It should come as no surprise that Nottingham, famous for Robin Hood and the legendary Sherwood Forest, is full of green spaces worth exploring. From peaceful city gardens to wide woodlands, there’s a park here for every mood. During my last visits, I carefully picked my favourite parks in and around this beautiful city. Read on to discover the top 5 best parks in Nottingham!
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The Arboretum
Location: Waverly Street
Opened in 1852, the Arboretum is Nottingham’s oldest public park, and it’s easy to see why it’s still so popular. Compact but full of character, it’s perfect for a quiet stroll not too far away from the city centre. The Chinese Bell Tower, surrounded by countless flowerbeds and neatly trimmed bushes, was easily my favourite part of the park. It’s the kind of place where I would love to bring a book and sit on a bench reading away as I enjoy the calm.
Highfields Park
Location: University Blvd
Highfields Park, a little farther from the city centre than the Arboretum, was opened in the 1920s around the large boating lake that remains its heart today. While the large basin is my favourite spot, Highfields Park has plenty to offer, from open lawns to hidden wooded trails. Because the park sits right beside the University of Nottingham’s main campus, you feel a subtle student energy here: students wandering between lectures, playing football in the grass, and even throwing hats in the air on graduation day, as I saw on my last visit. I would recommend this park to anyone searching for a mix of calm greenery and lively city life.
Wollaton Hall & Deer Park
Location: Wollaton Road
Wollaton Hall was used as Wayne Manor in The Dark Knight Rises.
Undoubtedly one of Nottingham’s most popular parks, Wollaton Hall and Deer Park was built in the 16th century as a grand Elizabethan mansion for Sir Francis Willoughby. The hall sits at the centre of the park, while herds of red and fallow deer have roamed the grounds for centuries. On the estate you can explore the city’s Natural History Museum inside the hall, wander through the Nottingham Industrial Museum in the old stable block, stroll around lakes, admire the formal gardens, and, in case you have a sweet tooth as well, stop by the café for a refreshment or piece of cake.
Nottingham War Memorial Gardens
Location: Victoria Embankment
Nottingham War Memorial Gardens was created to commemorate local people who lost their lives during the First and Second World Wars. Sitting beside the River Trent on Victoria Embankment, it combines history with one of the nicest riverside walks in the city. While the memorials are the reason the gardens exist, what I enjoyed most was simply following the Trent and watching boats drift past on the water. If you are looking for a peaceful walk close to the city centre, this is one of Nottingham’s best spots.
Sherwood Forest
Location: Mansfield
Despite being around 18 miles (29 km) north of Nottingham city centre, Sherwood Forest simply had to be included in this list. After all, it is one of the places most closely associated with Nottingham thanks to the legend of Robin Hood. Today, you can explore miles of woodland trails, cycle beneath ancient trees and admire the famous Major Oak, believed to be around 1,000 years old. I could easily spend an entire afternoon wandering here.
Sherwood Forest is one of the top choices for families, with wide woodland trails, cycling routes, picnic areas and the famous Major Oak at its centre.
Bonus: Nottingham General Cemetery
Location: Alfreton Road
I know cemeteries are not usually considered parks, which is why Nottingham General Cemetery did not make my top five. Still, I could not leave it out. Established in 1836, this historic cemetery is the resting place of more than 150,000 people, including servicemen from both World Wars, and one of the most unique green spaces in Nottingham. Overgrown trees, ivy-covered graves and winding paths give it a wonderfully wild feel. I would happily spend hours wandering here during the day, though I would not recommend exploring after nightfall as it gets creepy real fast.
One thing I appreciate about Nottingham is how varied its green spaces are. Each park feels completely different from the next, yet all of them share a welcoming atmosphere that makes you want to stay longer than planned. No matter your mood, there is always a park in Nottingham that fits. And if the weather turns, there is still plenty to explore indoors too, so make sure to check my article on the 5 best museums in Nottingham. There is no shortage of things to discover in this city.
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