Wargaming in Nottinghamshire: A Tourist’s Guide to Warhammer World and Local Venues
Nottinghamshire isn’t just Robin Hood country, it’s the beating heart of the global wargaming scene. From Warhammer World, Games Workshop’s legendary headquarters, to independent venues, hobby clubs, and historical miniature manufacturers, the county has become a pilgrimage site for tabletop fans.
Whether you’re here for a weekend of dice and paint or adding a gaming stop to your UK travels, this guide covers the best wargaming attractions, events, and companies that make Nottinghamshire a must-visit for enthusiasts.
Warhammer World:The Pilgrimage Destination
Location:
20 Lenton Lane, Nottingham NG7 2NR
Warhammer World is more than a store, it’s the epicentre of Games Workshop’s universe.
Highlights:
Exhibition Centre with iconic dioramas and exclusive displaysGaming tables bookable for Warhammer 40,000, Age of Sigmar, and moreForge World and Black Library shops, offering models and books unavailable elsewhere Bugman’s Bar, a themed restaurant and pub beloved by fans.
Fully accessible facilities and staff known for their hospitality
Getting There:
By tram: Nottingham tram network stops nearby
By taxi or car: ample parking available on-site
Top Wargaming Venues in Nottinghamshire
While Warhammer World dominates the spotlight, Nottinghamshire is packed with independent venues and clubs where you can roll dice, join events, and meet the community.
Games Haven
Nottingham
Address: 92 Lower Parliament St, Nottingham NG1 1EH
Hosts Warhammer, Kill Team, Bolt Action, plus RPG nights and board games
Table bookings, weekly leagues, casual play, and a stocked café
Known for a welcoming, inclusive community with regular tournaments
Nottingham Board and Wargames Club
A long-running club offering miniature wargaming, RPGs, and board games.
Their club nights are perfect for visitors looking to drop in and meet local gamers.Chilwell Wargaming ClubCommunity-run, with regular sessions across historical wargames, fantasy, and sci-fi systems.
Sanctuary Gaming Centre Ltd
Mansfield Woodhouse
Large venue space hosting casual play, tournaments, and hobby meetups across multiple systems.
Chilwell Wargaming Club
Type
Community-run club offering regular sessions for various tabletop wargames and historical scenarios.
Wargames Foundry
Newark
A legendary manufacturer of historical and fantasy miniatures, open days, and hobby showcases. A must-see for collectors.
Element Games
Nottingham
Retail hub and a smal gaming space; stocking a wide variety of games and hobby supplies, with regular tournaments and meetups.
Wargaming Events in Nottinghamshire
Nottinghamshire isn’t just about venues
it’s alive with events and tournaments.
Hammerhead (Newark Showground):
A major annual convention where companies, clubs, and gamers come together for demo games, participation battles, and shopping.
Local Tournaments: Regularly hosted at Games Haven, Sanctuary, and other clubs
Central Library Wargaming Days:
Casual demo events featuring titles like Star Wars Legion and Middle-Earth Strategy Battle Game.
Other Attractions for Gamers
Mix gaming with Nottingham’s history and culture:
Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem:
England’s oldest inn, carved into the rock below Nottingham Castle
Nottingham Castle and caves:
History and legends beneath the city streets
Escape rooms and themed experiences:
Popular with groups
Accessibility & Local Hospitality
Nottinghamshire’s venues, from Warhammer World to Games Haven, and Santuary Gaming are known for their friendly communities and accessibility.
Many locations feature wheelchair access, staff support, and a culture of inclusivity that makes the hobby welcoming for all.
Planning Resources
For trip planning, check these resources:
Warhammer World Visitor
GuideGeek Nation Tours – Wargaming Holidays
Visit Nottinghamshire – Official Tourism Site
Games Haven Nottingham
Nottingham Board and Wargames Club
Sanctuary Gaming Centre
Wargames Foundry
Hammerhead Show
Upcoming Events
Our Thouights
Making the Most of Your Search When you’re searching for wargaming in Nottinghamshire, keep these tips in mind: Use specific game titles. (Warhammer 40K, Age of Sigmar, Bolt Action, Kings of War.) Add Nottinghamshire or Nottingham. Helps surface local clubs and venues. Look beyond the first page. Some of the best clubs and shops don’t rank as highly as Warhammer World but are worth visiting. Check event calendars. Reliable sources include Visit Nottinghamshire and venue websites.
Using Hobby-Specific Keywords to Find EventsIf you want to go beyond Games Workshop, tweak your searches to match specific games and systems. For example:Search “historical miniature games Nottingham” or “Bolt Action events UK” to find Warlord Games and their community events.Try “Mantic Games events Nottingham” to connect with Mantic Games and their open days.Add location-specific modifiers like “Nottinghamshire” to searches such as “Age of Sigmar tournaments Nottinghamshire” or “Middle-earth Strategy Battle Game events Nottingham.” This surfaces smaller local
