Rushcliffe Country Park: A Lush Haven of Nature and Family Fun

A sprawling 210-acre country park near Nottingham offering nature trails, wildlife habitats, family playgrounds, and tranquil lakeside escapes.

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Rushcliffe Country Park

Rushcliffe Country Park, spanning 210 acres near Ruddington, Nottinghamshire, is a vibrant green space featuring diverse habitats, a large lake, extensive trails, and a popular adventure playground. Established on a former wartime depot, it offers wildlife spotting, cycling, picnicking, and engaging sensory trails, making it ideal for families, nature lovers, and dog walkers alike.

A brief summary to Rushcliffe Country Park

Mere Way, Nottingham, NG11 6JS, GB
+441159215865
Visit website
Duration: 2 to 4 hours
Budget
Outdoor
Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Monday 12 am-12 am
Tuesday 12 am-12 am
Wednesday 12 am-12 am
Thursday 12 am-12 am
Friday 12 am-12 am
Saturday 12 am-12 am
Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

Visit on weekday mornings for fewer crowds and a peaceful experience.
Bring binoculars to enjoy excellent birdwatching around the lake and reed beds.
Explore the woodland sensory trail for an interactive nature experience suitable for all ages.
Parking costs £1.50 for up to 3 hours or £3 for longer stays; consider an annual parking pass if you visit often.
The adventure playground includes accessible equipment, making it great for children with mobility needs.

Getting There

Bus

Local bus services connect Nottingham city centre to nearby stops within a 2-3 km walk to the park; bus journeys typically take 20-30 minutes. Check current timetables as service frequency varies, and note the final approach involves a short walk on minor roads.
Car

Driving from Nottingham city centre takes approximately 15-20 minutes via main roads. Parking is available on-site with fees of £1.50 for up to 3 hours or £3 for longer stays. An annual parking pass is available for frequent visitors. The car park operates from 8 am to 6 pm.
Bicycle

Cyclists can access the park via dedicated cycle routes from Nottingham and Ruddington. The park features bike-friendly paths and bike racks near the visitor centre. Travel time varies but typically ranges from 20 to 40 minutes depending on starting point and route.
Walking

For those staying nearby in Ruddington, walking to the park is feasible within 30-45 minutes over mostly flat terrain. Paths are well-maintained but some woodland trails may be uneven. The park is wheelchair accessible via the main entrances.

Rushcliffe Country Park location weather suitability

Any Weather
Rain / Wet Weather
Clear Skies
Mild Temperatures

Discover more about Rushcliffe Country Park

From Wartime Depot to Thriving Green Space

Rushcliffe Country Park occupies a 210-acre site once used as a Ministry of Defence depot during World War II. After the depot's demolition in the early 1990s, the area was transformed through extensive landscaping, including the planting of nearly 140,000 trees and the creation of a 70,000-square-meter lake. This dramatic reclamation turned a flat, industrial site into a flourishing natural environment. The park officially opened in 1993 and has since matured into a diverse habitat supporting a wide variety of flora and fauna.

Diverse Landscapes and Wildlife Habitats

The park’s varied environments include wildflower meadows, woodlands, grasslands, and reed beds around the lake. These areas provide vital habitats for over 100 species of flowers, numerous grasses, and a rich assortment of wildlife. Birdwatchers can spot species such as skylarks, sparrowhawks, cuckoos, and finches. The reed beds covering two hectares serve as important sanctuaries for birds and insects, while small mammals inhabit the meadows, creating a balanced ecosystem.

Recreational Trails and Family Attractions

Visitors can explore more than eight kilometres of well-maintained footpaths suitable for walking, jogging, and cycling. The trails range from flat lakeside paths accessible to wheelchair users to gentle slopes through woodland. Families are drawn to the large adventure playground featuring around 20 modern pieces of equipment, including swings accessible to less able children and wheelchair users. Additional attractions include a skate park, a pump track for bikes and scooters, and a woodland sensory trail designed to engage all the senses.

