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Thoresby Park & Courtyard

4.4
·1k reviews·, United Kingdom

A historic park and courtyard offering scenic walks, charming shops, and a vibrant events calendar, from equestrian sports to food festivals.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekends

Artisan markets and events

CrowdMedium
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Thoresby Park & Courtyard - Image 1

Thoresby Park & Courtyard

Best Time

Weekends

Artisan markets and events

CrowdMedium

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic park and courtyard offering scenic walks, charming shops, and a vibrant events calendar, from equestrian sports to food festivals.

4.4
(1k reviews)

"Interesting place for history & a day out with others, plenty of things to see and do, plus it's free!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Parking Fee

Budget around £3 for all-day parking to explore the park and courtyard.

📅 Check Event Schedule

Visit their website to see what's on – markets, festivals, or equestrian events!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Thoresby Park Grounds

Thoresby Park Grounds

Parkland

Vast, scenic parkland perfect for leisurely walks, picnics, and enjoying nature's beauty. Stunning scenery awaits.

Reddit
Thoresby Courtyard

Thoresby Courtyard

Courtyard area

Charming courtyard with shops, a cafe, and often artisan craft stalls. A great spot to relax and refuel.

Reddit+1
Equestrian Events

Equestrian Events

Polo Club & Eventing Grounds

Home to polo and eventing, catch thrilling equestrian competitions and see impressive horses in action.

Instagram+3
Historical Exhibits

Historical Exhibits

Various locations

Discover historical elements like a Ferret scout car and a tank, offering a glimpse into the past.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Free Entry, Pay for Parking

Thoresby Park itself is free to enter, making it a great budget-friendly option for a day out. However, you'll need to pay for parking, typically around £3 for the day. This allows access to the park grounds and walking trails. Reddit

Events & Markets Galore

This venue frequently hosts a variety of events, from Christmas markets and food festivals to equestrian competitions. Check their schedule before visiting to make the most of your trip and avoid disappointment if specific attractions are closed for events. Instagram+3

Best Times

When
Weekends
Why
Artisan markets and events
Crowd
Medium
When
Event days
Why
Exciting competitions
Crowd
High
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Quieter park exploration
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Our Riding Hall tree is up and ready for Winterfest this weekend! 🎄 #ThoresbyPark #countrypark #christmas2025 #christmasmarket #Christmas #christmastree
thoresby.park
16 likes • 411 views

🚗 Parking Fee

Budget around £3 for all-day parking to explore the park and courtyard. Reddit

📅 Check Event Schedule

Visit their website to see what's on – markets, festivals, or equestrian events! Instagram+1

The guys at Thoresby Park Polo Club have done an amazing job training Tikka. So, I thought I'd better start my training, when I call Moose his head pops up & he comes to me. I decided that I'd like Tikka to do the same. Well, it didn't take long. 😂 #polo #poloponies #horseinstagram #bayhorse #polopony #poloplayer #pololife #poloponies #pololifestyle #horse #equestrian #polohorse #polosport #horse...
creatingajoyfulhome
20 likes • 292 views
It’s a big weekend ahead with the @festivaloffooddrink organised by @channell_events and it’s held at Thoresby Park, Nottingham. I’m so excited to be demonstrating two indulgent chocolate recipes. Milk chocolate and malted biscuit frozen mousse and a caramel chocolate cookie sandwich to die for. Plan your weekend now and I hope to see you there on Saturday at 11.30 am and 2.30 pm. #foodandd...
paulyoungchef
92 likes • 2.2K views

☕ Cafe Bites

The cafe offers good food, though some find it a bit pricey. Enjoy a coffee or a meal. Reddit

👟 Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking, so wear comfy shoes for exploring the park. Reddit

Thoresby Park International 🥇🥈 Pretty awesome first international of the year last weekend with Gigi leading 🥇the CCI3*S from start to finish on her 22.7 dressage 👑 and not far behind was Cory finishing in 🥈on his 27.7 dressage, really starting to create a partnership with him 🥰 Gogo wasn’t too far behind either, just outside of the top 10 as I was a few seconds too slow XC with him! Couldn’t be ...
yasmin_ingham_
2.8K likes • 41.9K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Parking Fee

Budget around £3 for all-day parking to explore the park and courtyard. Reddit

📅 Check Event Schedule

Visit their website to see what's on – markets, festivals, or equestrian events! Instagram+1

☕ Cafe Bites

The cafe offers good food, though some find it a bit pricey. Enjoy a coffee or a meal. Reddit

👟 Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking, so wear comfy shoes for exploring the park. Reddit

🛍️ Artisan Stalls

Look out for lovely artisan craft stalls, especially on weekends. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find Thoresby Park an interesting place for history and a day out, appreciating the free entry to the park grounds and the charming courtyard with its shops and cafe. The park's scenic beauty and the occasional artisan markets are highlights, though some reviews mention inconsistent food quality and slightly higher prices at the cafe. Reddit+3

"Very interesting place to visit for history & a day out with others, plenty of things to see and do, Spoke to a gentleman upstairs at the shop. Very friendly guy knows his stuff hope he takes care. Would recommend coming again, plus it's free! Optional to spend at the gift shop or café."

J

"Interesting place did a ghost hunt here once. There is a Ferret scout car and a tank parked up. Nice cafe In courtyard."

David Hopewell

"Had some tri training here. The lake was beautiful though not usually open to swimmers. Stunning scenery, cafe menu looked good though slightly pricey. Cappucino I had was fine. £3 parking for the day. Clean facilities."

