Bestwood Country Park

Spur of the minute visit but so glad we went. The Winding House was closed due to Covid but that didn’t bother us. We can visit again. The walks were lovely, varied and great views. The nature side meant I kept stopping to take photos! Then the buildings and history of the area was fascinating. Finished with coffee on the terrace. Afternoon tea would have been lovely but we had had a good lunch!
Definitely go back when I visit friends again

Please please be careful letting your dogs in mill lake.my dog drowned in there yesterday.he was such a strong boy and it happened so quick.would hate to think someone else had to go through what we are

This, in spite being in Bestwood, is actually a really enjoyable place to come and get away from it all whilst taking in a lovely woodland walk.

We came here one Sunday for some relaxation, exercise and peace and quiet and by and large found all of these at Bestwood Country Park. The park itself is quite extensive (650 acres) and consists of a wide range of landscapes where once stood one of Britain’s busiest and most productive coal mines.

The woodland walks are lovely, especially in autumn when the colours of the trees are at their most vibrant. Most of the footpaths are well defined and there are signposts to stop one getting totally lost. Through walking around this park you will eventually find the Headstocks and Dynamo House, a beautifully preserved testament to Bestwood’s mining history that offers great photo opportunities (and a café that is occasionally open) that sits alongside a long winding path that goes up to the top of a large green hill (a former slag heap that has been reclaimed) and, if you’re fit enough to get to the top (and I barely made it) offers panoramic views over Nottingham. Up here a quick turn of the head can take you from clear views over the Trent Valley, with Wollaton Hall and Ratcliffe-on-Soar Power Station offering points of reference, to Kimberley with its Swingate Water Tower sticking up into the sky, and Hucknall with its large Rolls Royce hangars and glow of suburbia. A turn to 180° will give you views of the City of Nottingham, Clifton etc.

There are so many things to see at Bestwood Country Park, including habitats such as heath, wetland, ponds, grassland and woodland. The paths are well maintained (except on the grassland where sometimes these can be a bit muddy after rainfall) and as I have said already, the signposting is good.

In addition to all of this, you occasionally stumble across some hidden gem, like the horse riding/stables area near to the headstocks and Dynamo House. Whilst this is completely independent from the park, they do have a small catering van on site that is very, very welcome to weary walkers such as myself on a cold autumn/winter day. Another gem is the Alexandra Lodge, a mid to late 19th century lodge house that, whilst appearing to serve no purpose at the moment, acts indirectly as a beautiful gateway to the lower reaches of the park, on the path to the old Bestwood Village.

I am keen to come here on a warm, summer’s day. I imagine it will be equally beautiful, but for different reasons. It might also be a lot busier, and that could be irritating to someone like me who enjoys peace and quiet, but we will have to wait and see. I advise anyone, no matter what your tastes, to try this place out for size.

Massive park, with trails for bikes, horses and people. Fabulous views across Nottingham towards Mansfield and the M1.

Very steep hills in parts and tracks often pitted Im places so maybe difficult for mobility access.

Car parks at Bestwood village off Moor Road and at Arnold off Bestwood Park Drive.
Good variety of terrain, open moor, woodland and agricultural so the same range of bird and mammalian life.
Few facilities, although there is a toilet block near the campsite.

Dicided to start jogging in the 1st lockdown, couldn't believe I'd never been before, beautiful scenery. Lovely walks runs, Casual strolls, a lot of dog walkers too.
Just perfect, will definitely be using this in the future.

Nice place to walk with family, friends and dogs. Well maintained and lovely park, good place to ride bikes too.

Over the years this woodland has matured and has become a great place that is free of charge for all kinds of leisure activities.Lots of walkers, horse riding and cyclists. Do be careful of the cyclists - some seem to think they have exclusive rights of way!
Dogs are welcome here too but be careful with leads, horses and other dogs etc.
The old colliery is worth a visit as is the cafe at the side.
There's some good walking routes that are generally well sign posted and near the colliery there're some pictures of old colliery things like snap tins!
We walked the dog all evening and she was exhausted! A great time.

If you want to get some exercise and fresh air then this is an ideal place to visit. Be warned though, the Horse trail will challenge you as it climbs up the hill. But then you get magnificent views of the surrounding area and you can see for miles. Do remember to bring drinks with you, On a sunny day you really do need to keep well hydrated.

Easily accessible by road or tram, Bestwood is one of Nottingham's finest parks. Gently undulating landscapes including the mill ponds and the river Leen. Very popular with dog walkers and day trippers alike. Paths are well-maintained and mostly wheelchair accessible. Highly recommended.

I like walking there or go biking at early morning, quiet peaceful and nice.good place for picnic too.