Nottinghamshire, or Notts, is famous for many things – cricket, football, and the River Trent – but apart from that, there are also some fantastic walks and trails around the county, from the big cities down towards the wooded plots and watersides. But what are the best dog-friendly walks in Nottinghamshire?
Find Good Places to Walk Dogs in Noteworthy Nottinghamshire
You’re in luck if you’re hunting down the best dog walks in Nottingham. From Sherwood Forest to the outer reaches of Nottingham itself, there are plenty of pet friendly days out in Nottinghamshire for you to explore at your leisure.
The Best Walks in Nottinghamshire Dogs Absolutely Adore
1. Attenborough Nature Reserve, Attenborough
This wonderful nature reserve is one of the most famous of its kind in the Notts reaches, and yes – it has affiliations with the legendary Sir David Attenborough. Lovingly protected, this is a great pooch-friendly day out and is ideal for anyone looking to spy on local wildlife, too.
2. Newstead Abbey, Newstead
This former Priory offers stunning garden and parkland walks, with 300 acres of parks for you to explore as and when you desire. Do make sure to check which areas of this protected building and surrounding land welcome dogs before you visit, of course! It’s got links to Lord Byron, too.
3. Wollaton Park, Nottingham
Much of Wollaton Hall Park is dog friendly, though do keep an eye on them if you are going anywhere near the deer section of the reserve! This delightful 500-acre plot is nice and easy to stroll around, and backs onto the stunning Wollaton Hall – and a golf club!
4. Belvoir Castle
Belvoir Castle is pretty much charred up when it comes to its exact location, as it nestles nicely between Notts and Leics itself. The marvellous wooded grounds surrounding the castle are ideal for dog lovers, and of course, do make a point to check out the inside when pooch-free.
5. Moorgreen Reservoir
Dog walks near Nottingham don’t come much better than this lovely dog-friendly walk which is actually a bit of a hidden gem for new visitors to Notts. This two-mile waterside walk will take you across woodland trails as well as close to the Colliers Wood Nature Reserve. There are lots to take in here – ideal for covering all walking bases.
Top Rated Woodland Walks in Nottinghamshire with Dogs
1. Brierley Forest Park
Brierley Forest Park remains a very popular family attraction, and yes, there are miles and miles of dog friendly trails and circulars for you to enjoy here, too. Check out the wild thickets and take in that forest air, before breaking at the golf club attached to the site!
2. Clumber Park, Worksop
There are some lovely dog friendly walks to be had at Clumber Park, making it something of an underrated gem. This is a glorious National Trust site that boasts all kinds of trees and blooms, ideal for dog walkers who enjoy spotting flora as much as they do fauna. Its one of the more popular woodland walks in Nottingham and the surrounding area.
3. Blidworth Woods, Blidworth Bottoms
Right at the edge of Sherwood Forest is Blidworth Woods, a pleasant Forestry England site that offers three different trails for you to head down, as well as picnicking facilities. Take care around here, as it is a popular spot for horse riding – don’t let your pets get spooked”
Dog-Friendly Circular Walks in Nottinghamshire You’ll Want to Come Back To
1. Car Colston
The Car Colston Circular is a great little walk that focuses mostly on village scenery within the heart of Notts itself, meaning that if you are keen to take in the quaint English village scenes, you have a lot to look forward to. It’s very flat land all around.
2. Grantham Canal / Cotgrave Country Park
Cotgrave Country Park is well-known for its various trails and for being very dog friendly. There’s even a dog pool here where your pets can cool down! The best circular in the park takes you around the area from Grantham Canal, meaning it drifts slightly cross-county borders into the midlands!
3. Wildwood Trail (Sherwood Forest)
How could we not mention Sherwood Forest? The Wildwood Trail is an adventurous hike, one that stretches for around four miles. It’ll likely take you less than three hours to cover the whole trail. There are bird habitats here as well as plenty of spots that recall the Robin Hood legend.
Notts Country Park Walks Perfect for Pets
1. Shipley Country Park
Shipley Country Park is one of the best-known parkland areas in the midlands, and it shares a border with Notts and Derbyshire. It is a 700-acre park, with varying trails, terrains and landscape spots for you to traverse. It’s really popular with wildlife spotters and sports lovers too.
2. Rushcliffe Country Park
Sometimes referred to as Ruddington Country Park thanks to its location in the Ruddington area, this park spot offers more than 210 acres of lovely land for you and your pet to explore at your own pace. It offers stunning waterside views as well as exciting forest trails for all the family.
3. Bestwood Country Park
Close to Bestwood Village, this country park offers a nice pace of walking for dogs and their owners, crossing miles and miles of countryside vistas. The famous circular here only covers three miles, but what you get within those footsteps really has to be experienced for yourself.
Last Word
Nottinghamshire has a lot of historical importance for many different reasons. It is, of course, home to the legend of Robin Hood, and for many people, it is the heart of English cricket. However, there are also some of the best loved places to dog walk in the midlands for you to enjoy here, meaning if you are looking for a staycation with more than a few different vistas and views for you and your pets to enjoy, you may do well to book a few days away here.
Why not take a lookout at what the pet friendly pubs in Nottinghamshire have to offer, too, if you’re building up a thirst? Notts has lots of famous drinking holes, and what’s more, the county is full of animal lovers.
So – if you are new to the midlands and really want to know more about local legends across Sherwood Forest and beyond, definitely make a beeline for dog friendly Nottinghamshire cottages and all of its great dog walking spots. Dog walking in Nottinghamshire is really easy to get into, and who knows – you might just unearth a few hidden gems in the area that we’ve not listed here. Many of the walks are close to our Nottinghamshire dog friendly hot tub cottage holidays.
Lace-up those walking boots and start planning the perfect Notts escape for you and your pooch – it’s time to mosey on down to the midlands for miles and miles of fun.