Bridgford Park — Attraction in Rushcliffe

I love West Bridgford Park! Situated right in the centre of West Bridgford, it is served by 2 car parks, which are also close to the shops. Surrounded by a secure metal fence and with a number of gates, it's accessible to everyone with lots of meandering well kept hard footpaths or you can wander in the wilder "spinneys" through the trees along the edges, and kick up the fallen leaves at this time of the year. If you like to keep fit there are a number of static exercise stations; some groups meet early morning for yoga or Tai Chi. It's great for dog walking - very popular early mornings and my regular haunt. I can honestly say I have never encountered abandoned dog mess, as the regulars like to take care of our lovely green space. There is an outdoor Italian style coffee shop which serves various hot and cold drinks and snacks. The public conveniences (close to the cafe) are well maintained and are free. In the grounds of the park is 18th century West Bridgford Hall, which is now the Registry Office, so on warm sunny days it's a pleasure to sit on one of the numerous benches and watch the bridal parties. There are some very old specimen trees about the park which were planted when the Hall was inhabited, and many of the specimens are labelled for those interested. The children's play area is very popular and close to the hall. There are swings of various kinds, a tall slide and other attractions, all well kept and serviced regularly, all within a fenced area. In the summer and autumn the Park hosts a variety of entertainments, not least the very popular Proms in the Park and such like.

The Park gates are locked at night but the opening hours are approximately from sunrise to sunset, obviously shorter hours in the winter months. (Un summer the gates are locked at 9.30pm, I winter it's 7.30pm). It should be noted that in order to keep the Park litter and trouble free and well maintained it is an alcohol free zone and wardens patrol the area frequently, with powers to confiscate any offending alcoholic drinks. There are 2 tennis courts which are available for hire - details on the gate to the courts, but aside from that, entrance to the park is free Just down from the tennis courts is Park Field, where you will find mostly dog walkers in the mornings. It's a safe space where their pets can run free. And for those "bigger kids" there is an activity with small zip wire, and other more grown up things to...

Stopped off at West Bridgford on a long coach journey and spent some time in this lovely little park. It was once the garden of a stately home (Bridgford Hall still stands near the park entrance and is now a hotel and wedding venue). The park looked very tidy and well kept. A great place to bring young children, plenty of grassy space for them to run about in, and a well equipped playground. Dog friendly. There's a fitness trail, tennis courts and plenty of seating. Enjoyed the woodland paths and following the clearly marked tree trail. There's a car park at the back of the park, and a nice little café and toilets near the entrance. Bought a sandwich and a drink and enjoyed a pleasant picnic on one of the benches. The ideal place to spend my...

Went for 3 grandchildren to play football and use the play equipment. Football was on an enclosed court so the ball was restrained to a certain extent from flying off. The first play equipment was really for teenagers and too old for my three. They became very bored with it very quickly. We went across to the older playground for the younger children, ie those under about 10. Whilst this kept the children occupied I was concerned at the cleanliness and upkeep. Sand from the sand pits was all over the place, there were weeds growing through the sand and the appearance of a general lack of upkeep within the area generally. It could be a...