OUR TOP 10+
NOTTINGHAMSHIRE
Below is a selection of some our favourite walks in/around Nottinghamshire. Click on image for more information - or keep scrolling to browse.
*DISCLAIMER: NOT ALL CAR PARKS, TOILET BLOCKS AND CAFES WILL BE OPEN CURRENTLY DUE TO COVID REGULATIONS*
01. WOLLATON HALL - AKA 'BATMAN'S HOUSE'
Yes, that's right - Wollaton Hall was indeed used as Wayne Manor in the 2012 Batman movie “The Dark Knight Rises” starring Christian Bale. And because of that - it takes my number one spot! However, it also has a great deal more to offer! The house and grounds itself is just beautiful with the usual walks, deer, streams, play areas, gift shops, cafes, public toilets, ice cream vans and gardens but there is also a museum and various activities to do for all ages all year round from night bat walks, children treasure hunts, too outdoor cinema nights, not forgetting the Christmas light nights, it truly is a magical place.
You have to pay to park on the grounds - however there is street parking near by so that you can then walk in.
FOR MORE INFO VISIT THEIR SITE HERE
02. GUNTHORPE LOCK, HOVERINGHAM, BURTON JOYCE AND STOKE BARDOLPH/ NETHERFIELD LAGOONS ALONG THE TRENT RIVER
Gunthorpe Lock is one of my favourite places to go on a hot sunny day as you can access the water for a paddle to cool off and it just always looks beautiful. There's a small car park, and benches dotted about along the path for those that aren't so good on their feet. As well as a pub, public toilets and often an ice cream van in the car park! The only down side is that it can get quite busy.
Canal boats can also be hired - click here
for more info
There are a few other walking spots along the river, and if you park further down near Burton Joyce/Stoke Bardolph you you can walk to either Netherfield Lagoons or up towards Gunthorpe Lock and Hoveringham.
I advise doing the route this way as if you don't make it all the way to Gunthorpe Lock, there is still the 'Ferry boat inn' or 'The Nelson' pub so you can end on a well deserved pint/grub!
From Ferry Boat Inn to Gunthorpe it would take apx 1hour 30min, but then remember - you have to walk back again!
And from Ferry Boat inn to Netherfield lagoons it's apx 40mins - and then back again.
Just keep walking the path straight, and once you see a train bridge and a sign post they'll be an entrance on the right up a short semi steep trodden path. Don't walk all the way down to the sign at the end and take that right - as this takes you behind the banks of the lagoon (this is what we did on our All trails link - if this does happen, you can climb the bank which will bring you onto the side - but not advisable for those not so good on their feet.
Up until this point however, the way is predominately paved and flat - so great for kids bikes, and unsteady folk - and it's also good as you have a 'goal' of getting to the lagoons, but can monitor how far you got each time before you have to turn around. You also walk past a Lock and a mini picnic area for a sit down break about half way - note there is a sign for facilities - however these are locked and I believe they are just for the use of canal boat users. There are also benches up at the lagoon.
Parking for Hoveringham is just a layby at the side of the road - so please take care and make sure you park responsibly – where as at Stoke Bardolph, there is a small free carpark opposite the Ferry boat Inn.
These walks are through farming fields, so they can get quite muddy, and you may occasionally bump into the odd cow who wants to come and say hello - and where there's cows - there's cow poo! Even on the paths! So take appropriate foot wear!
Below are some pictures of each location with map/All trail links.
03. VICTORIA EMBANKMENT
Being just 20 minutes walk from the city centre of Nottingham, this really is a little gem! Depending on what day you go, you might get to see the Nottingham rowing team training!
There is a large flat lawned area that has a lot amenities for the family including a cafe, toilets, child's play area and even an area to learn how to ride a bicycle on roads! There is also the Nottingham War Memorial, erected in the 20's in dedication to the people of WW1, but later adapted to commemorate those of WW2. Behind the Memorial is the War gardens, beautiful maintained flower beds with angled paths to guide you through.
If fishing is your thing, you can walk along the embankment and follow the Tram lines over the Wilford Toll Bridge and you will find the Iremongers pond over to the left. There are signs for the rules of the pond and regular bailiffs attend to make sure that the rules are enforced. Day tickets for fishing can be purchased, or full year membership to gain a discounted rates. More information can be found here. Even if you aren't into fishing, it's a beautiful stroll around the pond and a quick walk off the beaten track through the wildflower meadow adjacent.
You can park on the main road, however this is paid parking between 9am - 5pm via a mobile app. There are plenty of signs to guide you however. Outside of these times it is free to park, so maybe visit in the evening on a summers day. There is another car park, in the middle of the lawned area, right next to play area. This is free parking (at time of writing) but there are limited spaces. You can also get the tram which drops you off just outside the Iremongers pond entrance - exit at "Wilford village".
