My Favourite Spots in Nottinghamshire by Alan MacDonald

This week we share local children author Alan MacDonald’s favourite places in Nottinghamshire. If you would like to share your ‘favourites’ with us, email us at social@experiencenottinghamshire.com or use the comment section below. You may feature on our blog and our various social media platforms. Alan MacDonald  is an award-winning children’s author who has lived in Nottingham for many years. He has published over 80 children’s books ranging from picture books to novels. His series fiction includes Troll Trouble and the best-selling Dirty Bertie series, with twenty titles published in sixteen different languages.  When not scribbling books he writes for TV series such as Horrid Henry on CITV. "Broadway Cinema - If I ever moved from Nottingham, Broadway is one of the places I would miss the most.  Arguably one of the best independent cinemas you will find anywhere in the country.  Two lively bars and four screens showing a hugely varied programme of foreign and independent films with the odd James Bond for good measure.  Even my three children have turned their back on the multiplex and become Broadway fans. University Park - A smallish park that packs in a great deal with something for everyone. A small  theatre, an art gallery, concerts, children’s playground and two cafes. In summer you can take a boat out on the lake and watch out for low-flying herons. Clumber Park - Another place we come back to often because it’s different in every season.  Probably the most beautiful park in the East Midlands.  Walk round the huge lake, hire bikes or just sit.  The walled garden is worth a look too. Trent Bridge - I was brought up a football fan and, though I played cricket at school never really found out where third man stood.  These days we’re lucky to live near to Trent Bridge, one of the best grounds in England.  On a warm summer’s day with a Test match in full swing it’s a glorious place to be. Lord’s has the tradition but Trent Bridge has chaps in panama hats mingling with groups of comedy nuns. Unbeatable."