Community and Events

Rushcliffe Country Park hosts a variety of annual events such as kite festivals, farmers markets, craft fairs, and charity runs. The visitor centre offers interactive exhibits detailing the park’s history and wildlife, along with educational activities for children. Monthly discovery games encourage young nature enthusiasts to learn about woodland creatures and participate in hands-on outdoor experiences. The park also supports volunteer involvement and community engagement.

Facilities and Accessibility

The park is open year-round with free entry, though parking is charged at a modest fee. Facilities include a visitor centre, accessible toilets including a Changing Places facility, picnic areas, a café, and clean restrooms. The park is dog-friendly with designated on-leash and off-leash areas, ample open fields, and even a dog agility course. Accessibility is a priority, with flat paths around the lake and wheelchair-accessible entrances ensuring inclusivity.

A Peaceful Escape Near Nottingham

Despite its proximity to Nottingham and nearby business parks, Rushcliffe Country Park offers a tranquil retreat into nature. The blend of natural beauty, recreational amenities, and educational opportunities makes it a beloved destination for families, solo visitors, and dog owners. Its Green Flag award status reflects the high standards of maintenance and environmental care upheld by Rushcliffe Borough Council and dedicated volunteers.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Old Trent Bridge

6.0 km

A historic river crossing in Nottingham blending medieval origins with Victorian engineering and enduring local heritage.

Statue of Captain Albert Ball

7.4 km

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

St Nic's Church

7.4 km

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

King Charles I Standard Hill Monument

7.5 km

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

Weekday Cross Monument

7.5 km

Historic heart of Nottingham’s medieval market life, commemorating centuries of trade and community gatherings in the Lace Market district.

Citylife UK

7.6 km

Explore Nottingham with Citylife UK, your trusted travel agency for personalized experiences and local insights.

St Peter's Church, Nottingham

7.6 km

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

The Tokenhouse

7.7 km

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

16 Stoney Street

7.7 km

Discover 16 Stoney Street, a preserved Victorian lace warehouse in Nottingham’s historic Lace Market, echoing the city’s rich industrial heritage.

Right Lion

7.7 km

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

The Hockley Arts Club

7.8 km

Discover Nottingham's vibrant cocktail culture at The Hockley Arts Club, where artistry meets exceptional mixology in a stylish bar setting.

The Left Lion

7.8 km

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

Bunkers Hill

7.8 km

Discover Bunkers Hill, Nottingham's lively pub and restaurant, offering local flavors and a welcoming atmosphere in the heart of the city.

Speakers' Corner

7.8 km

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

Watson Fothergill's Office

7.9 km

Explore the vibrant Gothic Revival office of Watson Fothergill, Nottingham’s iconic Victorian architect, showcasing intricate brickwork and historic homage.

Unmissable attractions to see

NTHC - Nottingham Transport Heritage Centre

0.1 km

Step back in time at Ruddington’s transport museum and heritage railway, where steam trains, vintage buses, and miniature rides bring transport history to life.

NTHC - Nottingham Transport Heritage Centre

Framework Knitters Museum

0.9 km

Authentic Victorian knitting workshops where 400 years of textile heritage comes alive through original machines and immersive social history.

Beeston Lock

5.1 km

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

Nottingham War Memorial Gardens

5.7 km

A serene riverside sanctuary in Nottingham honoring military sacrifice with historic memorials and tranquil gardens.

Attenborough Nature Reserve

6.1 km

Discover serene lakes, rich birdlife, and peaceful trails at Attenborough Nature Reserve, a celebrated wildlife sanctuary near Nottingham.

Highfields Park

6.4 km

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

King's Meadow Nature Reserve

6.5 km

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

Manor Farm Park & Woodlands

6.6 km

Explore rescued animals, expansive play areas, and scenic woodlands at Manor Farm Park & Woodlands—an ideal family day out near Loughborough.

Statue of Honeycomb

6.7 km

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

The University of Nottingham Museum of Archaeology

6.7 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

Nottingham City of Literature

6.7 km

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

Nottingham Beeston Canal (Art

7.1 km

Explore vibrant street art and tranquil waterside views along Nottingham’s Beeston Canal, a unique urban oasis of culture and nature.

