Where to go for spring walks around Nottingham
Where to go for spring walks around Nottingham
Make the most of the season by seeing fabulous flowers and wonderful wildlife...
When the weather takes a turn for the better, going for spring walks around Nottingham is a lovely way to take in the scenery that’s blooming this season.
We’ve gathered our favourite places to stretch our legs and see the sights. From places easy to get to from the city centre to locations that show the beauty of the wider county, they all offer much-needed respite from the hustle and bustle.
6 places to go for spring walks around Nottingham
By Eve Smallman
1. Clumber Park
Where: Worksop, S80 3BE
How much: £5pp adult, £2.50pp child
With over 3,500 acres of parkland to meander through, you won’t be short of beauties to discover at Clumber Park. Highlights include ‘miniature cathedral’ The Chapel of St Mary the Virgin, the Grade II listed ornamental bridge with soaring river views, and Lime Tree Avenue filled with a double row of 1,296 trees — the longest of its kind in Europe. The park also sees lots of golden daffodils sprout up in spring.
At the start of the park is the Turning Point Cafe, with hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, savoury snacks, and bakes. Further on, you can choose from dog-friendly Central Bark (we’re obsessed with the name) and Lake Brew which offers takeaway options for a mid-walk pit-stop.
Do if: You want somewhere you can spend the whole day walking through.
2. Newstead Gardens and Park
Where: Newstead, NG15 8NA
How much: Parking £6, on foot £2
Walking around Newstead is such a treat, with sixteen oases to explore around the grounds. The Japanese Oasis is also a must-see, with stepping stones, streams, and bamboo groves. In late spring the bright rhododendrons are especially worth keeping an eye out for. It’s not just flowers that add pizazz to the grounds, though — you might even spot the odd peacock, too.
If you don’t know where to start, you can follow a family trail, which even has a prize at the end if you find all the clues. After you’ve walked, you can also always cool down by entering the historic Abbey, which is an additional £12 for adults and free for children.
Do if: You want to walk in the footsteps of a historic figure — Newstead was poet Lord Byron’s home.
3. Felley Priory Garden
Where: Underwood, NG16 5FJ
How much: £7.50pp
This is more of a place for a gentle stroll than a brisk walk, but it’s a gorgeous location for taking in seasonal blooms. During spring it has a carpet of daffodils in the orchard, which has rare varieties within it that have attracted national attention from the likes of Gardens Illustrated. Along with these, you can take in bright tulips, wonderful magnolias, and a collection of herbaceous peonies and tree peonies.
After you’ve perused its amazing range of plants, you can stop off at the tea room, which has both indoor and outdoor seating. It offers light lunches, cakes, and scones made with locally sourced ingredients, and also caters to gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan diets. This makes it the perfect finishing point for everyone.
Do if: You want a relaxed walk with plenty of visual treats.
4. Colwick Country Park
Where: Nottingham, NG2 4BH
How much: Free
Located just a fifteen-minute drive away from Nottingham is Colwick Country Park, which hosts a remarkable amount of greenery considering how central it is. You can walk around either or both the 24-acre Main Lake and 65-acre West Lake, where many waterfowl swim around and waddle around, too. Parking is free at the end of Racecourse Road and Daleside Road East or even catch the bus from town.
Not sure about walking but still want to get some exercise in? The West Lake is open for bathing from April to October. This is situated right next to Wired on Wheels, which serves up coffees, decadent hot chocolates, and even hot breakfast cobs. Just beyond the Daleside Road East car park is the Starting Gate pub, in case you need some more sustenance.
Do if: You want to escape from the city for a morning or afternoon.
5. Oldmoor Wood
Where: Strelley, NG16 2ST
How much: Free
Bluebells are one of the brightest signs of the season, and Oldmoor Wood has some of the best displays of them in the country during springtime, with English and Spanish bluebells available to enjoy. It has a network of tracks that all weave together to create easily accessible circular walks.
Nearby is the warm and inviting Mulberry Tree Cafe, which offers everything from full English breakfasts to generous quiches, depending on the time of day. It has a walk to the woods starting and ending at the cafe on its site, which you can download on its site.
Do if: You want a walk that’s a breeze to navigate.
6. Attenborough Nature Reserve
Where: Attenborough, NG9 6DY
How much: Free, parking £3
Spot stunning life big and small at Attenborough Nature Reserve, which has over 360 acres of habitat that they nestle in. In the warmer seasons of spring and summer, it attracts lots of beautiful butterflies that visit the wildflowers and dragonflies that roam the water’s edge. An astounding 250 recorded bird species also call it their home and it’s one of the best spots in the UK to see kingfishers, too.
If you don’t want to walk alone, the Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust who run it regularly hosts walks such as Nordic walking, wellbeing walks, and idle adventure walks. By trying one of these, you can meet new people while enjoying the natural environment. Once you’re done, you can enjoy a hot drink at the onsite cafe, which offers outstanding views of lakes.
Do if: You love seeing a variety of wildlife on your walks.