Highfields Park: Nottingham’s Historic Urban Oasis

A historic 21-hectare park in Nottingham offering boating, adventure golf, scenic walks, and family-friendly fun near the university campus.

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Highfields Park

Highfields Park is a 21-hectare green oasis in Nottingham, offering scenic walking paths, a boating lake with boat hire, an 18-hole adventure golf course, playgrounds, and diverse wildlife. Located near the University of Nottingham, it blends historic landscaped gardens with family-friendly recreational facilities, making it a tranquil yet lively destination for all ages.

A brief summary to Highfields Park

University Blvd, Nottingham, Lenton, NG7 2RD, GB
+441159155555
Visit website
Duration: 1 to 4 hours
Budget
Outdoor
Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Monday 8 am-9:15 pm
Tuesday 8 am-9:15 pm
Wednesday 8 am-9:15 pm
Thursday 8 am-9:15 pm
Friday 8 am-9:15 pm
Saturday 9 am-9:15 pm
Sunday 9 am-9:15 pm

Local tips

Visit in spring to enjoy the stunning sakura trees blooming near the park entrance.
Book boating sessions in advance during weekends and holidays to secure your spot on the lake.
Try the adventure golf course for a fun family competition with professional-quality greens.
Use the Lakeside Arts Centre café for refreshments and enjoy outdoor seating overlooking the lake.
Explore the stepping stones near the university campus entrance for a unique photo opportunity.

Getting There

Public Bus

Multiple Nottingham City Transport bus routes serve stops near Highfields Park along University Boulevard, with journey times ranging from 15 to 30 minutes from Nottingham city centre. Buses run frequently throughout the day, with standard adult fares around £2.50–£3.00.
Tram

The Nottingham Express Transit (NET) tram line runs along University Boulevard, with a stop close to Highfields Park. Trams operate every 7–15 minutes, taking approximately 10 minutes from Nottingham city centre. Single fares cost about £2.40.
Car

Visitors arriving by car can park in the adjacent Lakeside Arts Centre parking area or nearby spaces at the Hockey Centre, with free parking available for park users. Parking availability can vary during peak times and weekends.
Walking

From the University of Nottingham campus or nearby neighborhoods such as Lenton, walking to Highfields Park takes 10–20 minutes along flat, paved paths suitable for wheelchairs and strollers.

Highfields Park location weather suitability

Any Weather
Rain / Wet Weather
Clear Skies
Mild Temperatures

Discover more about Highfields Park

A Heritage of Natural Beauty and Landscape Design

Highfields Park is a cherished green space in Nottingham, spanning 21 hectares of meticulously maintained gardens, mature trees, and water features. Originally landscaped in the late 18th and early 19th centuries by Joseph Lowe and his son Alfred, the park reflects a rich heritage of garden design that has been carefully preserved and enhanced through recent restoration efforts. The park’s historic bridges, walkways, and stonework have been restored, and the lake has been de-silted to preserve its natural charm. This historic setting provides a peaceful retreat within the city, where visitors can enjoy the seasonal blooms, including the striking sakura trees near the entrance that burst into color each spring.

Recreational Activities for All Ages

Highfields Park offers a wide range of recreational opportunities suited to families, sports enthusiasts, and nature lovers alike. The centerpiece boating lake invites visitors to hire rowing boats, canoes, kayaks, or katakanus during the warmer months, providing a serene way to experience the park’s aquatic environment. Adjacent to the lake is a newly established 18-hole adventure golf course, popular for family-friendly competition and casual fun. The park also features a large playground equipped with climbing frames, swings, and slides, ensuring younger visitors have ample space to play. For sports lovers, tennis courts, basketball courts, and open grass areas offer space for active pursuits, while the Nottingham Croquet Club, established in 1929, continues to meet on the park’s lawns.

Wildlife and Scenic Surroundings

The park is home to diverse wildlife, including ducks, swans, and other waterfowl that inhabit the boating lake and surrounding water features. Visitors can enjoy tranquil walks along flat, paved paths suitable for wheelchairs and strollers, with plenty of benches and seating areas to pause and take in views of the lake and the iconic University of Nottingham Trent Building overlooking the park. The stepping stones near the university campus entrance provide a charming and slightly adventurous crossing point that is also a favored photo spot.

Facilities and Visitor Comfort

Amenities at Highfields Park include accessible toilets located inside the Lakeside Arts Centre, which also houses the Pavilion Café and Gallery Café offering refreshments and outdoor seating with lake views. The park is dog-friendly with designated on-lead areas, and a defibrillator is available at the boat house for emergencies. Seasonal ice cream concessions operate near the playground, enhancing the family-friendly atmosphere. The park is open daily from early morning until evening, with the boating lake operational from Easter holidays through October. The park’s layout and facilities ensure accessibility and comfort for visitors of all ages and abilities.

Community and Cultural Engagement

Highfields Park is more than a green space; it is a vibrant community hub hosting arts events, workshops, and entertainment programs, particularly at the Lakeside Arts Centre. The park’s ongoing restoration and maintenance are supported by heritage and lottery funding, reflecting its importance as a cultural and natural landmark. The park also offers ranger-led activities and volunteering opportunities, fostering local engagement and stewardship.

Integration with Nottingham’s Urban Landscape

Situated close to the University of Nottingham campus and adjacent to sports facilities such as the Highfields Sports Complex and Nottingham Hockey Centre, Highfields Park forms part of a larger recreational and educational precinct. Its proximity to public transport routes, including bus services and the NET tram line along University Boulevard, makes it easily accessible. The park’s flat terrain and well-maintained paths provide a welcoming environment for walkers, cyclists, and casual visitors seeking a natural escape within the city.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Camellia House

1.8 km

Explore the historical beauty of Camellia House in Nottingham, a landmark showcasing exquisite architecture and serene gardens.

Gazebo

2.0 km

A serene early 19th-century stone pavilion nestled in Wollaton Park, blending heritage charm with tranquil garden beauty.

The Hemlock Stone

2.9 km

Towering sandstone sentinel amid Nottinghamshire woods, blending ancient geology, whispered legends, and sweeping valley views for an effortless nature immersion.

King Charles I Standard Hill Monument

3.2 km

Historic site where King Charles I raised his standard in 1642, igniting the English Civil War and shaping Nottingham’s rich heritage.

Statue of Captain Albert Ball

3.3 km

A striking bronze tribute in Nottingham Castle Gardens honoring WWI flying ace Captain Albert Ball’s valor and legacy.

Cathedral Hall

3.4 km

Pugin's masterpiece: England's grandest post-Reformation Catholic cathedral, where Gothic Revival vision endures.

St Barnabas Cathedral Nottingham

3.4 km

A Gothic Revival masterpiece in the heart of Nottingham, home to centuries of Catholic worship and Pugin’s architectural vision.

St Nic's Church

3.5 km

Medieval survivor rebuilt from Civil War ashes, standing as Nottingham's testament to faith and resilience.

Scale Space Nottingham

3.6 km

Experience collaboration and innovation at Scale Space Nottingham, the premier co-working space in the heart of the city, perfect for entrepreneurs and remote workers.

St Peter's Church, Nottingham

3.7 km

A medieval sanctuary and historic gem in Nottingham’s city centre, blending centuries of architecture and community spirit.

Right Lion

3.7 km

Discover Nottingham’s iconic Right Lion, a historic stone sculpture and beloved meeting point near the Council House in Old Market Square.

The Left Lion

3.8 km

Meet Nottingham’s iconic Left Lion, a historic stone sentinel and beloved city landmark at the heart of Old Market Square.

The Belgrave Rooms

3.8 km

Discover The Belgrave Rooms, Nottingham's premier venue for conferences and weddings, blending elegance and modern amenities for unforgettable events.

Speakers' Corner

3.8 km

Nottingham’s vibrant Speakers' Corner offers a historic platform for free speech, lively debates, and community connection in the heart of the city.

The Tokenhouse

3.8 km

Explore The Tokenhouse in Nottingham for unique gifts and heartfelt treasures that capture the essence of the city.

Unmissable attractions to see

Nottingham City of Literature

0.6 km

A vibrant arts hub blending theatre, galleries, and music set beside a scenic lake in Nottingham’s University Park.

The University of Nottingham Museum of Archaeology

0.7 km

Explore 250,000 years of regional archaeology at the University of Nottingham’s award-winning museum, set within the vibrant Lakeside Arts Centre.

The University of Nottingham Museum of Archaeology

Statue of Honeycomb

1.5 km

A lifesize tribute to Beeston’s bee heritage, this serene beekeeper statue blends nature and urban life on High Road.

Wollaton Park Lake

1.7 km

A tranquil 25-acre lake set within Nottingham’s historic Wollaton Park, offering scenic walks, rich wildlife, and Georgian landscape charm.

Climbing Tree

1.8 km

Adventure and tranquility blend seamlessly at Nottingham’s Climbing Tree, nestled beside the historic Camellia House in scenic Wollaton Park.

King's Meadow Nature Reserve

1.9 km

A vibrant urban nature reserve in Nottingham blending meadows, streams, and woodland for a peaceful wildlife retreat.

Wollaton Hall.

1.9 km

An Elizabethan prodigy house turned natural history museum, Wollaton Hall rises above Nottingham’s parkland with centuries of grandeur and a cinematic legacy as Wayne Manor.

Nottingham Natural History Museum

1.9 km

Explore natural wonders and Elizabethan grandeur at Nottingham’s iconic Wollaton Hall and its captivating Natural History Museum.

Nottingham Industrial Museum

2.0 km

Discover Nottinghamshire’s rich industrial past through working engines, vintage machinery, and engaging exhibits in a historic 17th-century stable block.

Treasure Trove - Nottingham Industrial Museum

2.0 km

Unearth industrial relics and charity gems in Wollaton's historic stables—a hidden trove blending Nottingham's manufacturing past with eclectic finds in an Elizabethan setting.

Treasure Trove - Nottingham Industrial Museum

Wollaton Hall, Gardens and Deer Park

2.2 km

Elizabethan grandeur meets natural history in 500 acres of deer-roamed parkland—the real Wayne Manor.

