Bestwood Country Park
650 acres of reclaimed colliery land transformed into woodlands, lakes, and wildlife habitats, featuring a historic Victorian winding engine.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Enjoy fresh air before crowds
Bestwood Country Park
Best Time
Enjoy fresh air before crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
650 acres of reclaimed colliery land transformed into woodlands, lakes, and wildlife habitats, featuring a historic Victorian winding engine.
"A great place to visit if you're after a proper woodland walk with beautiful nature and great views."
🚶♀️ Embrace the Trails
Venture off main paths for quieter spots and discover hidden gems within the park's extensive woodland.
🚗 Free Parking Available
Ample free parking is available in the main car park, making your visit convenient and cost-free.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Victorian Winding Engine
Bestwood Colliery
Step back in time at this historic Victorian winding engine, a fascinating relic of the area's industrial past.
Mill Lakes Wildlife
Near Mill Lakes
Spot diverse wildlife like muntjac deer, pheasants, and kestrels in this serene lakeside environment.
Woodland Trails
Throughout the park
Explore a mix of easy gravel paths and more challenging woodland routes for an immersive nature experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Outdoors
Accessibility & Terrain
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Embrace the Trails
Venture off main paths for quieter spots and discover hidden gems within the park's extensive woodland.
🚗 Free Parking Available
Ample free parking is available in the main car park, making your visit convenient and cost-free.
From city centre anyone know a quick way to some kinda forest area or general country?
👟 Be Prepared for Hills
Some routes, especially for parkrun, feature significant hills. Wear appropriate footwear for varied terrain.
🐶 Bring Your Own Bags
While a great spot for dogs, there's a noted lack of bins for dog waste, so bring your own bags.
Anyone know of any great 'trip' spots (🍄) in Sherwood Forest or other natural Notts area?
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Embrace the Trails
Venture off main paths for quieter spots and discover hidden gems within the park's extensive woodland.
🚗 Free Parking Available
Ample free parking is available in the main car park, making your visit convenient and cost-free.
👟 Be Prepared for Hills
Some routes, especially for parkrun, feature significant hills. Wear appropriate footwear for varied terrain.
🐶 Bring Your Own Bags
While a great spot for dogs, there's a noted lack of bins for dog waste, so bring your own bags.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Bestwood Country Park for its abundant fresh air, open spaces, and opportunities for wildlife spotting, making it an ideal place to unwind. The free parking and accessible bus routes are also highlighted as positives. Some note that certain paths can be steep and the playground is better suited for older children, with a lack of bins being a minor inconvenience.
"Fresh air and open spaces, people actually stop and talk to each other. We had a great few hours here today. My grandson loved the fact that we saw a munk jack deer, a cock pheasant and a kestrel. I would recommend this park to help you completely unwind and shake that city dust from your hair!"
Don B
"Visited here for the Saturday morning 9am parkrun. There was plenty of free parking in the main carpark at 8:40. Its a fairly well attended event and well marshalled. The route has 2 big hills, which are not for the faint hearted, however the paths are wide enough to pass if needed. Overall a great venue with good views near the end."
Paul
"Parking - Free parking no charges or tickets needed
Commuting - notts connect buses run right next to the entrance
Playground - Good quality but more suited to ages 6-16
Walk - the walk from the main entrance to the playground is nice but also becomes a small hike up the hill, the nature is beautiful and it is nice, to get back if you go down towards the toilets it will take you to the main road and will take around 15-20 minutes walk.
Overall - it’s a great place to go just needs to be more suitable for younger ages."
Unknown Person
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Bestwood Country Park via the Notts Connect buses that run right next to the entrance. For a more direct route to quieter areas, consider the 141 bus to Bestwood Village and explore the surrounding woods.
Yes, there is plenty of free parking available in the main car park, which can accommodate around 50 vehicles. +1
Cycling is permitted on many of the park's paths, offering a great way to cover more ground and enjoy the scenery. Check local signage for any restricted areas.
Yes, Notts Connect buses stop near the park entrance, making it accessible for those relying on public transport.
To find quieter corners, hike down some of the smaller trails or explore areas away from the main entrance and playground.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Bestwood Country Park is free. There are no charges or tickets required for general admission.
Parking at Bestwood Country Park is completely free, with no charges or tickets needed for the main car park.
The park hosts a popular Saturday morning parkrun at 9 am. Keep an eye on local listings for other potential community events or guided walks.
As an open country park, Bestwood is generally accessible during daylight hours. Specific facilities like the colliery museum may have separate operating times.
While official guided tours might not be regularly scheduled, you can often find information about local nature walks or historical tours through Nottinghamshire wildlife trusts or heritage groups.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The park offers a mix of easy gravel paths and more adventurous, thicker woodland trails. Be aware that some areas can be quite steep, so it's not ideal for those with mobility issues.
Yes, there are easy gravel paths suitable for most visitors, as well as more challenging, steeper woodland trails for those seeking a more adventurous hike.
Visitors have reported seeing muntjac deer, cock pheasants, and kestrels. The park's diverse habitats support a variety of local wildlife.
Yes, there is a playground that is generally considered good quality, though it's more suited for children aged 6-16.
You can walk a short distance from the main park to Mill Lakes where you can paddle. Swimming is generally not advised due to safety and ecological reasons.
📸 📸 Photography
The Victorian winding engine offers unique industrial photography opportunities. The open spaces provide great views, and the woodland trails are perfect for capturing nature and wildlife.
Yes, with reported sightings of deer, pheasants, and kestrels, it's a good location for wildlife photography, especially if you're patient and have the right equipment.
Early mornings and late afternoons often provide the best light for photography, creating beautiful golden hour shots, especially in the open spaces and along the lake edges.
Drone usage is typically restricted in country parks to protect wildlife and ensure visitor safety. It's best to check with the park management or local authorities before flying a drone.
Yes, the historic Victorian winding engine is a key feature and a popular subject for photography. Ensure you respect any signage regarding access to the colliery museum area.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider sticking to the wider, flatter paths for easier navigation with strollers or very young children. The walk from the main entrance to the playground can become a small hike up a hill, so be prepared. Bringing snacks and drinks is recommended, and while there are toilets, remember to bring your own dog waste bags if you're visiting with pets.
🚶♀️ Active Explorers & Hikers
Experienced hikers can spend hours exploring the 650 acres, discovering hidden corners and enjoying the diverse landscapes. The reclaimed colliery site offers a unique historical element to your trek, while the woodlands and lakes provide beautiful natural scenery. Be sure to wear sturdy footwear and carry water, especially if planning a longer excursion.
🐶 Dog Owners
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Historic Colliery
Adjacent to the winding engine, the area around the Bestwood Colliery is a point of interest for those fascinated by industrial archaeology. Exploring this section allows you to connect with the park's roots and understand the reclamation efforts that have made it the beautiful country park it is today. It's a stark contrast to the natural beauty found elsewhere in the park, offering a layered experience for visitors.
Wildlife Spotting and Nature Walks
The park offers a range of walking trails, from easy gravel paths to more challenging woodland routes. These trails allow for immersive nature experiences, whether you're looking for a gentle stroll or a more vigorous hike. The Mill Lakes area is particularly noted for its scenic beauty and opportunities to observe waterfowl and other lakeside creatures. Remember to tread lightly and respect the natural environment to ensure these species continue to thrive.
The Parkrun Experience
The parkrun route is known for its two significant hills, which offer a good challenge for runners of all levels. While demanding, the paths are wide enough to allow for overtaking if needed. The effort is rewarded with great views, particularly near the end of the course. It's a fantastic way to get an energetic start to your weekend and experience the park's terrain firsthand.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit