Nottingham is a wonderfully green city with plenty of areas for meeting with friends, going for a walk, or relaxing with an ice cream on a sunny day... entry to all parks is FREE! Here are some of our favourites:

The Arboretum

Notts city centre's oldest (and most beautiful!) public park space. A historic Grade II listed green flag award winning park with a historic collection of trees, an aviary and pond. The closest park to the city centre and just a few minutes walk away from Igloo Annexe + Pods, or catch the tram at Market Square 1 min from Igloo Hybrid! Throughout the year some great events are hosted here including Bands In The Park, Pagan Pride and the highly recommended Nottingham Green Festival.

Forest Recreation Ground

Most well known as the site of Goose Fair, Forest Recreation Ground has a long history! Once part of Sherwood Forest, it has been used as a site for sports and other recreation for the last 300 years. As well as Goose Fair it also hosts the annual Bonfire Night celebrations, Oktober Fest, fun run events, parades and circuses. You can grab a bite to eat or a slice of cake from Homemade Cafe at The Pavillion too! Read more about the park and it's history HERE. A short walk from Igloo Annexe and Pods or if staying at Hybrid catch the tram from Market Square and get off at 'The Forest'.

Wollaton Hall Park

Now most famous for being the home of Batman in the latest movies, Wollaton Hall Park is an impressive area with botanic gardens, formal gardens, cafe, a lake, forest, the house itself (which is both a historic house and Natural History museum!) and home to around 200 deers. Check out their website with all the info you'll need to visit. Just a short hop over the road from the University of Nottingham too... the NCT 36 bus goes to both (£3.70 day ticket or £2 single, family/group tickets also available).

Woodthorpe Grange Park

A little further out the city centre in the vibrant area of Sherwood sits Woodthorpe Grange Park. The park contains a tropical house, walled and formal gardens, a plant shop, cafe, and a 18 hole pitch & putt golf course. It was once the home of the old Nottingham railway line and elements of it can be spotted all around the park. All the flowers you see around Nottingham are also grown here by the council! Events at the park include a lovely annual Open Day/Grow Your Own weekend usually in May or September, with local producers, gardeners, craft stalls and food stalls focusing on gardening, bee keeping and environmental practises.

Highfields Park

Situated on the site of The University of Nottingham's University Park, Highfields is a beautiful space with a boating lake (amazing in summer!), Lakeside Arts and Theatre, Djanogly Gallery, two cafes, bowls, croquet, stepping stones over the lake, lots of beautiful trees and plants, super friendly (and very chubby) squirrels and other wildlife...beware of the geese! The NCT 34 bus goes directly into the park and if you're a student it's just a £1 for a single journey. The rest of Uni Park is lovely too, rated the most green university in THE WORLD(!) and one of the most attractive campuses in the country.

Bestwood Country Park

Once one of Britain's busiest coal mines, the area has been turned into 650 acres of wildlife loving space. You can explore the rich mining heritage at the old Winding Engine House (open on Saturday's 10am-12pm), visit the lakes, go on varying walks throughout the extensive forests and fields, see the remains of a Japanese garden, or have a bite to eat and a drink at Bestwood Lodge Hotel. Get there on the NCT 89 bus, there is a stop directly opposite Igloo Annexe + Pods reception building, or just a few minutes to Upper Parliament Street from Igloo Hybrid. More about Bestwood Park here.

Victoria Embankment

Not technically a park but a beautiful place for a stroll along the river on a sunny day! Memorial gardens and fountains, home to the annual Riverside Festival at the beginning of August, dragon boat racing championships and is also the new home of Nottingham Carnival. Really close to Trent Bridge Cricket Ground too.

Other Parks and Outdoor Spaces in the Area

Nottingham is home to many green spaces and country parks so if you've exhaused this list here are some more to check out: Attenborough Nature Reserve, Clumber Park, Gedling Country Park, Colwick Park, Arnot Hill Park, Rushcliffe Country Park and of course, Sherwood Forest!