Close by to the area is the Nottingham Forest football ground, the Trent Bridge Cricketers ground as well as the World renowned Trent Bridge Inn (it may be famous, but is only a Wetherspoons!). There are a few other pubs near by too, my favourite being the Ferry Inn, this can be found just across from the Iremongers pond. It has a great maintained garden, so perfect for a mid-walk pint.
04. ATTENBOROUGH NATURE CENTRE
With a visitors centre, toilets, cafe, bird watching areas, swans, cycle tracks and a choice of three walks - short, medium or long - this place really does have it all! - (other than a play centre for kids!)
There is a pay and display car park central to the visitors centre - which from November 2021 is compulsory to pay for with licence plate recognition in place (it used to just be a donation). There is also another car park a short walk away which again worked on a donation basis however this has been closed since the new rules have took place. Parking when we visited March 2022 was free for the first 30mins or £3 for all day. I do still belive that this money goes towards the running reserve and the wildlife Trust, as does a lot of the sales in the gift shop/Cafe.
05. HIGHFIELDS
Located just next to the Nottingham University campus Highfields is another favourite of ours as it has a bit of everything, and it was a popular one for us when our Dave was on crutches as it has plenty of benches around a circular route - again with toilets, ice cream van, play park, boating lake, stepping stones and water fall. Parking is limited - but free.
06. RUSHCLIFFE COUNTRY PARK
Rushcliffe Country park can be found at the back of Ruddington, just off the A52. It is a large park that is full of things to do and see. There are several different surfaced routes to follow so, similar to other parks in this post, you can make your walk as short or as long as you want. This also makes it quite popular for joggers.
This park is great for dog walkers as there's an enclosed agility area and massive play filed. Some of the fields are not suitable to have your dog off of lead, but there are colour coded signs to prompt you. For the two-legged family members, there is a large children's play park and a sensory garden. Along with this, there is a skate park and down-hill bike track, which looks like a load of fun!
Next door to the park is the Great Central Railway (GCRN), a heritage center that displays the best of steam and diesel pulled locomotives. They do regular trips from Ruddington through to Loughborough, along with miniature railway, workshop, model railway and visitors center. you can find more about the GCRN here.
The road leading to the entry often looks full and like there's no spaces, but it's because it's a pay and display car park - however this is only £1 for the day - or at least last time we went!
07. BESTWOOD
The place we go when we want to just escape in nature for an hour but can't travel far! So peaceful hearing the leafs and twigs under foot. The site has several routes, so you can make it as long or as short as you like. Depending how far you go, you'll find and old miners Winding engine house, a children's play park, cafe (limited open hours) and public toilets. There is also the Bestwood Lodge, which is a hotel that has an open bar if you fancy a tipple at the end (or mid way?) of your walk. You can also trek down to 'Mill lake ponds' - which is where I did the photoshoot for the stickers that are available to buy in our shop.
There are 2 main car parks - one can be found via Bestwood village and the second via Arnold, both of which are free. The Arnold car park is at the bottom of the lane that leads up to the Lodge, if you over shoot, you'll find yourself in the Lodge car park which is pay and display.
08. WOODTHORPE
During the 2020 lockdown Wander and I have been SO grateful to have this walking distance from our house! It's not massive by any means, but just the right size for a 40min or so walk - longer if you use the pitch and put, cafe, play area, adults outdoor gym equipment or visit the garden centre. It truly is a lovely park.
Parking is free.
09. HARDWICK PONDS
Timed right - you could spend the whole day here and feel like you're camping in the middle of no where. It is a
National Trust site
- so you have to pay for parking which was £5 for the whole day last time we went - but definitely worth it. However, not much to do for children - other than walking, frisbee, picnics, looking at the animals and feeding the ducks. There is a 'Manned' hut with wardens if you need any help, and there is also free public toilets.
Dog's do require to be on leads, as there are roaming cows and sheep across the park.
10. COLWICK COUNTRY PARK
Another great all rounder with water, woods, benches, toilets, children's play park, a coffee and ice cream hut - and even an adventure area! (I think this needs booking in advance though - and is however currently closed during the Covid pandemic).
There are a few ponds, each with their own route, so you can make the walk as long or short as you like, and with the great views - you wouldn't think you are only 4 miles out of the city centre!
There are a few car parks that you have to choose from, one is right behind the Nottingham race course, but this is really rough. The other two can be found off Mile End Road, both of which are well maintained and gravelled.
BULLWELL HALL
PARK
What I love about this walk was that we stumbled upon it accidentally! We'd just visited JTF Wholesale in Hucknall and noticed a little foot path just behind - as we had the dog with us we thought we'll just see where it goes - and we ended up here! Just gorgeous!
