What are the closest waterfalls to Nottingham? six waterfalls less than an hour from the city

Summer is fast approaching, and many families and friendship groups will be trying to plan a nice day out without driving too far from the city.

The list below includes six stunning waterfalls, some of which are set amongst historic estates and fantastic county parks.

All of the waterfalls listed below are less than an hour’s drive from Nottingham city centre.

Highfields Park

Right next to the University of Nottingham campus, and just 10-minutes from Nottingham city centre, is this stunning cascade.

Highfields Park offers 121 acres of public land including exciting stepping stones across the water.

At the Grade II listed park, you can hire rowing boats, canoes, kayaks and katakanus on the lake. It also has a children’s play area and a cafe.

Newstead Abbey

Just 35-minutes north of Nottingham city centre, in the quaint village of Newstead, you can find this superb waterfall.

The waterfall is on the grounds of the historic Newstead Abbey, which is set upon 300 acres of land housing peacocks, swans and other wildlife.

Please note, there is a £2 entrance fee per person to enter the grounds of Newstead Abbey.

Kingsmill Viaduct

Just outside of the market town of Mansfield, 45-minutes north from Nottingham city centre, you can explore the Kings Mill reservoir and viaduct.

Alongside one of the country’s oldest railway viaducts is a large waterfall, which was created in 1837, when 72 acres of surrounding land flooded.

Belper River Gardens

Just 50-minutes north west of Nottingham city centre, outside the town of Belper, you can explore the Belper River Gardens.

The riverside promenade makes for a beautiful day out, with public toilets, a children’s play area and car parking facilities nearby.

In the summer, you can hire a rowing boat or pedalo to travel up to three-miles down the River Derwent.

Bradgate Park

Forty minutes south of Nottingham city centre, between the villages of Newtown Linford and Cropston, sits Bradgate Park.

The 850-acre country park is home to a picturesque waterfall and around 550 Red and Fallow deer.

You can also take a walk around memorial wood, explore the runs and marvel at the Old John tower. Guided tours are available for the latter two on Wednesday’s and Thursday’s respectively.

Lumsdale Valley

An hour outside of Nottingham city centre, on the edge of the Peak District National Park, you can find Lumsdale Valley.

Lumsdale Valley has an industrial past, and the 2.5 mile route takes you past historic mill ruins to the stunning Lumsdale Falls.

The waterfall itself flows into a rugged gorge, and looks its best after a downpour of rain.

The trail is dog-friendly, but rather steep so it is best that they are kept on leads at all times.