Nottingham is not only rich in history and culture, but it also boasts a variety of beautiful outdoor spaces for leisurely walks and exploration. From serene parks to picturesque lakes, these five walking spots in Nottingham provide a perfect escape from the bustling city life. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, step into nature and uncover the city’s hidden gems while enjoying some fresh air and tranquility.
Wollaton Park
From the grandeur of its gardens to the stillness of its lake, Wollaton’s great outdoors are waiting to be explored
Since the fourteenth century, herds of deer have roamed Wollaton’s 500 acres of parkland, which is home to all kinds of habitats, including grassland, wetland, and woodland. There are over 90 red and 120 fallow deer at Wollaton Park, they are incredible to see.
The Formal Gardens which are located at the back of the magnificent Wollaton Hall and include several statues a Doric temple and the Camilla House which is the only cast iron-framed glass house in Europe, from 1823, and is the only remaining one of its kind in this country. Situated within the Formal Gardens, this is an ideal space for pre-reception drinks and photographs at weddings it is open most days for you to relax, with spectacular views over the park and Lake, and the camellia flowers usually bloom between autumn to late spring.
The Lake is a perfect place to walk around and plenty of wildlife to see.
For more information Tel: 0115 876 3100. Address: Gardens & Deer Park, Wollaton Park, Wollaton, Nottingham NG8 2AE
The Arboretum
This Green Flag award winning park is Nottingham’s oldest public park and the closest park to the city centre. A historic, beautifully maintained park that is home to an important collection of over 800 trees, some of which are from the original collection planted in the 19th century.
The main aim of the design for Arboretum was to take advantage of the landscape setting whilst providing an interlinking network of walkways and socialising areas. As a result, over 1010 specimen trees and shrubs were planted along with winding paths and sweeping lawns. The plantings were laid out in what is known as ‘The Natural Order’ to provide an educational link to nature through botanical interpretation. Some of the mature trees and shrubs growing here are living relics of the original collection such as the Lime Trees which were planted as nursery trees. There are currently over 800 trees of 65 species. The layout of the park is relatively unchanged and as a result, the Arboretum is Grade II listed on the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens maintained by English Heritage and contains 9 Grade II Listed structures within its layout, providing a key asset to Nottingham’s Victorian Heritage.
The Arboretum space is supported by an active friends’ group who are involved in various activities in the park including bulb planting, fundraising events, and heritage/tree walks.
For more information contact Parks and Open Spaces at 0115 915 2733. Address: Nottingham Arboretum, Waverley Street, Nottingham, NG7 4HF
The Embankment
Victoria Embankment is a grand, landscaped park alongside the mighty River Trent in Nottingham. It’s the place to take all the family for a Sunday afternoon promenade, and then reward with a well-deserved ice-cream from the little kiosk near the bridge.
Either take a boat trip or use the river viewing platform to watch the boats, while soaking in the historic Trent Bridge. Yes, it’s a real bridge, not just the very famous cricket grounds. It’s a super place to feed the ducks and geese or just sit and relax at one of the many local pubs en-route. You’ll even find a great play area for the little ones at Memorial Gardens on the west side of the river an ideal picnic spot to enjoy the river and peaceful surroundings. Address: 282-284 Arkwright Street, Trent Bridge, Nottingham, NG2 2GR
Bestwood Country Park
Bestwood Country Park sits between Arnold and Bestwood Village. The park has 650 acres of varied landscape, wildlife, and industrial heritage. The park has become popular with walkers, cyclists, and bird watchers as well as those coming to see Bestwood Winding Engine House.
Features of Bestwood Country Park include beautiful woodland walks. A wide range of other wildlife habitats. Programme of fun environmental activities, Environmental art. A gem on the outskirts of Nottingham. Woods that used to form part of Sherwood Forest, wildflower meadows, and a lake, there is so much to explore. Very popular with dog walkers there are few onsite facilities but plenty of space to make your own fun.
Bestwood Country Park joined a record number of parks and green spaces collecting a Green Flag Award – the international quality mark for parks and green spaces. Bestwood Country Park has received the award for the second year in a row since the management of the park was taken over for the County Council by Gedling Borough Council. For more information contact: Park enquiries: 0115 901 3713. Address: Park Road, Bestwood Village, Nottingham, NG6 8TQ
Woodthorpe Grange Park
Woodthorpe Grange Park is an impressive large green space that sits on the edge of the city and has a wide variety of facilities including pitch and putt, tropical house, formal gardens, sports pitches, and café. Since 1883 the gardens have been lovingly restored to their former glory with traditional designs being mixed with current planting features.
Greenhouses have been part of the park’s make-up since its conception in the late 19th century, rebuilt in 1994 they now provide the vast majority of flowers and plants used for Nottingham in Bloom. Tours of the Greenhouse can be arranged by calling 0115 915 0074.
Within the park lies The Grange, a 19th century Grade II listed manor house which sits amidst a mix of landscapes and includes formal gardens, green houses, grassland, and small wooded areas. An 18-hole pitch and putt course and two football pitches attract sports enthusiasts whilst the Tropical House, ‘sunken garden’ with water feature and innovative train sculpture at the entrance to the old railway bridge appeals to visitors from both the city and wider surrounding area.
The old railway line has been there since 1889, the railway line was created as part of the Nottingham Suburban Railway (NSR) and included Sherwood Station. The last train ran in 1951 following the decline of NSR, now the only remains of the line are in the tunnels throughout the park. The Northernmost tunnel has a train sculpture at its entrance to interpret the short-lived past of this line.
For more information contact: 0115 915 5555. Address: Woodthorpe Drive, Woodthorpe, Nottingham NG5 4HA
Exploring Nottingham’s great outdoors can be a fantastic way to relax and recharge and stay well as we get older. Our dedicated Care Professionals can provide companionship, support, and assistance to vulnerable adults and their families, ensuring a better quality of life. To learn more about our services or to discuss your specific needs, please contact us today.
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