There is a Café, Public toilets and a car park (unsure if this is free). There are some ponds towards the bottom of the grounds, as well as some flat areas perfect for a picnic and a kick about with friends or the kiddies.
There is an 18 hole golf course as well, if this is your thing. Would just be wary of letting dogs off lead near this area, just on the side of precaution.
CLUMBER PARK - well just off the entrance road
Another 'stumble upon' as we found out there was going to be a car meet, just off the main road as you drive into Clumber Park, and we needed somewhere to test/practice putting up our new Olpro inflatable awning we'd bought from the Camping and Caravan show earlier in the year. You can read the review
here.
It's literally just a field with a few trees sheltering it off, and a few walk paths around - perfect for what we needed! NOTE: overnight camping is not allowed, there is a motorhome club site further up the road.
As we didn't venture further up, I cannot advise on entry fees or parking - however note this is a National Trust
site.
We need to go back and explore this properly - so keep a look out for an updated post soon!
THORSBY HALL
Thoresby Hall is a Victorian Stately home that has been converted into a relaxing hotel and Spa. It is placed right in the middle of the rolling countryside, around 4 miles away from Sherwood Forest. Attached to the house, is an old stable court that has now been transformed into a few independent shops, cafe, toilets and a small Museum.
The grounds that surround the property are all ways well kept and are a combination of open fields, rivers and forestry. The hall often holds events throughout the year, such as vintage car shows, Fun fairs and loads of family fun activities. If events aren't your thing, check the events page on their Website to check whats coming up!
ARNOT HILL PARK
Arnot is a small park, in the heart of Arnold, Nottingham. It is home to the local council building. What it lacks in Size, it makes up with heart. With it being located so close to a busy town, and only 3 miles away from the City center, it's important that it is as relaxing as possible.
It has a paved path that guides you around the park which is great for people that are not that confident with walking. There is a large duck pond with water feature, a small Cafe with toilets, a large children's play area, rose garden along with plenty of benches to take a break.
Parking is Free for the first 2 hours - however you still need to get a ticket from the machine (We have fallen into this trap!). There are around 4/5 car parks, but only two are for public use within the allocated hours of 9am - 3pm, so if you find a space, make sure to read the sign to make sure you are not going to return to a nasty fine!
NEWSTEAD ABBEY
It costs aprox £6 for parking here - however you can park in Newstead Village or Papplewick village and walk in, which takes around 30 - 40 mins. The house costs extra for a tour but you can't go in with a dog, however it's well worth a visit just for a walk around the grounds. As you can see the Abbey from the outside, have a walk around the Japanese Gardens and also feed the ducks. Again, there is a Cafe and public toilets here if needed too.
The Abbey, is also used for events through out the years such as dog shows, Classic car show and food festivals. You can check out what is coming up by clicking HERE
BURNT STUMP
Great for a short walk, can be made longer if you utilise the playing field or pub. 2 parking areas, one located next to the pub which has a child's play area, and this backs onto the large field for ball games. Benches are dotted about, and theres footpaths leading off through the trees for a little stroll. Another parking area with toilets is located the other end of the field. Both places are free to park.
THIEVES WOOD
Thieves wood is north of Nottingham between Mansfield and Ashfield. There is a large car park that is free to use. In the center of the car park, you will find a picnic area and a refreshment cabin that sells snack and hot and cold food and Drink. There are no toilets that this site, so make sure you take your she-wee!
There are two trails that are sign posted. One is a short surfaced trail loop call the White trail. The second is the Dog loop trail, This one is a little longer and is not surfaced so can get a bit rough under foot. You can of course go off the beaten track and go further afield if you wish to.
This wood is also apart of The Robin Hood Way Trial, a long distance trail that travels through Nottinghamshire exploring the legend of Robin Hood!
ARBORETUM
Being just a 30 min walk from the centre of the city - the Arb is a very popular choice for all students and families a like. There is plenty of open grass areas to it for a picnic, a pond to feed the ducks, a bird aviary, and band stand for the outdoor events that are often hosted. The walk is paved and therefore suitable for pushchairs, wheel chairs and more. As it's the city centre - parking is limited to street parking, which is free on a Sunday, but paid throughout the week.
SUTTON LAWN PLEASURE GROUND
Two decent FREE car parks, a Cafe (and I presume toilets - as it's during the COVID pandemic and we didn't need to use the facilities we cannot confirm this) grass and astro turf fields/football pitches, tennis courts, 3 children's play parks (one being a small one at the other end next to the alternative car park) Bowls ground, Fishing lake, paved paths, plenty of benches, and Skate/Scooter park - This park really does have it all!
Over looking the park is also the old silk mill which has now been converted to housing.