Beeston Lock

2.4 km

Historic canal lock bypassing the River Trent, blending industrial heritage with tranquil waterside charm in Nottingham.

Walled Garden, Wollaton Park

2.5 km

A beautifully restored historic walled garden offering a peaceful retreat and heritage horticulture within Nottingham’s Wollaton Park.

Wollaton Village Dovecote Museum

2.9 km

Explore a rare Elizabethan dovecote museum in Nottingham, showcasing centuries of rural heritage and architectural charm.

Harrison's Plantation Nature Reserve

2.9 km

A tranquil woodland retreat in Nottingham featuring diverse trees, peaceful ponds, and rich birdlife for immersive nature walks.

Essential places to dine

Miller & Carter Wollaton

1.6 km

Savor 30-day aged steaks from British farms in a warm, intimate steakhouse near Wollaton Park—where butchery expertise meets grilled perfection daily.

Restaurant Sat Bains with Rooms

2.0 km

Two Michelin-starred modern European dining with boutique rooms, blending culinary artistry and warm hospitality in Nottingham.

Harvester Wilford Farm Nottingham

2.4 km

Family-friendly British dining with a famous salad bar and casual atmosphere in Nottingham’s Wilford area.

Mr Man's Restaurant

2.5 km

Spacious Cantonese dining in Wollaton Park offering authentic Chinese flavors and generous portions in a relaxed suburban setting.

Spicy House

Stylish boutique hotel with contemporary comfort and acclaimed dining, set steps from Nottingham Castle in a peaceful city centre courtyard.

Warsaw Diner

3.3 km

Experience hearty American-Polish breakfasts in a lively 1950s-style diner with generous portions and bottomless coffee in Nottingham’s Derby Road.

Discover Eastern elegance on Nottingham's historic Standard Hill at ChicChoiceHub, where oriental treasures meet Civil War legacy in a treasure trove of Asian artistry and crafts.

Common Choice

3.3 km

Curated fashion finds on Nottingham's historic Standard Hill—unique clothing blending trends, quality, and local flair for effortless style.

Happy Sunday Vintage & Antiques

3.3 km

A joyful vintage boutique in Nottingham offering bold fashion, unique antiques, and a welcoming atmosphere for vintage lovers.

Crusader Gifts

3.4 km

Nottingham’s trusted gift shop with fast dispatch, British-made products, and a vast selection for every occasion.

Experience the vibrant spirit of Havana with authentic Cuban cuisine, cocktails, and live Latin music in the heart of Nottingham.

Discover Nottingham's vibrant cocktail culture at The Hockley Arts Club, where innovative drinks and artistic ambiance come together for an unforgettable night out.

Your Ultimate Free Travel Guide

Discover Highfields Park with Evendo, a 100% free app-based travel guide. Explore attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more with ease and convenience.

Highfields Park: Nottingham’s Historic Urban Oasis

A brief summary to Highfields Park

Local tips

For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you

Getting There

Public Bus

Tram

Car

Walking

Highfields Park location weather suitability

Unlock the Best of Highfields Park

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Highfields Park

A Heritage of Natural Beauty and Landscape Design

Recreational Activities for All Ages

Wildlife and Scenic Surroundings

Facilities and Visitor Comfort

Community and Cultural Engagement

Integration with Nottingham’s Urban Landscape

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Camellia House

Gazebo

The Hemlock Stone

King Charles I Standard Hill Monument

Statue of Captain Albert Ball

Cathedral Hall

St Barnabas Cathedral Nottingham

St Nic's Church

Scale Space Nottingham

St Peter's Church, Nottingham

Right Lion

The Left Lion

The Belgrave Rooms

Speakers' Corner

The Tokenhouse

Unmissable attractions to see

Nottingham City of Literature

The University of Nottingham Museum of Archaeology

Statue of Honeycomb

Wollaton Park Lake

Climbing Tree

King's Meadow Nature Reserve

Wollaton Hall.

Nottingham Natural History Museum

Nottingham Industrial Museum

Treasure Trove - Nottingham Industrial Museum

Wollaton Hall, Gardens and Deer Park

Beeston Lock

Walled Garden, Wollaton Park

Wollaton Village Dovecote Museum

Harrison's Plantation Nature Reserve

Essential places to dine

Miller & Carter Wollaton

Restaurant Sat Bains with Rooms

Harvester Wilford Farm Nottingham

Mr Man's Restaurant

Spicy House

BEST FOOD Chinese And Thai Takeaway

Wollaton Pub & Kitchen

Wollaton Fish Bar

Wheelhouse

Admiral Rodney

SUDA Delicatessen & World Kitchen

ZHUG

Alchemilla

Hart's Hotel and Kitchen

Warsaw Diner

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Iguazu Fair Trade Superstore

Aryaan Straps

B & V Thornhill

Rico’s Vape Store Wollaton

Castle Marina Retail Park

Fromno19

Indigo Ladieswear, Gifts & Accessories

Grocery Store & Florist

Catherine’s Exclusive Fashion

Marks and Spencer