70+ Family Walks in East Midlands

Black Rocks is a weathered outcrop of Ashover grit which can be reached by a short, but steep climb, from the car park. The climb up onto the gritstone outcrop of Black Rocks is rewarded with superb views. Waymarked walks guide you through the Forestry Commission woodlands of Cromford Moor. Beautiful walk, lots of parking, with a little cafe on site too, stunning views across Derbyshire and miles of well signed beautiful walks

 Carsington Water is a large reservoir surrounded by wildflower meadows and native woodlands, ponds and reedbeds. It can take 3 to 4 hours to walk around the whole reservoir. There are plenty of facilities on site such as watersports, cycling and walking paths, a play area, cafe and visitor centre.

The Chesterfield Canal, known locally as the ’Cuckoo Dyke’ is beautifully green and peaceful, with barely a house in sight at the eastern end. It is 46 miles in length with many access points. Turnerwood is a picture-perfect hamlet on the Chesterfield Canal. There are magnificent locks and great walks through peaceful countryside with plenty of wildlife spotting opportunities.

Now a picturesque and relaxing place to go for a countryside walk, Cromford Canal was once a buzzing hub of Derbyshire’s industry. The northern stretch of the canal lies within the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site and is an attractive visitor destination, with five miles to explore along the towpath. Because of the rich diversity of wildlife, the canal is designated as a site of special scientific interest. 

Darley Park is on the banks of the River Derwent. It has a total area of 80 acres and forms the largest part of the Darley Open Spaces. There’s beautiful gardens to walk around with Hydrangea and butterflies. Plus cafe, play areas. There are large open spaces with a couple of paths to follow and wander alongside the River Derwent.

Ilam park to the stepping stones: Discover the limestone countryside of the southern Peak District, famed for its wildlife and geology. This is a popular 1.5 mile walk for families and dog walkers all year round. You can choose to extend your walk by continuing along the valley to Milldale, to see more of the limestone valley. The walk starts at Ilam Park, where you’ll find a National Trust car park, tea-room, shop and toilets. Some parts of the walk can be muddy so suitable footwear is advised. Please click the link above for the full walk. When you get to the stepping stones see how many fossils you can spot in them.

Located in Derbyshire, near to Derby and Nottingham, Elvaston Castle Country Park encompasses approximately 321 acres of open parkland, woodland and more formal historical gardens. Within the estate, structures such as the recently renovated golden gates, Moorish temple and ha-ha wall provide a fascinating glimpse of the past. There is a play area, cafe and a few other facilities.

Foremark is ideal for walkers with a variety of trails which take you along the reservoir,
through the woodland areas down to Carver’s Rocks, a site of special scientific interest. Although there is no circular route around the reservoir there are 4 lovely walking trails for you to enjoy. Ranging from 3/4 mile to over 3 miles. There is also a play area for the kids. Click here for a map. Plus a sailing club and a kiosk for food and drinks on selected days.

This is a large country park on the outskirts of Chesterfield with a beautiful lake, which is home to ducks, swans, coots and Canadian geese, with fishing sites around it. There are play areas for children, cycle paths and footpaths through and around the park. You will find picnic tables at the Linacre road car park and also at the lake and football pitches. The park covers 141 acres.

There is a 3.5 mile walk which gives extensive views. There are fine trees, shrubs, azaleas and rhododendrons, roses, and good autumn tints. The stunning house with Robert Adam’s interiors is also open and a must see. It also houses Lord Curzon’s Eastern museum with many objects from his time as Viceroy of India.

Ladybower Reservoir is a large Y-shaped reservoir in the Upper Derwent Valley, at the heart of the Peak District National Park. Ladybower Reservoir is surrounded by stunning countryside with magnificent views of water, woodland and moorland. The area is a magnet for outdoor-lovers and there many circular walking and cycling routes nearby, plus stunning viewpoints such as Bamford Edge.

Suitable for both big and little legs, you can explore the site using the paths that weave around the reservoirs and through the wooded valley. There are several trails around the 3 Reservoirs at Linacre. The paths are well edged and you can make up any length of walk you like. Part of the trail around the Upper Reservoir crosses the water on a boardwalk – parents with children should take care as it has no railing. In spring, the woods around the Reservoirs are carpeted with bluebells.

Markeaton Park is Derby’s most visited park and is one of the most popular attractions in the East Midlands. The park has many features that mark this history: ancient veteran trees, historic lost roads, old arable field patterns, the 18^th century park and buildings and the remains of a Second World War army camp. Markeaton Park has a number of surfaced paths taking you to the main areas. Why not venture off the beaten track and explore the park on their Parkland and Woodland Walk. Or wander alongside the lake and have a picnic on their Lakeside Walk? 

Follow the Padley Gorge Trail through this stunning wooded valley in the Peak District. The trail runs along the lovely Burbage Brook with its pretty waterfalls, rocky boulders and wooden bridges. You start off at Grindleford Station which you can reach direct from Manchester or Sheffield. The trail is signposted so you can pick it up quite easily. It runs for about 1.5 miles through Yarncliff Wood and then into more open countryside. You can return the same way or head into the beautiful Longshaw Estate to extend your walk.

The Peak Forest Canal is one of Britain’s most scenic waterways, running through magnificent landscape to the edge of the Peak District. It is 15 miles in length with 16 locks. For much of its length, the canal runs alongside the pretty River Goyt. Both the canal and the river are havens for plants and wildlife. You find several places to visit along the canal including the village of Marple with its Oldknow walks and heritage trail. 

Poolsbrook Country Park has something for everyone with miles of walks, woodlands, lakes (great for fishing), meadows, sand play areas for children. cafe, picnic sites and four miles of trails of cycling, horse riding and walking and lakes for angling. The park is home to many forms of wildlife including an impressive range of birds. The park covers 180 acres. There is a caravan park also on site.

Rosliston Forestry Centre is a hidden gem in the heart of The National Forest in South Derbyshire offering lots of activities  for great days out, from quiet walks to action-packed family fun activities. Come and see nature at its best. Rosliston’s mix of woodland and meadow, ponds and play areas offer the perfect playground for visitors of all ages and physical abilities, all year round. Spot the wildlife, join a guided walk or take advantage of our packed programme of events.

The Sett Valley Trail is a 2.5 mile recreational trail for walkers, cyclists and horse riders linking New Mills and Hayfield. It follows a former railway line through outstanding countryside and forms part of the Pennine Bridleway National Trail. At New Mills there is access from the Sett Valley Trail to the dramatic Torrs Riverside Park and to Mousley Bottom via he Millennium Walkway. This is an access for all trail, allowing prams and mobility scooters access from New Mills town centre to Hayfield.

Shipley Country Park is near Derby and Nottingham and offers 700 acres of attractive and varied landscape. Whatever the season, there’s always lots to see and do in the park – walking, cycling, horse riding, bird watching, angling, picnicking, kite flying, jogging, wayfaring, photography, exploring the park and much more. There’s also some superb play areas and an outdoor gym.

Located in the heart of the growing National Forest in Derbyshire, Staunton Harold Reservoir offers a range of attractive walks and leisure activities. Although it is not possible to walk in a circular route around the reservoir, there are a variety of walks from each of the three car parks at Staunton Harold. There are also links with longer trails to Foremark Reservoir, Calke Abbey and various public footpaths. There is also a play area.

Beacon Hill is one of the highest points in Leicestershire and boasts spectacular views of Charnwood Forest and the Soar Valley.  Covering 128ha, the Country Park consists of mixed woodland, grassland, open heathland, wetlands and rocky outcrops.  It has a range of interesting features that await any visitor. The most visible aspects of the management of the Park’s habitats are the grazing sheep, cattle and alpaca that are moved around the site to graze different areas of grassland and heathland. Separate cycle, walking and all-abilities paths around the Country Park ensure access for all users is available.

Bradgate Park was first enclosed as a deer park around 800 years ago. It provides 830 acres of publicly accessible countryside close to Leicester City Centre. The Park offers a wild and rugged landscape with dramatic rocky outcrops and gnarled old oak trees, many of which are well over 500 years old. If you do not fancy exploring the hills, the lower part of the Park is easily accessible, with a tarmac carriage-way running through this area, that is suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. The Visitor Centre is in the heart of the Park, alongside the carriage-way at the Deer Barns, where you will also find one of our two Tearooms. 

Brocks Hill Country Park covers an area of 30 hectares (67 acres) and contains a variety of wildlife habitats including woodlands, wildflower meadows, ponds and a community orchard, all laid out with accessible paths. The site has received a Green Flag award for well managed parks. The country park contains two play areas and a den building area encouraging natural play. Other features at Brocks Hill include sculptures, gardens, an orienteering course around the park, a memorial tree and interpretation regarding the resident wildlife.

For a fascinating family day out in Leicestershire, head to our iconic Foxton Locks. There are flights of locks all over our network – but not like Foxton. It’s home to two amazing feats of engineering in the heart of Leicestershire, on the Grand Union Canal. As well as the longest and steepest staircase locks in the UK, the site is home to the remains of the inclined plane, a magnificent, if slightly weird, piece of Victorian engineering. Why not take some time out to watch boats travel up or down the locks, or take a boat trip yourself.

Open all year round, and great for picnics, woodland walks, cycling and much more. Take a stroll along the towpath of our restored section of the Ashby Canal, discover a variety of wildlife and explore our lime kilns. 36 acres. There is also a museum and you can have a trip on their Narrowboat the “Joseph Wilkes”.

Sence Valley Forest Park is a 60ha country park created by Leicestershire County Council on a former opencast colliery site near Heather. It includes the River Sence and three major lakes, which attract a wide variety of wildfowl. There are surfaced paths which are also suitable for bikes. Explore the mixed forest on our network of trails or test your navigation skills around the wood on one of their orienteering courses. A bird-spotter’s paradise, 150 bird species have been recorded in the area so make sure to stop by the bird hide.

The variety of trails around Thornton allow you to have a gentle stroll or a more energetic walk whilst you take in the beautiful scenery. Peaceful and picturesque, Thorton is a location that offers a wide network of trails and footpaths both around the reservoir and through the woodland areas.

This is a 50 acre park with green space, woodlands, a lake, children’s playground, and a variety of wildlife and nature to spot, just south of Lincoln city centre. There is a lake, woodlands with footpaths and cycle paths. Plus a zip-wire, large green spaces, with bandstand. Children’s play area, bowling green and fountain garden.

Chambers Farm nature reserve is located on the site of a medieval woodland and is well known for its wide range of butterflies. It is spread across 900 acres and has been rated as one of the best Forestry Commission sites in the UK for its insect life. There is so much to see and do, including organised foraging, and many places to walk and relax with family, friends or the dog. Facilities include a small car park, a picnic area, toilets

This chain of flooded clay pits and extensive reed beds along the Humber bank from west of Barton-upon-Humber to New Holland is a legacy of the brick and tile industry. The site comprise the open water of Ness Lake, large areas of reed bed, grassland, hedgerow and scrub. The Visitor Centre has wonderful panoramic views across the reserve and the estuary, along with a gift shop and refreshments. There are three waymarked visitors’ routes and the site is 59 hectares.

You can walk or cycle along the Fossdyke Canal Trail which runs alongside the canal from Lincoln to Saxilby – around 6 miles. It is a a Roman built canal which joins the tidal River Trent to Lincoln’s High Bridge. You can walk as much or as little as you like but it’s one way there one way back. You could visit Burton Waters along the way.

The reserve has one of the few surviving semi-natural wet valley systems, while the Country Park offers mixed woodland walks. This diversity supports a wide range of birds and other wildlife including butterflies and dragonflies. Snipe Dales offers three waymarked trails that can be enjoyed throughout the year. These include the ‘There and Back Trail’ – a one mile linear walk; the ‘Country Park Trail’ – a one and a quarter mile circular walk through the Country Park woodlands; and the ‘Snipe Dales Round’ – a three and a half mile circular walk through the reserve.

Walk, cycle or ride the Spa Trail on 3 miles of flat, surfaced path/bridleway along the mid-section of the old Horncastle to Woodhall Junction railway line and part of the Horncastle Canal. This easy, traffic free route is ideal for wheelchair users and families with young children and pushchairs. This trail, part of the Viking Way long distance footpath, passes through woods and rolling countryside. Sculptures made from wood, stone and metal are scattered along the way, reflecting local wildlife and links with the past.

Attenborough Nature Centre is an award winning visitor and education facility surrounded by the tranquil waters of the beautiful Attenborough Nature Reserve. The Nature Centre houses a host of facilities including meeting rooms, education facilities, interactive displays, a nature shop, and the Café. The Nature Reserve itself is a 226 hectares outdoor site. The full walk around the reserve should take around three hours so a half day visit is ideal with the Nature Centre providing great facilities before and after your walk. Attenborough has 4 bird hides with unique features.

The 650 acres of Bestwood have a richly varied landscape, wildlife and industrial heritage. This serene oasis, now popular with walkers, cyclists and bird-watchers, was once home to one of Britain’s busiest coal mines. There is a play area and the circular walk is 3 miles.

Bramcote Hills Park is approximately 27 hectares in size, comprising a mix of woodland and parkland. It is a focal point for community participation in leisure and recreational activities and is a much appreciated facility for dog walkers, parents with young children and families. There are many key and varied features to the park, including the Holocaust Memorial Garden, the cycle path and extensive areas of mixed woodland and open parkland. Historical features include
the ice-house, the site of the former Bramcote Hills House and the walled garden. Facilities include an exciting play area, trim trail and more. A number of paths lead off to more places to walk.

Enjoy several miles of lovely, waterside walking and cycling in this country park in Nottingham. The park contains two large lakes, a marina, woodland and meadows. The River Trent also runs through the park so there is scope for continuing your walk along the Trent Valley Way walking route. There is also an excellent visitor centre with cycle hire available. 

The Park has been created from the reclaimed land of a former colliery site. The park has been landscaped with woodlands, lakes, and wetland areas. There are 200 acres of public open space to explore on foot, by bike or on horse back. There are four waymarked walking trails, starting from the car park on Hollygate Lane. Yellow Trail is a short route of 3km on a level path, Blue Trail is 4km with some uphill path, Green Trail is 4.75km with several sections of uphill path, and Red Trail is 5.8km and encompasses the two high points within the Park.

Gedling Country Park is 580 acres of open space, footpaths and wildlife for you to enjoy with stunning views over the surrounding area. There are a series of trails to allow you to get round the park easily. They are graded for length and difficulty so you can take anything from a quick stroll with a pushchair to a strenuous workout. Top Hard (Red) – 2.8km long with some steep inclines. High Hazles (Blue) – 1.4km with gentle slopes suitable for wheelchair users. Plus two others.

This nature reserve in Retford has several waymarked walking trails to try. There’s lots to see with waterside walks along several pretty lakes and the River Idle which runs right through the site. The site consists of a beautiful 450ha network of lakes, wetland, grassland and scrub. It is home to a diverse range of wildlife and is recognised as one of the richest birding sites in the region.

The 9 acre Swan Sanctuary is magical and unique.  The shaped contours of parkland encompass 5 beautiful lakes and are planted with an array of shrubs and trees, making every turn of the path a journey of discovery. It is a place of tranquillity with it’s many beautiful places to just sit and let time go by.  It truly is a place of peace and interest at any time of year. Although it’s not a relatively long walk it is a lovely walk and you can spend lots of time feeding the swans and other water birds.

The park is set in beautiful countryside just south of Ruddington. It covers approximately 210 acres. It is an ideal place for many activities, with a network of over 8 kilometres of footpaths. There is also a large play area.

Sherwood Forest, the legendary stomping-ground of Robin Hood, is a 450 acre country park in Nottinghamshire. Managed by an RSPB led consortium in partnership with the County Council, the park is home to the Sherwood Forest National Nature Reserve and is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The forest has 900 veteran oak trees including England’s Tree of the Year 2014, The Major Oak. During holiday periods, there are guides in traditional medieval costumes in the forest, offering information to visitors. There is a Robin Hood-themed play area plus a seasonal train and fun park.

Thoresby Park, within the heart of Nottinghamshire, is a lovely place to visit all year round with a range of attractions for all the family no matter how young or old. The extensive grounds cover over 1000 acres of rich unspoilt English countryside, with a range of facilities and attractions. There are signposted circular walks around the estate that’s accessible to all. Wheelchair and pushchair friendly, the walk takes up to an hour…depending on your pace!  The circular walks takes in the sights and sounds of the estate including the lovely River Meden and St John’s Church in Perlethorpe.

Set around beautiful Rutland Water and covering 4,200 acres of open countryside, the park offers everything from walking and cycling to fishing and watersports. There is also our fantastic nature reserve, managed by the Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust and home to the Rutland Osprey Project. There is also a beach, play areas, mini golf, Bugtopia and more.