Abi Tinker

What People Like

Free park entry
Scenic parkland
Charming courtyard

What People Dislike

Inconsistent food quality
Pricey cafe

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Thoresby Park is located in Nottinghamshire. It's accessible by car, with ample parking available (fee applies). Public transport options might be limited, so checking local bus routes is advisable if you're not driving. Reddit

Yes, there is parking available for visitors. The typical charge is around £3 for the day, which grants access to the park and courtyard areas. Reddit

Dogs are generally welcome in the park grounds, but it's always best to check specific event rules or ask at the courtyard if there are any restrictions, especially during busy market days. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to Thoresby Park itself is free, allowing you to explore the grounds and enjoy the scenery. You only pay for parking. Reddit

While park entry is free, specific events like food festivals or Christmas markets may require separate tickets. It's essential to check the event organizer's website for details and booking information. Instagram+2

The opening hours for the courtyard shops and cafe can vary, especially outside of peak season or on event days. It's recommended to check the official Thoresby Park website or their social media for the most up-to-date information. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can enjoy walks in the park, explore the shops and cafe in the courtyard, and if you're lucky, catch an equestrian event or a special market. There are also historical elements like a tank on display. InstagramReddit+1

Yes, there's a cafe in the courtyard that serves food and drinks. Some visitors have noted the menu can be a bit pricey, but the coffee is generally good. Reddit

The lake at Thoresby Park is beautiful, but it's not typically open for swimming. It's more for scenic enjoyment. Reddit

The courtyard features various shops, often including artisan craft stalls, gift shops, and potentially local produce or specialty items. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The scenic parkland offers beautiful vistas, especially during different seasons. The courtyard architecture also provides charming photo opportunities. Keep an eye out for the historical military vehicles for unique shots. Reddit

Absolutely! If you're visiting during an equestrian event, you'll have plenty of opportunities to capture stunning photos of the horses and riders. Instagram+2

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Thoresby Park is a great spot for families looking for an outdoor adventure. The expansive park grounds offer plenty of space for children to run around and explore. Reddit While the cafe might be a bit pricey, packing a picnic is a fantastic budget-friendly option. Reddit Keep an eye out for special events like Christmas markets, which often have activities that kids will enjoy. Instagram The presence of historical vehicles like a tank can also spark young imaginations. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

The main draw for budget travelers is that entry to Thoresby Park is free. Reddit The primary cost will be the parking fee, usually around £3 for the day. Reddit To save money on food, consider bringing your own picnic to enjoy amidst the scenic parkland. Reddit While the courtyard cafe exists, exploring the park and enjoying the natural beauty is the main attraction and costs nothing extra. Reddit

🏇 Equestrian Enthusiasts

For those passionate about horses, Thoresby Park is a must-visit. It's a hub for polo and eventing, regularly hosting competitions. Instagram+3 Check the schedule to witness thrilling equestrian action and see top-level athletes and their horses. Instagram Even outside of major events, you might catch training sessions, offering a glimpse into the world of equestrian sports. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Equestrian Hub: Polo & Eventing

Thoresby Park is a significant location for equestrian sports, notably hosting polo and eventing competitions. The Thoresby Park Polo Club is active, with videos showcasing training sessions and the ponies' progress. Instagram The park also regularly hosts major eventing events like the Eventing Spring Carnival and the Festival of Eventing, attracting top riders and enthusiasts. Instagram+1 These events offer a dynamic spectacle of horse and rider skill, from dressage to cross-country challenges. Instagram+1

Visitors interested in equestrianism can often witness these high-caliber events firsthand. The atmosphere during competitions is described as vibrant, with the park providing a picturesque backdrop. Instagram It's a fantastic opportunity for spectators to see the dedication and athleticism involved in these disciplines. Remember to check the event calendar to align your visit with these exciting equestrian gatherings. Instagram

Events, Markets, and Culinary Delights

Thoresby Park is a popular venue for a diverse range of events, transforming the grounds into bustling hubs of activity. The Festival of Food & Drink is a recurring highlight, featuring numerous food vendors offering a wide array of cuisines. Instagram+1 Visitors can expect a full day of culinary exploration, from indulgent chocolate desserts to international flavors. Instagram Beyond food, the park hosts seasonal markets, such as Christmas markets, complete with festive decorations like a prominent Christmas tree. Instagram

These events are a major draw, attracting many visitors and creating a lively atmosphere. While the food options are plentiful, some reviews suggest that cafe prices can be a bit on the higher side. Reddit However, the variety and quality of offerings at the festivals, coupled with the scenic park setting, make it a worthwhile experience for foodies and market enthusiasts alike. Instagram Planning your visit around these events can significantly enhance your experience at Thoresby Park. Instagram+1

Exploring the Park and Courtyard

Beyond the events, Thoresby Park offers a more tranquil experience for those seeking a leisurely day out. The park grounds are extensive and provide beautiful scenery, ideal for walking, picnicking, or simply enjoying the open space. Reddit+1 The Thoresby Courtyard serves as a charming focal point, housing various shops and a cafe. Reddit+1 It's a pleasant place to browse for gifts, local crafts, or enjoy a coffee and a bite to eat. Reddit

While the park itself is free to enter, remember that parking incurs a fee, typically around £3 for the day. Reddit This makes it an accessible destination for a relaxed outing. Some visitors have noted that while the staff are friendly, the food quality in the cafe has sometimes been inconsistent, with specific mentions of undercooked chips and burnt teacakes. Reddit Despite this, the overall atmosphere of the park and courtyard, combined with the historical elements like a tank on display, makes it an interesting place to visit. Reddit

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