Running around Nottingham — 5 places to go and clubs to join
Historic sites, great lakes, woodlands, and more...
Whether you’re thinking about giving Couch to 5k a go, planning on running the Robin Hood Half, or are a pro at pounding the pavement, having a couple of different routes to run around Nottingham will come in handy.
I have picked out five of the best spots, looking at the terrains, the distances, the scenery, and the facilities available. I’ve scoped out all this, as well as Strava routes, Parkruns, and even running clubs to join. I run myself, and I have run the Robin Hood Half Marathon, so not only do I know the area as a local, but I know a few things about running.
If you’re looking for things to do around Nottingham, these are all worth strapping on your trainers for and visiting. And, if you aren’t a runner, these are all lovely locations to visit for a stroll.
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5 of the best running locations around Nottingham
By Eve Smallman
1. Wollaton Hall
Strava route: 6.04km, strava.com
Parkrun?: Yes, parkrun.org.uk/wollatonhall
One of the most popular tourist attractions around Nottingham, not only is Wollaton the home of Batman, but it has a great circular running route around it. On this, you’ll see a scenic lake, birds, and deer. If you’re doing the Robin Hood Half Marathon, you’ll do part of this route around the halfway point, so it’s worth getting used to the inclines. The Courtyard Cafe is a picturesque spot to sit down and relax afterwards, and you can also walk around the Hall (£15pp).
Do if: You love the idea of running around one of the city’s most iconic locations.
2. Gedling Country Park
Strava route: 9.49km, strava.com
Parkrun?: Yes, parkrun.org.uk/gedling
With over 550 acres of parkland with open fields, footpaths, and plenty of wildlife, you'll have plenty of space to roam and run around here. There are two fabulous viewing platforms, where will allow you to see Lincoln Cathedral, Netherfield lagoons, and Belvoir Castle. Just be sure to be mindful of the memorial gardens and fauna while you run. Once you are finished, you can head to Café 1899, which serves breakfasts, paninis, jacket potatoes, and more.
Do if: You like to have lots of different sights to see while you run.
3. Attenborough Nature Reserve
Strava route: 6.37km, strava.com
Parkrun?: No
I love this local beauty spot, thanks to its gorgeous, soaring lakes and abundance of wildlife that call it home. Its running route is lovely and flat, but if you do want a shorter route, you can also do 3k and 5k here (this is especially ideal for those doing Couch to 5k!). You can carry on enjoying the views of the lake at the cafe, which has balcony seating right over the water and food options including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.
Do if: You’re looking for a running spot with non-stop soothing blue spaces.
nottinghamshirewildlife.org/attenborough
4. Bestwood Country Park
Strava route: 7.27km, strava.com
Parkrun?: Yes parkrun.org.uk/bestwoodvillage
Filled with gorgeous woodlands, this running route will provide much-needed shade during the warmer months. There is a mix of different surfaces and some steep gradients, so if you’re training for inclines for the Robin Hood Half (spoiler alert: it has some killer inclines at the start), don’t skip the start or end points of this route. The volunteer-run Dynamo Cafe has budget-friendly snacks and drinks and opens every Saturday morning from 9.30am to 12.30pm and on special occasions such as Bank Holidays.
Do if: You fancy challenging yourself with tough terrain.
5. Colwick Country Park
Strava route: 5.84km, strava.com
Parkrun?: Yes, parkrun.org.uk/colwick
This might be my favourite running route around Nottingham, because of how easy it is to navigate and its mixture of green and blue spaces. It’s easy to adapt on the go, extending it around to both lakes or slipping down into the woods and running by Colwick Hall. The cafe by the Main Lake is perfect for a quick drink or bite, but if you’re staying around after your run, Wired on Wheels has a vibrant seating area, serves loaded breakfast cobs, and decadent ice cream cones.
Do if: You want a running location you can get to from the city centre — just catch the 44 bus and get off at the Racecourse.
Nottingham running groups
Feeling inspired to get running? Joining a running club is not only a brilliant way to meet like-minded people, but it can help improve your speed and endurance…
Up and Running Social Run Group
When: Mondays at 6pm
How much: Free
Starting at Up and Running’s store in town, the 5k weekly run is done at a steady pace in order to help keep the whole group together. They also sometimes even dress up.
facebook.com/groups/upandrunningnottingham
Nottingham Frontrunners
When: Tuesdays at 6.30pm
How much: Free
This LGBTQ+ running club’s weekly 5.5k begins at the Robin Hood Statue and ends at The Lord Roberts Pub, where you’ll get a 10% discount at the bar. It’s funded by Nottingham charity The Spencer Trust.
Girls Who Run
When: Sunday mornings
How much: Sundays free, ticketed events vary
Every girls-only Sunday run day is free, with distances varying depending on the location. It also hosts special ticketed events, which come with fun perks such as shopping discounts, hot pod yoga, and matcha.
Rebel Runners
When: Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays at 6.30pm
How much: Free
This running club puts on multiple runs a week, with 5k or 10k options. On Mondays they meet at The Embankment, Tuesdays at The Village Hotel in Chilwell and Nissi at Mapperley Top, and Thursdays at the Co-op in Mapperley.
facebook.com/rebelrunnersnottingham
Embankment Run Club
When: Wednesdays at 6pm
How much: Free
All of the Embankment Run Club’s events start at the War Memorial Gates and finish at The Embankment pub, where you can enjoy 10% off drinks and 2-4-1 drinks (carb refuel, right?). You can also choose between running a 5k or a 10k.
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