Colwick park is a great example of just how quickly you can get from the hustle and bustle of…read moremodern day suburbia, or even inner city living, to some open space and fresh air in beautiful surroundings. The country park is divided into several lakes and also extends far enough to run alongside the River Trent at one of it's boundaries. Intertwined between the water are some well maintained walkways that are gravelled and make walking around the park suitable for many different abilities and ages. There is also a small amount of woodland and walking through this way will bring you out on the other side of the park where the Nottingham Racecourse is found. Parking at Colwick Park is relatively good with a few different areas being made available around the park. One can be accessed directly from Mile End Road, while another is found off the main road and a final one is found by going past the main entrance to the racecourse and following the road round to Colwick Hall entrance. With access completely free to the park it is a great way to enjoy a brisk winters walk or somewhere nice to take the dog for a run.

It is a long time since I have walked round this park. I had forgotten how lovely it is. Do the…read morestudents appreciate it? I walked around the lake and bumped into the tamest, fattest suirrels ever! I wish I'd had my camera - (my sister will now tell me off for not having it!) When you consider how close it is to main roads and a built up area, it is remarkably peaceful and tranquil. You could actually walk a fair few miles as it is also close to Wollaton Park. When I spoke to my son later that evening, he remembered going on the boating lake when he was very young. He's coming back home for a bit soon - maybe he'll take me! xx

Convenient location, beautiful scenery and birds, a haven for dog walkers and photographers! It's…read moreless well-established than Attenborough Nature Reserve as a birdwatching site but it's closer to where I live. It is within easy reach from the popular University of Nottingham, being connected to University Park. Photos will be uploaded.

We were on the way south. Always wanted to have a look at "Rosings Park" from Pride and Prejudice…read more1995. Because the Belton Estate was used as Rosings there. We didn't expect it to be that huge and with gardens and parks of this immense size! The parking lot already was massive, and quite full, but with spaces left in the very back. A nice walk along the trees brought us to the Belton House. Inside there are many rooms to explore, one I remembered even from the TV show, where Lady Catherine de Bourgh and the Bennets often met. Belton House was built between 1685 and 1687 by Sir John Brownlow. For about three centuries until 1984, Belton House was the seat of the Brownlow family. However, the financial difficulties were too great and in 1984 they donated the house, with most of its contents, to the National Trust. It's been used - as mentioned - as a filming location. But also civil weddings can be held here. The gardens and parkland are impressive and go as far as you can see. There's wildlife as well. A shop, café, food stalls. A big playground with games for the kids. There's just something for everybody. Be it to visit the house, to come and play, to have a picnic or just to have a nice walk on the grounds. The gardens in the back you shouldn't miss. Very pretty with a beautiful fountain at its centre. Really a wonderful visit. And dogs are welcome as well (except in the House of course).

Large country house set in beautifully manicured gardens. There's also a tearoom/café and gift…read moreshop. National Trust members gain free admission, otherwise it's £9 for adults to acess the house, garden, park and playground or £7 for the grounds only.

Rushcliffe Country Park is lovely, especially if you have a family. It has some wonderful play…read moreareas for children, which my son loves! Its fantastic for walks and the lake is lovely. The Nottingham Transport Heritage Centre, right next door, holds special events throughout the year. We've been to the Bonfire night and to the Santa train that they orgainse for children at Christmas. We had a great time at both!

Rushcliffe Country Park is a big park where you can find loads to see and do. It is a great place…read moreto see wildlife. There is a lot of grass land where you can sit and have a picnic. There is a play park with lots of different pieces of equipment which is great for children. There is also a skate park. There is a two hectare lake in the park where you can see lots of different ducks, plants and other animals. In the summer lots of great flowers and insects can be seen. Going to the park is a great and free day out. You can park your car for free.

Great place for a walk and a cup of coffee, check their website before you go as they have all…read morekinds of wonderful events on!

Fabulous free day out for all the family, only thing we had to pay for is the car park. We went in…read morethe summer and it was full of people taking walks, having a game of cricket or football. In the summer there are a good number of migratory bird and geese, there were a large number of canadian geese getting a good feed from the kids. ITs nice just to take a walk around the gardens, have a drink in the coffee shop a browes around the gift shops. There were a number of activities over the summer holidays and its a nice place for kid to get active.

What a nice little day trip if you're staying in Nottingham. Walk around the forest where Robin…read moreHood and his gang spent their time. See the old Major Oak where Robin Hood and his Merry Men would hide before they stole from the rich. This tree is about 1000 years old and it's supported by beams. Come check it out!

Could have been so much better. A lovely forest walk, and they've spent a fortune on the shop and…read morecafe, apparently, but apart from the stuff at the shop the only reference to Robin Hood is two statues on a little bridge with Little John and RH himself. A small museum or exhibition would have been welcome. You can find shops and cafes anywhere. And £3 for an ice cream from the van is pushing it. There seemed more to see with the older set up. Not that impressed. Sorry.

Nice running or walking trail for those days when you don't want to go all the way to the…read morecountryside . I have said that the trail starts at Peafield Lane but its actually a circular walk and you could get on and off anywhere you wanted to . If you do the whole thing its 9.54 km . A map can be found at http://www.mapmywalk.com/s/routes/view/run-jog-map/united-kingdom/mansfield/10709456 and a few pictures at http://www.heartofancientsherwood.co.uk/why/geography-of-the-parish/the-maun-valley-trails

Although you can't explore the inside of Elvaston Castle, there's more than enough to keep you busy…read morein the huge grounds. Great for kids as there's lots of different areas - woodland, a lake, adventure playground etc. Take a picnic as the café is less than brilliant.

Elvaston castle is set in beautiful gardens and has everything for a day out. When the weather is…read moregood it is great for a picnic. There are many walks around the grounds and the castle itself has a cafe open during the day. Dont forget the bread to feed the ducks and there are many horses around the grounds also. The castle is not open to the public yet sometimes they do have exhibitions in the lower floor of the castle which are usually advertised locally. A popular park with all the family. You pay for parking as you enter the grounds which is usually £1.50 for all day so very reasonable. As you leave the car park to enter the grounds there is usually an ice cream van! Always a bonus!