Hopkinson

7.1 km

A quirky blend of antiques, vintage treasures, and artisan café culture near Nottingham train station.

Nottingham City Council

7.2 km

Central Nottingham’s modern civic heart, housing the City Council and vital public services in a contemporary landmark opposite the railway station.

Mortimer’s hole

7.3 km

Explore Mortimer’s Hole, a secret medieval tunnel beneath Nottingham Castle steeped in history and mystery.

Historic charm meets casual dining with local craft beers and hearty pub classics in Nottingham’s city centre.

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Crusader Gifts

3.5 km

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

Treat Boutique

3.9 km

A charming independent gift shop in Keyworth, Nottingham, offering stylish, affordable treasures for every occasion in a warm, welcoming setting.

The Little Boutique Co UK Ltd

3.9 km

A stylish ladies’ boutique in Keyworth offering fresh fashion, unique gifts, and warm, personalized service in a charming village setting.

Iguazu Fair Trade Superstore

5.4 km

Discover unique, ethically sourced gifts and homewares that support global artisans at Iguazu Fair Trade Superstore in Nottingham.

Castle Marina Retail Park

6.9 km

Nottingham's go-to retail park for home essentials, pet supplies, and coffee breaks, with free parking and canal-side convenience.

Lulu Brandy Vintage

7.1 km

Discover timeless style and sustainable fashion at Lulu Brandy Vintage, Nottingham’s premier vintage clothing boutique.

Common Choice

7.5 km

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

ChicChoiceHub

7.5 km

Debbie Bryan | Nottingham Lace Market

7.7 km

Discover Nottingham’s heritage through artisan crafts, exquisite lace, and delightful tearoom treats in the heart of the Lace Market.

Crispy wings, killer cocktails, and Lace Market vibes—Bunk delivers Nottingham's boldest bite in a historic street setting.

Your Ultimate Free Travel Guide

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

Rushcliffe Country Park: A Lush Haven of Nature and Family Fun

A brief summary to Rushcliffe Country Park

Local tips

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

Getting There

Bus

Car

Bicycle

Walking

Rushcliffe Country Park location weather suitability

Unlock the Best of Rushcliffe Country Park

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Rushcliffe Country Park

From Wartime Depot to Thriving Green Space

Diverse Landscapes and Wildlife Habitats

Recreational Trails and Family Attractions

Community and Events

Facilities and Accessibility

A Peaceful Escape Near Nottingham

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Old Trent Bridge

Statue of Captain Albert Ball

St Nic's Church

King Charles I Standard Hill Monument

Weekday Cross Monument

Citylife UK

St Peter's Church, Nottingham

The Tokenhouse

16 Stoney Street

Right Lion

The Hockley Arts Club

The Left Lion

Bunkers Hill

Speakers' Corner

Watson Fothergill's Office

Unmissable attractions to see

NTHC - Nottingham Transport Heritage Centre

Framework Knitters Museum

Beeston Lock

Nottingham War Memorial Gardens

Attenborough Nature Reserve

Highfields Park

King's Meadow Nature Reserve

Manor Farm Park & Woodlands

Statue of Honeycomb

The University of Nottingham Museum of Archaeology

Nottingham City of Literature

Nottingham Beeston Canal (Art

Hopkinson

Nottingham City Council

Mortimer’s hole

Essential places to dine

Perkins Bar & Bistro

Restaurant Sat Bains with Rooms

Harvester Wilford Farm Nottingham

Cleaver & Wake

Binks Yard

Fothergills

Iberico World Tapas

World Service Restaurant

The Castle - Pub and Kitchen

Pizzamisú

The Cumin Restaurant

Piccolino Nottingham

ViDa by Lorentes

Hart's Hotel and Kitchen

The Roundhouse Bar & Kitchen

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Crusader Gifts

Treat Boutique

The Little Boutique Co UK Ltd

Iguazu Fair Trade Superstore

Castle Marina Retail Park

Lulu Brandy Vintage

Common Choice

ChicChoiceHub

Garms Nottingham

Stick & Ribbon