Nottinghamshire Accessible Countryside
Disabled Access, Wheelchair walks, Easy Access, Access for All, Mobility, Walks on Wheels, Miles without Stiles - whatever the term the following is all about accessibility to the countryside and green spaces of Nottinghamshire.
Walks Greenspaces and Countryside
Arboretum Park - Green Flag Award -"The main aim of the design for Arboretum was to take advantage of the landscape setting whilst providing an interlinking network of walkways and socialising areas. As a result over 1010 specimen trees and shrubs were planted along with winding paths and sweeping lawns" "Disability Access, Disabled on Site Parking (available by prior arrangement)" - from the Nottingham City Council website
- Download a leaflet from the Nottingham City Council website
Attenborough Nature Reserve - "With waymarked trails alongside tranquil waters Attenborough provides an ideal place to get some fresh air and connect with nature, just a few miles from Nottingham's city centre." "Wheelchair accessible, Assistance dogs welcome in the Centre" - from the Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust website.
- Download a leaflet from the Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust website
Brierley Forest Park - "A former colliery site Brierley Forest Park has been transformed into a wildlife haven with walks covering over 2 miles. It has footpath, cycling and horse riding networks through a series of plantation woodlands, hay meadows, water bodies, streams and wetland areas." "Café and Visitor Centre, Brierley Waters with 20 fishing platforms (including 2 disabled pegs), car park including disabled spaces" - from the Ashfield District Council website
- Download a leaflet from the Ashfield District Council website
Colwick Country Park - We understand there is good wheelchair access with surfaced paths and accessible gates, the park has "24 acre West Lake 65 acre Main Lake Marina Educational Facilities Wildlife Areas" from the Nottingham City Council website
- Download a walk leaflet from the Nottingham City Council website
Gunthorpe Lock - "A visit to Gunthorpe Lock on the outskirts of Nottingham is a blissful way to spend an afternoon and be sure to pack a picnic if the weather is good. An important river crossing on the River Trent for many years, the first Gunthorpe Bridge was built in 1875. Before this a ferry was the only means of crossing the river here. You can discover more about the lock from the interpretation panel and listening post on site. There's excellent disabled access, with plenty of car parking and a wide towpath." - from the Canal and River Trust website
Highfields Park - "Often confused with the University Park because of its close proximity to Nottingham University Campus. This 21 hectares park is well endowed with magnificent trees, exotic plantings and water features. It also includes on site activities such as a boat hire on the lake, adventure golf, croquet, a children's play area, cafe and a variety of events at the Lakeside Arts Centre." "Disability Access" from the Nottingham City Council website
Newark - River Trent - "A relaxing walk along the River Trent from Newark Castle, suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs." "The walk begins at Newark Castle and then heads down to the river. From here, the walk meanders through the old town and along cobbled streets before joining the river once again." - from the Canal & River Trust website
Newark Castle and Gardens - "This listed 12th century monument is set in beautifully maintained Green Flag winning gardens, with the River Trent flowing beside them. Designed by eminent Victorian landscape architect, H.E. Milner, the Grade II listed gardens were officially opened on 24th May 1889, the day of Queen Victoria’s 70th birthday." "surfaced pathways through the Castle grounds are suitable for wheelchairs" - from the Newark and Sherwood Council website
Sconce and Devon Park - "step back in time by exploring the star-shaped site of the Queen’s Sconce - one of the country's finest remaining earthworks from the 17th century British Civil War. Signs and a trail around the park explain the history of the site. The park has been awarded Green Flag status in recognition of its excellent range of facilities, maintenance standards and opportunities for community involvement." "network of pathways suitable for prams and wheelchairs" - from Newark and Sherwood Council website
Sherwood Forest - "Sherwood Forest visitor centre is an accessible environment for everyone, with accessible parking adjacent to the centre, disabled toilets and a large Changing Places facility which includes a hoist, shower, toilet and changing facilities for the comfort of our disabled users and their carers
We have surfaced trails but some of our pathways do have inclines and may not be suitable for wheelchair users. Please speak to our team at the visitor centre for advice about the best paths to use if you have accessibility needs. We also have a limited number of mobility scooters available for hire. As we have a limited number, booking in advance is preferable. You can check on the availability or book in-person in our retail department, call us on 01623 677 321 or email us at
Vicar Water Country Park - "At the centre of the park is Vicar Pond, a large fishing lake created by the fifth Duke of Portland in the 1870s. In the past the lake has been used for boating and swimming. Today it’s returned to its original use and offers a thriving coarse fishery." "The park has been awarded Green Flag status in recognition of its excellent range of facilities, maintenance standards and opportunities for community involvement. The park is also a designated Local Nature Reserve." "footpaths and cycleways suitable for all abilities including the Sustrans National Route 6 and the Timberland Trail" "The new play area includes a giant zipwire, climbing frames, swings and roundabouts. We’ve added an accessible swing seat for ease of use by all abilities." - from the Newark and Sherwood Council website