The nights are drawing in, there’s a chill in the air... autumn has well and truly arrived in Nottinghamshire. While there’s lots to lament about the passing of summer, autumn is one of the most beautiful seasons to enjoy time spent in nature. In the words of Albert Camus, autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.
Whether you're wandering amongst the ancient oaks of Sherwood Forest or along Europe’s longest avenue of Lime Trees at Clumber Park, there are plenty of places to enjoy an autumn walk in Nottinghamshire. In this blog, we've picked some of the most spectacular spots to observe the changing season. So dig out your cosiest jumper, pull on your wellies and get ready to embrace the beauty of autumn!
Wollaton Hall and Deer Park
Standing on a natural hill three miles west of Nottingham City Centre, Wollaton Hall is set in five hundred acres of spectacular gardens and parkland. From the grandeur of its gardens to the stillness of its lake, Wollaton’s great outdoors are wonderful for a wander through crisp, crunchy leaves in the autumnal sunshine.
We recommend starting with a wander around the Formal Gardens located at the back of the grand Wollaton Hall. Here you’ll find the Camellia House - the oldest cast-iron-framed glass house in Europe and the only remaining of its kind in this country - where the camellia flowers usually bloom between autumn to late spring. Follow the accessible paths to wander around the lake, or alternatively you can download a site map here and plot your own route.
Keep an eye out for the magnificent herds of red and fallow deer which have roamed the park since the fourteenth century. These wild deer are incredible to see, but during rutting season (September and October) stags are protective of hinds so be mindful and keep a safe distance!

Newstead Abbey
Home to the landscapes which inspired poet Lord Byron, Newstead Abbey is beautiful in autumn. These historic grounds are cultivated into 16 distinct themed gardens, from a formal Rose Garden to a wild garden inspired by Benjamin Disraeli’s romantic novel Venetia. The Japanese Garden, one of the oldest surviving examples in the UK, is especially striking at this time of year, with the Japanese maples and acers resplendent with autumnal colour. There is a circular walking trail which will take you through each of the ‘oases’, or you can enjoy a self-guided walking trail through the grounds.

Sherwood Forest National Nature Reserve
Sherwood Forest is a stunning landscape made famous in the legends of Robin Hood. You can enjoy an autumnal afternoon exploring the forest by following one of the many walking trails here. The Giant's Trail will take you past the mysterious gnarled and hallowed out ancient oaks, the Greenwood Trail has been specially designed to celebrate seasonal change and the Wildwood Trail will take you on a true woodland adventure. The Sherwood Forest Trail Guide is available to collect free from the Tourism Centre, or you can download your own copy to print at home here.
Don't forget to seek out the Major Oak during your visit. Known throughout the world as the secret hiding place of Nottinghamshire's outlaw hero Robin Hood, this is the biggest oak tree in Britain and is thought to be between 800 to 1000 years old!
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Clumber Park
Located in the beautiful Dukeries area of North Nottinghamshire, Clumber Park was home to the Duke of Newcastle for over three centuries. Though the original mansion was demolished in 1938, the pleasure grounds and walled kitchen garden here offer a fascinating insight into its history. At the heart of this expansive National Trust property, there is a superb 87-acre serpentine lake, complete with a 200 year old ornamental stone bridge and gothic revival chapel.
A wander down Lime Tree Avenue is best enjoyed in autumn, as a golden carpet of leaves crunches beneath your feet. You can find a range of recommended walks on the Clumber Park website, ranging from short strolls through the peaceful woodland, to more challenging hikes over the heathland.
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Welbeck Estate Hidden Gem Walk
If indulging in a little comfort food is one of your favourite ways to embrace autumn, the Hidden Gem Walk at Welbeck Estate is for you. This circular walking trail starts and ends beside the multi award-winning Welbeck Farm Shop. Here, you’ll find the internationally acclaimed ‘Stichelton’ blue cheese, made with milk from the estate’s pedigree dairy herd, artisan breads and pastries from the Welbeck Bakehouse, and handcrafted ales from Welbeck Abbey Brewery.
If that’s not enough to tempt you already, the 2.5 mile route will take you through some of Nottingham's most scenic countryside, including the majestic limestone gorge of Creswell Crags and the picturesque village of Holbeck.
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