Vicar Water Country Park
A serene country park blending natural beauty with industrial heritage, offering walking trails, lakes, and family fun.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful atmosphere
Vicar Water Country Park
Best Time
Peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene country park blending natural beauty with industrial heritage, offering walking trails, lakes, and family fun.
"A beautiful and relaxing place to spend time outdoors, perfect for families and nature lovers."
🍞 Feed the Ducks & Fish
Bring bread for the ducks and carp in the lakes. Donations are appreciated to maintain the park .
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
Paths are mostly tarmac, but some sections go through woods on bark. Road shoes are generally fine .
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.6 · 160 reviews
Type
Parking
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Clipstone Colliery Headstocks
Visible from the park
See the imposing, listed heritage headstocks of the former colliery, a striking reminder of the area's industrial past.
Scenic Lakes and Waterways
Throughout the park
Enjoy tranquil walks alongside picturesque lakes and streams, perfect for quiet contemplation and wildlife spotting.
Parkrun Tourism
Start/Finish area
Join the friendly Saturday morning parkrun for a scenic loop, a great way to explore the park and meet locals.
Wildlife Watching
Various habitats
Keep an eye out for diverse wildlife, including ducks and carp in the water, and various bird species.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Tranquility
Parkrun & Colliery History
+1 The park also has a rich industrial heritage, being built on the former Clipstone Colliery site, with its iconic headstocks visible.Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🍞 Feed the Ducks & Fish
Bring bread for the ducks and carp in the lakes. Donations are appreciated to maintain the park.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
Paths are mostly tarmac, but some sections go through woods on bark. Road shoes are generally fine.
☕ Rumbles Cafe Break
Stop by Rumbles cafe for refreshments and a break. It's dog-friendly and has a children's play area.
🚗 Parking Tips
The main car park can fill up, especially during parkrun. Street parking is available nearby.
Tips
from all over the internet
🍞 Feed the Ducks & Fish
Bring bread for the ducks and carp in the lakes. Donations are appreciated to maintain the park.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
Paths are mostly tarmac, but some sections go through woods on bark. Road shoes are generally fine.
☕ Rumbles Cafe Break
Stop by Rumbles cafe for refreshments and a break. It's dog-friendly and has a children's play area.
🚗 Parking Tips
The main car park can fill up, especially during parkrun. Street parking is available nearby.
📸 Capture the Headstocks
Don't miss the chance to photograph the iconic Clipstone Colliery headstocks, especially during sunrise or sunset.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Vicar Water Country Park is widely praised as a beautiful, relaxing, and well-maintained outdoor space. Visitors highlight its scenic lakes, walking trails, and family-friendly facilities, including a cafe and play area. The park's industrial heritage, marked by the Clipstone Colliery headstocks, adds a unique historical dimension.
"⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Vicar Waters Country Park is a beautiful and relaxing place to spend time outdoors. The park offers lovely walking trails, scenic lakes, and plenty of open space to enjoy nature. It’s perfect for families, dog walkers, or anyone looking for a peaceful day out.
The facilities are well-maintained and clean, making it a comfortable experience for visitors of all ages. The staff and volunteers are friendly and helpful, ensuring the park remains welcoming for everyone. There are also areas for picnics and plenty of spots to simply sit and enjoy the surroundings.
Whether you want to go for a walk, watch the wildlife, or just unwind in a natural setting, Vicar Waters Country Park is a fantastic choice. It’s a hidden gem that’s perfect for a relaxing day in the countryside."
Bert “RCJ”
"Smashing country park with some amazing wildlife. The Rumbles cafe is an excellent place for a break, with a children's play area to the rear.
The tarmac pathway is easily accessible for all.
Don't forget some bread for the ducks & carp fish."
Kevin Baguley
"A donation to park a great idea.So please give generously to keep it this way Lovely relaxed friendly place to walk around marked tracks to walk on we took the longest one."
Graham Larby
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Vicar Water Country Park is located near Clipstone, Nottinghamshire. It's accessible by car, with a main car park available. Public transport options might be limited, so checking local bus routes is advisable if not driving.
Yes, there is a car park. However, it can get busy, particularly on Saturday mornings due to the parkrun. Additional street parking is available a short walk away.
The park has walking trails, and cycling is permitted on some paths. It's also a good starting point for longer cycling routes, like those connecting to Sherwood Pines.
The park features tarmac pathways that are easily accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs, making it a good option for visitors with mobility needs.
The park is situated near towns like Mansfield and Ashfield in Nottinghamshire.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Vicar Water Country Park is generally free. Parking may have a charge, and donations are encouraged to help maintain the park's beauty and facilities.
As an outdoor country park, Vicar Water is typically open from dawn until dusk. Specific facility hours, like the cafe, may vary.
No, parkrun is free to participate in. You just need to register online once and bring your barcode.
Yes, dogs are welcome in Vicar Water Country Park. It's a great place for them to explore, but please ensure they are kept under control and any waste is picked up.
Absolutely! There are plenty of open spaces and designated areas perfect for picnics. Enjoying a meal surrounded by nature is a popular activity here.
📸 📸 Photography
The park offers diverse photographic opportunities, from the serene lakes and waterways
Yes, the park's natural habitats attract various wildlife, including waterfowl on the lakes. Patience and a good zoom lens can yield great results.
One visitor captured aerial views with a drone.
Nature photography, landscape shots, and capturing the industrial heritage are popular. Many visitors also share photos from their parkrun adventures.
Definitely. The combination of water features, woodlands, and the unique colliery structures provides varied and interesting landscape photography subjects.
🎫 🌳 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy walking, jogging, wildlife watching, picnicking, and photography. The park is also home to a popular Saturday parkrun.
Yes, there are marked walking trails of varying lengths, including a longer route that takes you around the park.
Yes, there is a children's play area located behind Rumbles cafe, making it a family-friendly destination.
The park offers clean toilets, a cafe (Rumbles), picnic areas, and a children's play area. It's well-maintained for visitors.
Swimming is generally not permitted in the lakes for safety reasons. The park is primarily for walking and enjoying the scenery.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit