Highfields Park, Nottingham: A Vibrant Urban Oasis

A 21-hectare green oasis in Nottingham offering boating, adventure golf, playgrounds, and scenic walks near the University campus.

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Highfields Park is a 21-hectare green oasis in Nottingham, featuring a scenic boating lake, adventure golf, playgrounds, and diverse walking paths. Located near the University of Nottingham, it offers family-friendly amenities including cafes, sports facilities, and beautiful gardens, making it a popular spot for relaxation, recreation, and community events.

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 bloom of the sakura trees near the park entrance.
Book boating activities in advance during weekends and holidays to secure your spot.
Explore the adventure golf and foot golf courses for fun family competitions.
Use the nearby Hockey Centre car park for easier parking and free spaces.
Take time to visit the Lakeside Arts Centre café and gallery for refreshments and cultural events.

Getting There

Bus

Multiple local bus services stop near Highfields Park along University Boulevard, with journey times from Nottingham city centre ranging between 15 and 25 minutes. Buses run frequently throughout the day, but check schedules for evening and weekend service variations. A single bus fare typically costs around £2.50 GBP.
Tram

The Nottingham Express Transit (NET) tram line runs along University Boulevard with stops close to Highfields Park entrances. Trams operate every 7-10 minutes during peak times, with a journey from Nottingham city centre taking about 10 minutes. Tram tickets start at approximately £2.40 GBP for a single adult fare.
Car

Visitors driving to Highfields Park can use the adjacent Hockey Centre car park, which offers free parking and is a short walk from the park. Note that parking within the park itself is limited and can be busy during weekends and events. Allow extra time for parking during peak periods.
Walking

For those nearby, walking to Highfields Park is pleasant and accessible via flat, paved paths from the University of Nottingham campus and surrounding neighborhoods. Walking times vary but expect around 15-30 minutes from central university locations. Paths are suitable for wheelchairs and strollers.

Highfields Park location weather suitability

Any Weather
Clear Skies
Mild Temperatures
Rain / Wet Weather

Discover more about Highfields Park

A Historic and Lush Urban Retreat

Highfields Park spans 21 hectares of beautifully landscaped grounds in the heart of Nottingham, adjacent to the University of Nottingham campus. Originally designed by Joseph Lowe and his son Alfred in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, the park has evolved into a cherished green space that balances natural beauty with recreational facilities. Its mature trees, exotic plantings, and water features create a tranquil environment that invites visitors to unwind and connect with nature.

Engaging Activities for All Ages

The park offers a wealth of activities including an 18-hole adventure golf course and foot golf, combining fun and friendly competition for families and groups. A large playground with climbing frames, swings, and slides caters to children, while the boating lake provides opportunities to hire rowing boats, canoes, kayaks, and katakanus during the warmer months. The lake is open for boating from Easter holidays through October, enhancing the park’s lively summer atmosphere.

Sports and Recreation Facilities

Beyond leisure activities, Highfields Park supports active lifestyles with tennis and basketball courts, open grass areas for ball games, and well-maintained walking and running paths. The Nottingham Croquet Club, established in 1929, meets weekly on lawns near the boating lake, adding a historic sporting tradition to the park’s offerings. Nearby, the Highfields Sports Complex provides extensive facilities for football, rugby, cricket, hockey, and netball, complementing the park’s recreational appeal.

Community and Cultural Connections

The Lakeside Arts Centre, located at the park’s edge, enriches the visitor experience with a pavilion café, gallery, and a diverse program of music, dance, theatre, and family events throughout the year. The park’s pathways and gardens are interwoven with cultural heritage, including restored stonework on bridges and walkways from a recent £4.8 million restoration funded by heritage grants. Visitors can enjoy peaceful picnics, wildlife watching, and seasonal floral displays, including the striking sakura trees that bloom in spring.

Accessibility and Amenities

Highfields Park is accessible via multiple pedestrian entrances and is well-served by local bus routes and tram stops along University Boulevard. The park features paved, flat paths suitable for wheelchairs and strollers, with disability access to the Lakeside Arts Centre and café. Amenities include public restrooms, seating areas, outdoor picnic spots, trash bins, and a defibrillator at the boat house. Dogs are welcome on leads in designated areas, and seasonal concessions such as ice cream vans add to the visitor comfort.

A Dynamic and Family-Friendly Destination

Whether seeking a serene walk around the lake, a lively game of adventure golf, or a day of boating and play, Highfields Park offers a diverse and evolving experience. Its combination of natural beauty, recreational facilities, cultural venues, and community spirit makes it a vital green space cherished by Nottingham residents and visitors alike.

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: A Vibrant Urban Oasis

A brief summary to Highfields Park

Local tips

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

Getting There

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 Historic and Lush Urban Retreat

Engaging Activities for All Ages

Sports and Recreation Facilities

Community and Cultural Connections

Accessibility and Amenities

A Dynamic and Family-Friendly Destination

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