NOTTINGHAMSHIRE
WOODS, WALKS & PARKS
BESTWOOD COUNTRY PARK
Park Rd, Bestwood Village, NG6 8TQ
The 650 acres of Bestwood have a richly varied landscape, wildlife and industrial heritage. This serene oasis, now popular with walkers, cyclists and bird-watchers, was once home to one of Britain’s busiest coal mines. Free car park and cafe.
BRIERLEY FOREST PARK
Off Skegby Road, Huthwaite, NG17 2PL
Brierley Forest Park provides footpath, cycling and horse riding networks through woodlands, meadows, streams and wetland areas.
The park is over 78 hectares in size and also provides recreation facilities including a football pitch, children’s play area and play trail, fishing, mountain bike track, sculpture features and a visitor centre with café facilities.
CANCH PARK
Priorswell Rd, Worksop S80 2BU
The park covers an area of 4.8 hectares and has many facilities including;Â
Children’s Water Fountain Splash Park (closed due to COVID), skatepark, Junior and Toddler Play Equipment, Formal Gardens, Sensory Garden, Toilets
and Free car park
CLUMBER PARK
Worksop, Nottinghamshire, S80 3AZ
Always a firm favourite with adults, children and dog lovers. Its the perfect day out with plenty of walks, trails, cycle paths (and hire), cafe, toilets and parking. A good adventure playground (dogs not allowed). It also includes a 'dog cafe' which is the ideal pitstop for exploring the park. National Trust owned so chargeable entry (unless members).
COTGRAVE COUNTRY PARK
Hollygate Ln, Nottingham NG12 3HE
The park has been landscaped with woodlands, lakes, and wetland areas. There are 200 acres of public open space to explore on foot, by bike or on horse back. Admission and parking are free.
CRESWELL CRAGS
Crags Rd, Creswell, Worksop S80 3LH
Creswell crags is ideal for a stroll and picnic. AÂ lovely 3km walk with caves, ducks and lots of wildlife providing the entertainment. We also took wellies for a little splash in the river. Plenty of benches available for a stop.
Paths ideal for a buggy but there are steps to climb if you want to look in the caves. Ideal for dogs on a lead!
DANESHILL LAKE
Torworth, Retford DN22 8LW
Explore the network of footpaths allowing access to all parts of the reserve.
HIGHFIELDS PARK
University Boulevard, Lenton
NG7 2RD
Approx 1 hour south of Sheffield is Highfields park. Free day out. Crazy golf, boating lake, big playground, woodland to explore, ducks to feed. Cafe and toilets on site.
KINGS PARK
Chancery Lane, Retford, DN22 6DF
A fantastic park, suitable for all children, young and old.
​
Although the playground and splash zone isn’t dog friendly - it is all closed off with railings so you could easily tie pooch up (if well behaved!) close by. There is a lovely little circular walk to do and a stream running through it (ideal for older children and pooch to paddle in!). parking nearby £2.70 for 3 hours! There is a kiosk (drinks/ice creams) and toilets.
You can also tie in a stroll along the canal for duck feeding and spotting any canal boats.
RUFFORD ABBEY COUNTRY PARK
Rufford Abbey Country Park, Ollerton NG22 9DF
Always a firm favourite in our community group, this country park has comething for everyone. Plenty of paths and trails to explore in parkland and woodland. A cool adventure playground (dogs not allowed), a beautiful lake and lots of activities happening throughout the year, most of which are dog friendly. Car park, cafe and toilets.
RUSHCLIFFE COUNTRY PARK
Mere Way, Loughborough Road,
Ruddington, Nottinghamshire,
NG11 6JS
This park has it all.
Sandpit, Playground, Skatepark, dog agility area (free), lake, walking and sensory trails and more. Its buggy friendly and has cafe/toilet facilities. Read the full blog post
SOUTHWELL TRAIL
Southwell Car Park, NG25 0GL
The trail is approx 7.5 miles and built on the former railway line of the Midland Railway. It stretches from Southwell to Bilsthorpe. You can walk, cycle or horse ride along the trail and there are a number of free car parks to allow access. The Trail is most easily accessible by all.
SHERWOOD FOREST
NG21 9QB
Plenty of walks and trails for all the family with varying levels of access. Ideal for a full day out, find the Major Oak tree and see if you can find Robin Hood. Lots of seasonal activities. Car park, cafe and toilets.
SHERWOOD PINES
Kings Clipstone, Nottingham, NG21 9JL
If youre looking for outdoor adventure, then this is the place for you. Lots of varying paths to follow around the forest, ideal for bikes and buggies. Adventure playground, cafe, toilets and car park. See if you can spot the Gruffalo.
THE CARRS
5 Church Rd, Church Warsop, Mansfield NG20 0SF
A great little hidden gem:Â Â
Complete with Buggy friendly paths, 2 playgrounds, Bike track, Skate Park , little bit of Woodland to explore, Riverside walk, ducks to feed and stream paddling opportunities. Free car parking and toilets. No cafe
VICAR WATER COUNTRY PARK
Clipstone, NG21 9AA
The Green Flag awarded park has been transformed to heathland, woodland and grassland and offers spectacular views across to Derbyshire and Lincolnshire.
The facilities include a large lake and abundant wildlife, footpaths and cycleways suitable for all. A Visitor centre, Café and Toilets.Â
Also includes a Children’s play area, Small pond (for model boats and duck feeding) and a Golden Hand sculpture.
WOLLATON HALL AND PARK
Wollaton Rd, Nottingham NG8 2AE
This is the perfect day trip. Although dogs are not allowed in the hall or museum, they can still explore the vast amount of parkland and woodland. A beautiful lake to walk around and 2 play areas. There are family trails to explore with clues. Car park, cafe and toilets. Look out for the Deers.
WHITWELL WOODS
Layby parking on the A619
If youre looking for peace and quiet, then this is the place to get lost. A superb amount of forestry to explore and keep the children entertained. Different waymarked trails, ideal for little and older legs.
NOTTINGHAMSHIRE
EATERIES
The Fishing Lodge, Southwell NG25 0RS
Worksop, Nottinghamshire, S80 3AZ
Chesterfield Road, Whitwell Common, Worksop S80 3EE
Blyth Rd, Oldcotes, Worksop S81 8JA
Old Rufford Rd, Mansfield NG22 9DD
S80 COFFEE HOUSE
2 Mansfield Road, Worksop
Exchange St, Retford DN22 6BT
NOTTINGHAMSHIRE
PLACES OF INTEREST
NEWSTEAD ABBEY
Newstead Village NG15 8NA
Beautiful gardens, parklands and paths to discover. Car park, cafe and toilets. Admission charges apply
NOTCUTTS GARDEN CENTRE (DUKERIES)
Welbeck, Worksop, S80 3LT
A dog friendly garden centre and tasty restaurant. Look out for Santa Paws towards Christmas.
REG TAYLORS GARDEN CENTRE
Hill Farm Nurseries, Corkhill Lane NG25 0PR
A great garden centre with gift shop, cafe and toilets. Dog friendly. Swan sanctuary and lake to walk around too.
WOLLATON HALL AND DEER PARK
Wollaton Park, Wollaton, Nottingham, NG8 2AE
Approx 50 mins south of Sheffield with acres of parkland and woodland to explore. Child friendly trails, lakes and gardens, den building. Cafe and toilets on site.
THORESBY PARK
Thoresby Park, Newark, Nottinghamshire. NG22 9EQ
Lots to see and do here. With acres of parkland and woodland to explore, an adventure playground, small train (certain weekends only). Cafe and toilet facilities. Car park charges apply.