7 stunning beauty spots to visit around Nottingham
From castles to parks, we're spoiled for choice here in Notts
There are so many beauty spots to visit around Nottingham that showcase the area’s finest history and nature.
We’ve rounded up our favourite places to go that you can walk around and that will truly wow you. Gorgeous lakes, amazing castles, and pretty parks are just a few that feature.
Many of these are also among our top free days out around Nottingham, so if you don’t want to spend a lot, you can still take in our county’s spectacular scenery.
7 of the best beauty spots around Nottingham
By Eve Smallman
1. Newstead Abbey
Where: Newstead, NG15 8NA
How much: House £15pp, gardens free, parking £6
One of the most remarkable parts of Nottinghamshire is Lord Byron’s history, which is shown in all its glory here. While the Abbey itself is a sight to behold inside and out, the park and gardens are our favourite parts to see. These are filled with colour in all seasons, with bright rhododendrons in late spring and reddish Japanese maples at their best in autumn. All the gardens are themed, with sub-tropical, rose, Japanese, and the Great Gardens the stand-outs among these. For those visiting with little ones, you can also pick up an outdoor trail to follow.
Do if: You appreciate exploring different types of scenery.
2. The Arboretum
Where: Waverley Street, Nottingham, NG7 4HF
How much: Free
This is certainly a magical place to visit. We’re not just being biased — the rumour is that the park inspired J.M. Barrie Neverland in Peter Pan. You can access this easily by hopping on the tram, getting off at Nottingham Trent University, and then walking straight up. Over 800 trees line the paths and greens, including some originally planted in the 19th century. If you need more than beautiful nature to inspire you to visit, it also hosts festivals and concerts, such as the Arboretum Beer Festival and Nottingham Green Festival.
Do if: You want a moment of peace during your lunch break.
3. Belvoir Castle
Where: Woolsthorpe Road, Grantham, NG32 1PA
How much: Castle, gardens, and playground £26pp adult, £10pp child on the day
While this may not be quite Nottingham, it does have an NG postcode, so we’ll allow it — especially as it’s such a pretty place. Inside the castle are gorgeous staterooms styled with regency-style decor that you’ll love if you’re as obsessed with Bridgerton as we are. Outside, you can roam the formal gardens and children can play on the adventure playground, fitted with a giant timber castle, a secret climbing wall, and a zip wire for the brave.
Do if: You want a full, family-friendly trip — the drive is around 50 minutes, so you’ll want to make a day of it.
4. Highfields Park
Where: University Boulevard, Lenton, NG7 2RD
How much: Free
A real treat for students and regular punters alike, this is a breezy location for a gentle stroll. Jump on the tram going towards Toton Lane and hop off at the University of Nottingham to see it for yourself. From here, simply follow the walking trail, which will take you around all the sites. The most beautiful part of all has to be the waterfall — a total hidden gem. When it’s warmer you can deviate from the track and take a trip on the boating lake and hire canoes, rowing boats, and KataKanu. These are £6pp per hour to hire.
Do if: You want to enjoy activities alongside the beauty.
5. Clumber Park
Where: Clumber Park, Worksop, S80 3AZ
How much: £5pp adult, £2.50pp child
This vast Grade I-listed park has a huge amount to see and do. For those who would rather wheel than walk, it has over 20 miles of accessible paths that are ideal for cycling, with a variety of landscapes and terrains. Helpfully, you can hire a bike from the Cycle Hub if you haven’t got your own. Along this trail, you’ll find the historic Grade II-listed bridge, which is absolutely breathtaking. As well as this, the park has an impressive kitchen garden with an 18th century greenhouse — the longest the National Trust owns.
Do if: You love seeing historic architecture.
6. Colwick Country Park
Where: Racecourse Road, Nottingham, NG2 4BH
How much: Free
With sweeping lakes, winding tracks, and flocks of birds to admire, this park is a gorgeous spot that’s easy to access. The 44 bus stops at Racecourse Road which will take you near enough to the park, if you want to access it from the city centre. During the winter months, you can see a host of wildfowl like ducks and geese making it their home, while in summer you can take a dip into the West Lake. By this, there’s Wired on Wheels, which is the perfect spot to sit down and have a cup of coffee, breakfast cob, or ice cream.
Do if: You want to escape Nottingham for the afternoon.
7. Wollaton Hall and Park
Where: Wollaton Hall, Nottingham, NG8 2AE
How much: Free, parking £5 all-day
This wouldn’t be a list of beautiful places to visit without mentioning the iconic Wollaton Hall and Park. You might be able to see adorable deer on your walk if you’re lucky, but be sure not to get too close. We also recommend visiting the formal gardens at the back of the hall, where stands Camellia House. This offers remarkable views of the Park and has flowers to which it lends its name in bloom between autumn to late spring. Additionally, the botanical gardens are open from 2-4pm on Sundays, offering a seasonal selection of plants for purchase.
Do if: Fabulous flowers are your thing.
The inclusion of Belvoir Castle jars because it is as good as inaccessible by anyone who does not have their own transport. I think NottsEdit should stick to promoting places WHICH are accessible by public transport. This link may be of assistance to readers of this post: https://www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/media/109174/nottinghamshirecountybusmap.pdf
Sadly, it does not cover the city itself. The only map which does is one I publish online and print in limited numbers when I can afford to, usually with the help of sponsors. Here is a link: https://historybybus.blogspot.com/2024/04/beestondestinations-map-updated-for.html
With a few days notice, I will happily provide ‘Travel Notes’ for you.
Keep up the good work Regards OL O Bunny 🐰
Great post! Stunning places in Nottinghamshire to visit, love them all! Thank you for sharing!
Marysia Zipser