IF you're feeling glum at the thought of going back to work or school next week, there's one sure way to cure the January blues – get out for a stroll in the fresh air.
Notts is blessed with an abundance of beautiful parks, from country estates to venues in the heart of the city.
So don that warm jumper you no doubt got from Santa and head out for a healthy hike this weekend:
Arboretum Park, Waverley Street, Nottingham
The city's oldest park with more than 800 trees, most of which were planted in the 19th century. It maintains its original layout, dating back to 1852, and has lots of walkways and attractions, including an aviary and no less than nine Grade II listed structures. Plus, it's dead easy to get to as it's right next to the tram line.
www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/arboretum
Arnot Hill Park, Arnold
Another lovely old venue dating back to 1792, which has recently undergone a major restoration programme taking it back to its former glory. There have been improvements to the lake, as well as a new skate park, play area, sensory gardens, art trail and tree sculptures.
www.gedling.gov.uk/parksopenspaces
Attenborough Nature Reserve, Barton Lane, Attenborough
Beautiful, award-winning park with a fabulous visitor centre, nature shop and cafe selling home-made, organic food. There are also loads of groups to join, including Wild Kids and Wild Tots, plus you can follow one of the many nature walks or go birdwatching around the lake.
www.attenboroughnaturecentre.co.uk.
Bestwood Country Park, Alexandra Lodge, Northern Drive, Park Road, Bestwood Village
Explore more than 650 acres of historic parkland, with lakes, meadows, ancient oaks and breathtaking landscapes between Arnold and Bestwood.
Don't miss the popular Winding Engine House, the last remaining relic of the former Bestwood Colliery – it's even been designated a Place of Interest by tourist organisation Visit England.
www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/enjoying/countryside
Broxtowe Country Park, Alwyn Road, Broxtowe Estate
Fabulous inner city open space between Aspley, Broxtowe Estate and Nuthall, with lots of woodland plus sports facilities and the great Phoenix Adventure Centre.
www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk
Burntstump Country Park, Burntstump Hill, Arnold
Featuring 22 acres of woodland and park with great pathways around the flora and fauna, plus the rather lovely Burntstump Inn smack in the middle of the site. Winner.
www.gedling.gov.uk/leisure
Cotgrave Country Park, Hollygate Lane, Cotgrave
Explore lovely woodland, with around 5km of paths and cycle trails, at the centre of which is Heron Lake – a popular spot for anglers. Grantham Canal also runs through part of the site, which was established in 2000 on a former colliery.
www.nottscc.gov.uk/enjoying/countryside
Colwick Country Park, Mile End Road, Colwick
Just a stone's throw from the city centre is this idyllic spot, with lake, woodland, meadows and fishing galore. The excellent adventure centre also runs lots of water-based activities to keep adrenalin junkies happy.
www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/colwickCP
Clumber Park, off the A614, near Worksop
One of the most famous of all Notts beauty spots, featuring more acres of parkland, heath and woods. Highlights include the Gothic chapel and the brilliant Walled Kitchen Garden – which offer a wonderful glimpse of the site's past as a major country house estate. Parking is £6.50 and admission to the Walled Kitchen Garden is £3.90 for adults, free for kids.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/clumber-park
Highfields Park, University Boulevard, Nottingham
Right next to the University of Nottingham is this 121-acre park endowed with gorgeous trees, boating lake and sports facilities. A favourite with families because of the rather super play park and the nearby Lakeside Arts Centre, which holds regular performances and events for kids and has a great cafe.
www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/HighfieldsPark
Holme Pierrepont Country Park, Adbolton Lane, Holme Pierrepont
Home to the famous National Water Sports Centre, you won't believe you're only 10 minutes away from the city centre in this beautiful 274-acre park. As well as the unbeatable water facilities – offering all sorts of adventure packages – there's a great family fun park, nature trails, cycling routes, a cafe and a gym.
www.nwscnotts.com
Newstead Abbey, Ravenshead
The atmospheric former home of the poet Lord Byron is a must at this time of year – especially for those with Goth tendencies.
Explore the beautiful landscaped gardens and dramatic lake, or simply take some eerie photos of the gorgeous abbey, which dates back to the 12th century. The grounds are open every day, while the house opens at weekends only. Parking £6, house tours £5 for adults and £4 for kids.
www.newsteadabbey.org.uk
Rufford Abbey Country Park, off the A614, Ollerton
This historic 150-acre site is full of interesting nooks and crannies, with the remains of a medieval monastery, a contemporary craft centre, woodland walks, a children's play village, sculpture trail and lake. And there are regular events all through the year, so watch out for details on these pages.
www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/enjoying/countryside
Rushcliffe Country Park Loughborough Road, Ruddington
Smashing family venue with enormous play park featuring about 20 pieces of modern equipment suitable for kids up to 12 years of age.
There's also plenty of opportunity to spot wildlife walking around eight kilometres of paths, with a skateboard and BMX track nearby.
www.rushcliffe.gov.uk/rushcliffecountrypark
Sherwood Forest Country Park, Edwinstowe
Timeless attraction, which is home to the UK's "tree of the year" the mighty Major Oak, as well as numerous others dating back roughly 800 years. The 450-acre site hosts all sorts of events throughout the year and has a great visitor centre, gift shop, cafés and craft village. Parking is free until the beginning of April.
www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/enjoying/countryside
Sherwood Pines Forest Park, off the B6030, Old Clipstone
Largest woodland open to the public in the East Midlands with great walking and cycling, as well as regular activities for families, including the chance to learn bushcraft skills. Parking £4 per day.
www.forestry.gov.uk/sherwoodpines
Wollaton Hall and Deer Park, Wollaton
Home to the magnificent Elizabethan hall (better known these days as Wayne Manor from the latest Batman movie franchise).
As well as the house, you can visit the Industrial Museum on one of its steaming days, or just walk around the gorgeous lake and have a cuppa in the popular cafe. Job done.
www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk
