Six spring walks in Nottingham: best local trails near me - from Newstead Park to Melton Country Park
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Many of us will be looking forward to getting out and about without having to wrap up with hats and gloves, after spring begins on Monday 20 March.
There are a plethora of Country Parks within an hour of Nottingham city centre, some of which boast amazing wildlife, historic buildings and interesting walking trails.
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Hide AdWe have put together a list of six great walking routes, ranging from two-mile loops around a lake to longer trails through forests.
All of the locations listed below have toilets, children’s play areas and parking facilities on site.
Colwick Country Park
At the side of the River Trent, just 2.5 miles east of Nottingham City Centre, sits Colwick Country Park.
You can do a four mile loop which takes you around the 24 acre West Lake and its neighbouring 65 acre Main Lake, or extend your walk by venturing around the bustling marina.
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Hide AdThe expansive park is home to a plethora of wildlife including butterflies, dragonflies and birds.There is also a toilet and a children’s play area on site.
From April to October each year, you can enjoy open water swimming in the West Lake. However, you do have to book a session on the Whole Health website, and there is a charge.
If you are driving to Colwick Country Park, there are two car parks nearby. There is a free to use car park at the end of Racecourse Road, and a further car park on River Road which has a £2 cash-only charge.
The free Racecourse Road Car Park is just 15 minutes from Nottingham city centre.
Address: Racecourse Rd, Nottingham NG2 4BH
Visit the Colwick Country Park website to find out more
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Hide AdBeacon Hill Country Park
Beacon Hill Country Park is 20 miles south of Nottingham, towards Leicester, and is home to a wide range of plants and animals.
Starting at either the upper or lower car park, you can do a two-mile circular route around the country park - passing The Labyrinth on your way.
However, there are a range of trails which can extend your walking distance for those who are keen.
Much of the country park is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest, and you may spot rare breed pigs, cattle, sheep and alpacas on your adventure.
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Hide AdOn site, there is a toilet, a children’s play area and a cafe which offers both dine-in and takeaway services between 10am and 4pm.
There are two pay and display car parks available; the upper car park on Beacon Road and the lower car park on Breakback Road. Both of which are 35-minutes from Nottingham city centre.
Address: Beacon Rd, Woodhouse Eaves LE12 8SP
Visit the Leicestershire Country Parks website to find out more
Newstead Park
Next to the village of Newstead, you can find the stunning Newstead Park which is home to the 12th century Newstead Abbey.
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Hide AdThe park offers 300 acres of lakes, gardens, parkland and a wonderful cascade. It is also popular for its wildlife, boasting peacocks and swans.
In less than two-miles, you can explore the Japanese Garden, the Rock Garden, the Spanish Garden, Newstead Abbey, the picturesque waterfall and more.
On weekends or during school holidays, you can pay to go inside of the mediaeval Newstead Abbey, or book a walking tour which explores the monastic structure and its gardens.
The site also has a gift shop, a cafe, toilets and a children’s play area.
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Hide AdIt costs £6 to park and for those who aren’t driving, there is still a £2 entry fee per person - which is payable only by card.
Newstead Park is well signposted, and is just 40-minutes from Nottingham city centre.
Address: Newstead Abbey, Ravenshead, Nottinghamshire NG15 9HJ
Visit the Newstead Park website to find out more
Melton Country Park
Melton Country Park is situated on the outskirts of Melton Mowbray, just 20 miles southeast of Nottingham City Centre.
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Hide AdThe 140 acres of open green space is perfect for those looking for a more relaxing stroll. You can do a loop around the lake, starting and finishing in the car park, in less than one hour.
However, you can also take your time and enjoy the dog agility trails, outdoor gym equipment, the children’s play area, the climbing forest, or grab a bite to eat in the cafe.
Within the country park, there is a sentimental Baby Loss Memorial Garden, a Sensory Garden and a Covid Memorial Garden.
The Visitors Centre has disabled access, baby-changing facilities, a cafe, and distributes free poop-scoop bags.
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Hide AdThere are four free car parks available, which are all approximately 35-minutes from Nottingham city centre.
These are located at the end of Wymondham Way accessed off Scalford Road, on Redwood Avenue, Willow Drive and on Doctors Lane.
Address: Wymondham Way, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire LE13 1HP
Visit the Melton Borough Council website to find out more
Sherwood Pines Forest Park
Sherwood Pines, just outside of the market town of Mansfield, is home to the popular Go Ape Sherwood and Clipstone Forest which boasts a number of clearly marked trails and hiking routes for different levels.
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Hide AdOne of the most popular, and the easiest, is the Sherwood Pines Blue Route which is a 7.5 mile long loop. However, there are adjoining paths along the way if you wish to shorten or lengthen your walk.
Clipstone Forest itself is the largest area of woodland in the East Midlands, meaning keen walkers can enjoy much longer and harder routes.
You can camp within Sherwood Pines Forest Park, or stay nearby at the Centre Parcs which is home to a subtropical swimming paradise.
If you are driving to Clipstone Forest, park in the Sherwood Pines Forest Car Park which is 50-minutes from Nottingham city centre - and well sign posted.
Address: Edwinstowe, Mansfield NG21 9JL
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Hide AdVisit the Forestry England website to find out more about Sherwood Pines Forest Park
Rufford Abbey Country Park
Rufford Abbey Country Park, which is just the other side of Center Parcs Sherwood Forest, is also a great spot with lots of history.
The country park is home to the 12th century Rufford Abbey, an expansive woodland, a lake and beautiful gardens.
There is a 2.9 mile circular trail which includes a walk around Rufford Lake which will take you past the historic Rufford Ice House.
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Hide AdWithin the grounds, you will find a pizza van, a tea room, an ice cream parlour and a gift shop, as well as adventure golf, a children’s play area and toilets.
Parking at Rufford Abbey Country Park car park costs £5 (card payments only) and is just a 50-minute drive from Nottingham city centre.
Address: Rufford Abbey Country Park, Ollerton, Nottinghamshire, NG22 9DF
Visit the English Heritage website to find out more about Rufford Abbey Country Park
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