Millside Dog Park

The path down to Millside is muddy even after dry spells - bring decent boots if you're visiting with the dog. It's a proper working nature reserve on the outskirts of Nottingham, the sort of place locals know about but visitors often miss entirely. The reserve wraps around old gravel workings that have slowly transformed into something genuinely wild. You'll see water voles if you're lucky, kingfishers darting along the channels, and in spring the whole place erupts with wildflowers.

This is best visited with a dog that's comfortable off-lead and doesn't mind muddy water - the name's not ironic. The walking is straightforward, nothing too strenuous, and you can loop around in under an hour or dawdle for twice that. Birdwatchers will find it worthwhile, particularly during migration seasons. Families with small children should manage fine on the main paths, though it's not a manicured park experience.

If you're staying at Boat Lane Caravan Park just down the road, this makes an easy morning jaunt before heading into Nottingham proper. The Southwell Retreat glamping pods are close enough too if you fancy a quieter base. There's no visitor centre or facilities to speak of - come prepared with water and snacks. It's free to access, which feels like a minor miracle these days. The reserve is accessible year-round, though winter can turn it into a bit of a bog. Worth the visit if you appreciate genuine wetland habitat over Instagram-friendly landscaping.