When it comes to luxury travel, we have a habit of looking beyond the shores of our own country. It’s natural to see foreign countries and environments as exotic which naturally creates an air of curiosity and indulgence. One of the aspects of the environment that tends to amplify a place’s sense of luxury is its natural beauty and views.
It’s human nature to appreciate nature, particularly when it is unbound and free to do as it pleases. Many of the most popular destinations across the globe have natural main attractions, whether they be beaches, waterfalls, canyons or something entirely unique like the Giant’s Causeway.
We shouldn’t just look abroad for these incredible natural features though, the UK has plenty of beauty, often tucked away in places you least expect. One of these locations is Nottingham which is often forgotten but still considered a great city break location.
Nottingham itself is full of shopping options, quirky bars and exceptional hotels but one of the areas where the surrounding area excels is through its scenic natural beauty. In this brief overview, we are going to talk about some of the scenic destinations you can visit in Nottinghamshire, giving you a list of options for when you want to enjoy a weekend getaway.
Sherwood Forest
It’s hard to mention Nottingham without the mention of Sherwood Forest. Boasting 423 hectares of natural British woodland, Sherwood Forest is a major attraction in Nottinghamshire not just for its incredible natural environment but for the story associated with it too. Home to the legendary Robin Hood, Sherwood Forest often hosts events and talks where you can learn the details and facts behind the infamous character, whilst simultaneously exploring this huge area of traditional forest.
As the area has now been designated as a National Nature Reserve, it is managed carefully. This has allowed the ecosystem to thrive and in fact, multiple species of insect that were previously thought extinct have been rediscovered in the region. Whilst you can expect to see more people in Sherwood Forest than our other options, its size helps it remain calming, peaceful and above all else – beautiful.
Colwick Country Park
Colwick Country Park is a significantly smaller site than Sherwood Forest, covering only 51 hectares, much of which consists of two lakes. These lakes are home to an extensive ecosystem and the location’s lower level of fame means that if you visit at the right time it is quaint and quiet, particularly early in the morning.
The park is easy to access via major travel routes and has onsite parking to make arrival and enjoyment even easier. Similarly, pets are encouraged and all manner of physical and nature related activities are encouraged so whether you enjoy a peaceful fishing session to help you relax, or prefer to cycle and enjoy the views, Colwick is a great option.
Clumber Park
Finally, we have the largest natural space on our list, the 1500-hectare Clumber Park. Featuring the longest avenue of lime trees in Europe, Clumber park was previously an estate owned by the Dukes of Newcastle. Since then, it has become National Trust property and is now open year-round, featuring a range of unusual buildings, plants, trees and structures that can be explored at your own pace.
The vast size of this space and the optional cycle hire means that when you visit, you’re likely to find it quiet and personal, replicating that luxury feeling you enjoy when exploring exotic destinations across the world.
These scenic locations are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the UK. Across the country, there are countless hidden gems that we can visit to get our taste of natural beauty. Don’t discount the UK’s travel offering until you do a little research around your interests and give it a try, you might find yourself pleasantly surprised.
