The Best Places to Walk in Nottingham
Nottingham is a great city for walking, with plenty of green spaces and interesting architecture to enjoy. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best places to walk in Nottingham, just for you! One of the best things about walking in Nottingham is that there are routes to suit all abilities. Whether you're looking for a city adventure, a gentle stroll or a more challenging hike, you'll find something to suit you. And if you want to discover some of Nottingham's hidden gems, there are plenty of walks that take you off the beaten track, such as the walking trails winding through the famous Sherwood Forest. So what are you waiting for? Grab your walking boots and enjoy all that Nottingham has to offer!
1. The Nottingham Arboretum (A Nottingham City Walk)
Nottingham Arboretum is a beautiful park in the heart of the city, perfect for a relaxing stroll or a picnic with friends. With over 800 trees, it's also a great place to learn about different species and take in some of Nottingham's rich history. With so much space to run around the little ones will have no trouble entertaining themselves. There are plenty of benches for you to relax on, and the park has won a Green Flag award for its high standards. If you're looking for a peaceful oasis in the middle of the city, Nottingham Arboretum is the perfect place to visit.
- Park
- City Oasis
- Nottingham Arboretum Website
2. Sherwood Forest Walks (A Nottingham Country Walk)
Are you looking for a fun and exciting walk in Nottingham? Look no further than the Sherwood Forest walks, a series of trails fo people of all abilities, so everyone can enjoy the beauty of Nottingham's famous forest! This ancient forest is a protected area full of wildlife, making it the perfect place to take a nature walk or two. And don't forget to keep an eye out for the major oak tree, thought to be over 1000 years old! If you're interested in learning more about the history of Nottingham, then be sure to check out one of the seasonal events that take place in Sherwood Forest. These events include heritage trails and bat walks, which are both great ways to learn about the area's past. And of course, no visit to Nottingham would be complete without digging into the legend of Robin Hood! If you're bringing the kids the visitor centre is teeming with information and useful gadgets for your Robin Hood exploration.
Whether you’re trying to keep the kids quiet, just walking the dog, or looking for a great adventure out in nature, a walk through Sherwood Forest is sure to delight everyone.
Stopping just outside the Visitor Centre, the Sherwood Arrow bus service takes about an hour from Nottingham station. Allowing you a relaxing introduction to the area, the bus follows the route that Robin Hood could well have taken into Nottingham from his home in the forest.
- Woodland
- Historical Site
- Sherwood Forest Website
3. The River Trent Walk (A Nottingham City Walk)
If you're looking for a place to take a peaceful stroll, then a walk along the River Trent might be for you. This picturesque river runs through the heart of Nottingham, and there are plenty of lovely walks to be had along its banks. You'll be able to take in all the sights and sounds of the city as you go, and if you're lucky you might even catch a glimpse of some wildlife at the Attenborough Nature Reserve.
As you meander along the River Trent, you'll also come across Beeston Canal. This historic waterway is well worth exploring, and there's plenty to see and do along the way. There's the 12th century Newark Castle ruins, several pretty locks, watermills, old industrial buildings and historic churches to see too, all making great picnic spots so you can stop for lunch on your walk. Hence, tere's plenty of reasons why the River Trent is on our list of the best places to walk in Nottingham.
- Canal Path
- Stop-Off Points
- River Trent Website
4. Wollaton Hall Gardens and Deer Park (A Nottingham Country Walk)
Wollaton Hall is a stunning mansion in Nottingham, England, surrounded by 500 acres of Deer Park. The park is home to a herd of red deer, making it the perfect place for a nature walk in Nottingham.
Herds of red deer have been roaming the park since the fourteenth century, and today there are over 90 red and 120 fallow deer. In addition to wildlife spotting in the natural beauty of the park, you can also enjoy the extensive botanical garden, the beautifully manicured formal gardens, and the serene lake. There are plenty of beautiful spots for a picnic and Wollaton Hall makes the perfect backdrop to any day out.
There is a regular bus service between Nottingham and the Wollaton Hall Gardens and Deer Park taking just 10 minutes. It’s a five minute stroll from the station, along Maid Marion Street to Upper Parliament Street where you can catch the number 30 bus to the Hall and Deer Park.
- House and Garden
- Historical and Cultural Significance
- Wollaton Hall Gardens and Deer Park Website
5. Highfields Park (A Nottingham City Walk)
If you're looking for a lovely place to take a walk in Nottingham, Highfields Park is a great option. This Grade II listed 121 acre park has plenty of lush green space to explore, it's the perfect place to get some fresh air or let the kids burn off some energy. There are also some great views to be enjoyed from the top of the hill in the park, after which you can enjoy a nice picnic with a great view. If you're feeling energetic, you can even walk all the way around the boating lake. This is a great route for an evening stroll or a morning jog. And if you fancy something a little different, why not try the outdoor gym or tennis courts? There's plenty to keep you and the family entertained at Highfields Park.
Take Maid Marian Way from the train station and walk the five minutes to Angel Row, where you can catch the bus to Highfields Park. The ride is ten minutes and the number 34 bus runs every 20 minutes.
- Park
- Active or Relaxing
- Highfields Park Website
So, there you have it - our list of the five best places to walk in Nottingham. Nottingham is a fantastic place to head out exploring, with so much to see and do your walking shoes might get worn out! Whatever you choose to do you will surely have an amazing adventure, what’s more all of our suggestions are accessible via the Northern Rail network, so you can ditch the stress of traffic and parking and enjoy your day out worry-free. Book your train tickets ahead of time to save up to 65% off!