Rushcliffe Country Park — Attraction in Rushcliffe

This is 'Ruddington Country Park' politically called 'Rushcliffe Country Park'. Rushcliffe is a Borough. The park is split by a railway track with a footbridge crossing. Pathways allow all weather walking and cycling yet puddles of rain water collect at times. The park is well visited by dog walkers exercising dogs. A dog agility area is available to train clever pets. The park has a flat surface type maze or labyrinth, walk this for contemplation. Hot drinks and snacks are sold from a mobile unit, coffee is somewhat tasteless, served by very friendly staff. Watch out for the opportunist Magpies that will snatch any food from the picnic benches. Unusual toilet units with vents are available if desperate. Dog policy is areas for dogs on leads and free go crazy run bark fetch balls and sticks, under good control of course. Car parking is patrolled by zealous wardens in black military style combat uniforms checking tickets. The artificial duck pond near the visitors centre with toilets is a pleasant walk around, the toilets are often closed. Kids love the play area, the spider pyramid is now half the size it once was, so not such fun for adventuress take a risk kid training, all very safe for the modern child. A BMX bike style slalom near the skate park can be exciting to use. Parking on the side road known for thefts from cars is an option to avoid parking tolls and, a convoluted drive around the business estate to the park and display. Wheelchair friendly, but watch out for the slopes. A good western view of the surrounding country side from benches on the west side, you can enjoy looking at the A453 and Ratcliffe on Sour power station, Clifton Pastures and Gotham Moor of King John fame. Picnics are popular in summer time. The dog kennels can spoil the peaceful space with barking. Look out for real Steam Engines at the...

Jan '17 A really great open space with something to do for every one. There's lots of wide open well maintained grassland ideal for running & shouting, chasing a ball or flying a kite! There's a huge enclosed children's play area with swings & slides, climbing frames & loads more to do. Nearby are the public loos that are self composting, but we'll maintained, clean & tidy. There is a small outdoor cafe selling hot drinks & snacks as well as a visiting icecream van. Behind this area there is a bridge over the railway line to the village and another small open space. From the bridge you can watch the stream trains when they're running. Nearby the is outdoor gym equipment free for all to use & there are several waymarked paths around the site. These areas all require dogs to be kept on a lead, but a little further on there is plenty of space for dogs to roam free. Please remember to clean up after your dog. In the dog friendly areas there's is a fenced in public (dog) agility course, which is great fun to tryout! There's plenty of our door seating along the various walks, for a bit of a rest or for enjoying a picnic on. Closer to the car park there is a large lake that is home to many bird species. It's well maintained & has a wire fence all round, so there's no fear of little ones (or big ones) falling in! Between the lake & the car park there's a nice indoor cafe & an activity centre. There's also a small 'sensual' wood to explore, with interesting activities to discover! The car park has a cleverly laid out one way system & is only £1 all day which is fantastic value for money and a massive lesson for other local authorities to learn. From the car park entrance you can get to the Great Central (Nottingham) train station too. Great place of a hidden gem. Can't...

Rushcliffe Park is one of our favourite places to visit for a peaceful walk with the dog. The open green spaces and well-maintained paths make it a lovely spot to enjoy nature and unwind. We often stop off for a coffee a perfect little treat during our walks.

The play area is fantastic for kids and overall yhe vibe of the park is very relaxed and welcoming, with a good mix of families, dog walkers, and friendly faces.

Unfortunately, on our visit today, we had an unpleasant encounter with a couple who insisted our dog should be on a lead, even though we were in a designated off-lead area. Our dogs are well-behaved and friendly something we always make sure of when allowing them off the lead. We are also respectful of others: we always put our dog on the lead if another dog is approaching on-lead or if there are children nearby.

It was disappointing that these individuals, who had no dog or child with them, decided to impose their own preferences in a space clearly intended for shared enjoyment. It did dampen the experience slightly, but thankfully, this is not the norm. Most people we meet at Rushcliffe Park are kind, considerate, and there for the same reasons to enjoy the beautiful surroundings and have a relaxing time.

Despite today’s hiccup, we still love the park and will continue to visit regularly. Just a reminder to fellow park-goers: it’s a shared space, and mutual respect...