Burton Road Jubilee Park

The path winds through scrubland and open grassland just a couple of miles south of Nottingham city centre - and that's the whole point of Burton Road Jubilee Park. It's a nature reserve that feels properly separated from urban sprawl, despite the road noise carrying through from the A60. You'll find wetland areas, woodland edges, and patches of meadow that attract a decent range of birds and butterflies if you time it right.

It's free to wander around, though the reserve doesn't have the manicured feel of a public park. Paths are decent enough, but this is more for people who actually want to spot wildlife rather than those after a scenic stroll with a coffee. Birdwatchers come here. Dog walkers come here. Families looking for a quick nature fix on a weekend come here and find it does the job for an hour or so, though kids might lose interest if they're expecting play equipment.

Worth combining with a stay at one of the nearby caravan parks - Shelford Nurseries is closest at just over two miles away, or you could base yourself at Peacock Lake Glamping a bit further out and use this as a morning walk before moving on to Sherwood Forest or other attractions. Spring and early summer are best if you're keen on seeing migrants and breeding birds. Go mid-week if you can; weekends get busier.