Waverley Street, Nottingham, NG7 4HF

Nottingham Arboretum

Garden

Place photograph

6.8

Wildland

1–2 hours

Time

Check

Cost

Peaceful

Feel

ParklandUrban historicWalkersPhotographersHistory loversWildlife lovers

Why it's Wildland

6.8

Opened in 1852 before a crowd of 30,000, Nottingham Arboretum is a Victorian public park whose original purpose of education and recreation still shows in its collection of more than 800 trees and heritage trails.

This is a city park with a genuine Victorian identity: original 19th-century trees, a formal historic landscape and trails that invite you to look more closely. It earns its place for a quiet, tree-focused escape close to Nottingham’s city centre, rather than for a remote-wilderness feel.

Peaceful · Atmospheric

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Waverley Street, Nottingham, NG7 4HF

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The experience

Use the council’s tree and heritage trails to explore a Grade II* registered historic park and its collection of more than 800 trees. Allow around an hour for a focused stroll or longer to follow both trails and take in the historic features. Verify current opening times and seasonal café availability before setting out.

Things to do

Follow the Arboretum Tree Trail

Use the council’s trail to explore significant trees, including some from the park’s original 19th-century collection.

Explore the Arboretum Heritage Trail

Follow the council’s heritage trail to discover the history and features of this Victorian park.

Make a day of it

Quick escape · About 1 hour; suggested duration

Quick Escape: a tree-trail stroll

01
Enter through one of the council-listed pedestrian entrances.
02
Follow the Arboretum Tree Trail and pause to compare the park’s notable trees.
03
Check current opening times before you go.

Half day · Half day; suggested duration

Make a half day of it: trees and heritage

01
Follow the Arboretum Tree Trail, looking out for trees from the original 19th-century collection.
02
Continue with the Arboretum Heritage Trail to explore the park’s history and features.
03
If the seasonal café is open, use it as a break; verify availability beforehand.

Verified history

Historic England lists Nottingham Arboretum as a Grade II* park and garden and describes it as a mid-19th-century public park designed by Samuel Curtis. Nottingham City Council says it opened on 11 May 1852, in front of 30,000 people, with the Mayor, W. Felkin, and the Sheriff of the Borough, Mr Ball, present. The council says the park holds more than 800 trees, including some from its original 19th-century collection.

Hidden details

Original 19th-century trees — The council says some trees in the collection of more than 800 are from the original 19th-century planting. Use the council’s tree trail to explore significant specimens.

When to go

April · May · October · November · Not established by the supplied sources; check current park opening times.

Spring and autumn are suggested for seasonal growth and leaf colour, respectively. The sources do not establish precise peak weeks.

No destination-specific weather or path-condition information is established by the supplied sources. Check the forecast and current park information.

What to look for

Compare trees on the tree trail, including original 19th-century plantings identified by the council. The supplied BaldHiker account also describes the ornamental lake, a circular cast-iron aviary, a bandstand and a Chinese bell tower with cannons.

The story

Victorian public park; designed by Samuel Curtis and opened in 1852.

Best time to go

Spring for fresh growth; autumn for colour. The park is open year-round, but check current opening times.

Choose spring for fresh growth or autumn for leaf colour. A quieter time of day is not confirmed by the supplied sources.

How long to spend

1–2 hours

Perfect for

Walkers · Photographers · History lovers · Wildlife lovers

Before you go

Website Google Maps

Address

Waverley St, Nottingham NG7 4HF

Phone

+44 115 915 2733

Website

historicengland.org.uk

Google rating

4.6 · 3,075 reviews

Practical information

Opening & access

Public park with four pedestrian entrances: Waverley Road, Arboretum Street, North Sherwood Street and Addison Street. Check current opening times before visiting.

Check before visiting

Parking

Limited on-street parking; the city council also notes tram access close to the park.

Toilets

No toilet provision, according to Nottingham City Council.

Food & drink

Seasonal café; check current availability with Nottingham City Council.

Check before visiting

Dogs

Dogs are welcome under control, according to Nottingham City Council.

Accessibility

The council says most of the park is accessible on surfaced paths. The source row also reports a wheelchair-accessible entrance, car park and seating; check current conditions and access arrangements before visiting.

Check before visiting

Cost

Check before visiting

Water

An ornamental lake is described in the supplied BaldHiker source; no water activities or permissions are verified.