewart portraying the Soviet intelligence chief Karla and Alec Guinness reprising his iconic role as George Smiley. The nighttime filming likely involved traffic diversions, highlighting the bridge's significance as a strategic crossing point, even if only for cinematic purposes.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit