15 magical places that prove Nottinghamshire is one of the UK's most beautiful counties
Nottinghamshire is packed with natural beauty and historic charm, and these top spots showcase the county at its finest.
From peaceful wetlands to grand estates, there’s something for everyone.
Clumber Park stands out with its sweeping grounds, vast lake, and miles of walking trails framed by towering lime trees. It’s a perfect spot to cycle, explore, or just breathe deep.
Thoresby Hall brings elegance and history together, offering luxury within reach of Sherwood Forest, with spa days, woodland strolls, and old-world architecture.
King's Mill Reservoir is home to the Mill Adventure Base, offering sailing and climbing activities. This is one of three Nottinghamshire adventure bases, with the other two at Holme Pierrepont (Lakeside) and Worksop (Sandhill), all of which are available for people aged 11–19. The sailing club has used the reservoir since 1959. Kings Mill received its name from a mill on the north-east of the reservoir, once owned by John Cockle and his wife, who gave Henry II of England a night's lodgings and breakfast during his reign. It also offers a good scenic walk. Credit:
Nottingham World
Rufford Abbey combines the ruins of a medieval monastery with tranquil gardens and scenic walks, while Bestwood Country Park delivers forest paths and panoramic views, steeped in royal hunting heritage.
Whether you’re after history, wildlife, or just a beautiful walk, these destinations highlight the very best of Nottinghamshire — rich in scenery, full of character, and perfect for day trips or long weekends.
Why not plan a day out to one of these great places.
Pleasley Pit Country Park is a reclaimed colliery site and local nature reserve. It's a great place to see many different birds, wildflowers and insects. Credit:
Nottingham World
A legend in the making for over 1,000 years, Sherwood Forest is a unique habitat for wildlife and a magical destination for over 350,000 visitors. Whether you want to get back to nature with a long walk or learn about the legendary figure, you will find something for everyone here. Credit:
Nottingham World
Teversal Trails is part of the Ashfield Trails Network. It offers a circular route on former railway lines on the Nottinghamshire/Derbyshire border as well as two sites of special scientific interest (SSSIs) and five sites of importance for nature conservation. Credit:
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Vicar Water country park is just to the south of Clipstone village. It has been created on the site of a former colliery, transforming this former industrial site into a heathland, woodland and grassland, offering spectacular view and brilliant woodland walks. Credit:
Nottingham World
Thoresby Hall is a magnificent Grade I listed stately house. Historic features include a vaulted Great Hall, carved wooden fireplaces, historic lounges and a library. The hall is surrounded by 50 acres of Grade I-listed gardens within the Thoresby estate, with a picturesque river, paths and cricket field. Credit:
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Rufford Abbey is a country estate two miles south of Ollerton. Originally a Cistercian abbey, it was converted to a country house in the 16th century after King Henry VIII's dissolution of the monasteries. Part of the house was demolished in the 20th century, but the remains, standing in 150 acres of park and woodland, are open to the public as Rufford Country Park. Part of the park is a local nature reserve. Credit:
Nottingham World
Clumber Park was the seat of the Pelham-Clintons, Dukes of Newcastle, was purchased by the National Trust in 1946. It is listed Grade I on the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens.The main house was demolished in 1938 after damage by several fires. The nearby Grade I listed chapel in Gothic Revival style and a four-acre walled kitchen garden still survive. Credit:
Nottingham World
Newstead Abbey was formerly an Augustinian priory. Converted to a domestic home following the Dissolution of the Monasteries, it is now best known as the ancestral home of Lord Byron. The priory of St. Mary of Newstead, a house of Augustinian Canons, was founded by King Henry II of England about the year 1170, as one of many penances he paid following the murder of Thomas Becket. Contrary to its current name, Newstead was never an abbey - it was a priory. Credit:
Nottingham World
Bestwood Country Park was a hunting estate owned by the Crown from the medieval period until the 17th century, when King Charles II gave it to his mistress, Nell Gwyn, and their son. Now it remains a very popular place with locals looking to enjoy fresh air and great scenic views. Credit:
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Attenborough Nature Reserve was established in 1966 and was opened by Sir David Attenborough. This much loved, nationally important site is best known for its birds with over 250 species recorded, but also provides a home for hundreds of species of plant and insects. It is cited as one of the best places in the UK to see kingfisher and is also home to rare wildlife including bitterns and otters. Credit:
Nottingham World
Highfields Park is Grade II listed park providing 121 acres (49 ha) of public space. The site, originally part of the Highfields Estate, belonged to Joseph Lowe who along with his son Alfred, developed the site in the late 18th century and were responsible for much of the landscaping that is visible today. Credit:
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The town of Newark. In the English Civil War, it was besieged by Parliamentary forces and relieved by Royalist forces under Prince Rupert. Newark has a marketplace lined with many historical buildings and one of its most notable landmarks is St Mary Magdalene church with its towering spire at 232 feet (71m) high and the highest structure in the town. It also offers excellent dining and walks along the river. Credit:
Nottingham World
Wollaton Hall is a stunning Grade I-listed Elizabethan mansion set in 500 acres of natural parkland. It is the perfect place to just enjoy a picnic, go for a scenic walk and spend quality time with those who matter. Credit:
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At the side of the River Trent, just 2.5 miles east of Nottingham city centre, sits Colwick Country Park. You can do a four mile loop which takes you around the 24 acre West Lake and its neighbouring 65 acre Main Lake, or extend your walk by venturing around the bustling marina. The expansive park is home to a plethora of wildlife including butterflies, dragonflies and birds.There is also a toilet and a children’s play area on site. Credit:
Nottingham World
