Country parks

Your place in the country

Parks and green spaces give everyone the chance to get outdoors, to get active. to reconnect with nature, and to explore the beauties of the changing seasons.

They're a place where children can play safely, and where we can all enjoy time out in relaxing natural surroundings, leaving the stress and bustle of urban life behind.

Photo: Pete Jenkins

Our country parks were set up nearly thirty years ago, to help people enjoy the countryside. Today, they’re used by well over a million people per year, from local residents and school groups to overseas tourists. Come and visit us today!

Nottinghamshire County Council manages four large country parks, each with its own unique character:

• Rufford Abbey Country Park
• Sherwood Forest National Nature Reserve
• Bestwood Country Park
• Cotgrave Country Park.

Getting there

All our country parks can be reached by bus, so why not leave the car at home and plan your journey by public transport.

Opening hours etc

Our parks are open 364 days a year, seven days a week. Check out opening hours of park facilities and information on our car parks.

Admission is free, with just a small car parking charge at Rufford and Sherwood Forest National Nature Reserve during peak season.

Do you have limited mobility? Take a look at information for disabled visitors and wheelchair users.

Dogs are welcome in our parks, but please keep them on a lead.

Sorry, cyclling isn't allowed at Rufford Abbey or Sherwood Forest National Nature Reserve. We provide bike racks so you can park up and enjoy them on foot. But there are cycle tracks at both Bestwood and Cotgrave Country Parks.

Other parks in Nottinghamshire

For information about visiting Newstead Abbey, Wollaton Hall and other parks managed by Nottingham City Council, go to their website: www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk.

Clumber Park is managed by the National Trust, and Sherwood Pines Forest Park is run by the Forestry Commission.

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