Country parks
Your place in the country
Get outdoors, reconnect with nature, and explore the beauty of the changing seasons! Country parks are yours to enjoy. Bring the family and enjoy the space and fresh air of the countryside, leaving the bustle of urban life behind.
Our country parks were set up thirty years ago. Today, they’re used by well over a million people a year, from local residents and school groups to overseas tourists. And there are lots of special events from outdoor theatre to family craft activities. Come and visit us today!
Nottinghamshire County Council manages five country parks. Each one is different:
- Rufford Abbey Country Park
- Sherwood Forest National Nature Reserve
- Bestwood Country Park
- Cotgrave Country Park.
- National Water Sports Centre
Bestwood Winding Engine House
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, Admission and Parking
Our parks are open 364 days a year, seven days a week. Our basic opening hours are 10am to 5pm but times vary a little winter to summer. Check out the exact opening hours of park facilities at our different sites.
Admission to our parks is FREE, but a car parking charge of £3 applies 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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