Blidworth Woods - Nottingham

Introduction

Nestled in the heart of Nottinghamshire, England, Blidworth Woods is a haven of serenity and natural beauty, offering an array of recreational activities for visitors of all ages. Managed by Forestry England, this expansive woodland boasts a rich tapestry of landscapes, including ancient oak woodland, open grassland, and picturesque ponds. Encompassing 200 hectares, Blidworth Woods provides an ideal setting for a multitude of outdoor pursuits, making it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.

Main Services

• Hiking and Walking Trails: Blidworth Woods boasts an extensive network of trails catering to all fitness levels. The Red Trail, a 4.5-mile loop, offers a challenging hike through varied terrain, while the Blue Trail, a 2.5-mile loop, provides a more gentle stroll suitable for families and beginners.
• Cycling: The woods welcome cyclists to explore its many paths, with routes suitable for both leisurely rides and more adventurous mountain biking.
• Picnicking: Blidworth Woods invites visitors to enjoy a picnic in its scenic surroundings. Several picnic tables are scattered throughout the woods, providing perfect spots to savor a packed lunch amidst nature.
• Dog Walking: The woods are dog-friendly, with many trails offering ample space for dogs to roam and explore off-leash (while adhering to responsible pet ownership guidelines).

Location and Access

Blidworth Woods is conveniently located off the A614, near the village of Blidworth, with the main entrance situated on Longdale Lane. The woods are easily accessible by car, with a large, wheelchair-accessible car park available on-site. Public transportation options are limited, so visitors may need to arrange alternative means of transportation. Cyclists can also access the woods via the Robin Hood Way, a popular long-distance cycling and walking route.

Featured Characteristics

• Ancient Woodland: Blidworth Woods is home to several ancient oak trees, some estimated to be over 500 years old, offering a glimpse into the rich history of the area.
• Wildlife and Flora: The woods support a diverse range of wildlife and plant species, including rare and protected species. Visitors may spot various birds, such as the blue tit and great spotted woodpecker, as well as butterflies like the purple emperor and white admiral. The woods also host a variety of wildflowers, including the rare twayblade orchid.
• Ponds and Water Features: Several picturesque ponds and water features can be found throughout the woods, providing habitats for local wildlife and adding to the overall aesthetic beauty of the area.

Practical Information

• Opening Times: Blidworth Woods is open year-round, with no specific closing time. However, visitors are encouraged to plan their visits during daylight hours.
• Facilities: The woods offer several amenities, including wheelchair-accessible toilets, picnic tables, and a visitors' information board. However, there are no on-site cafés or shops, so visitors are advised to bring their own refreshments and supplies.
• Safety and Guidelines: To ensure the safety and preservation of the woods, visitors are asked to follow a few guidelines: stay on designated paths, take all litter home, keep dogs under control, and respect other visitors and wildlife.

Positive Aspects from Reviews

Blidworth Woods' Google My Business page boasts an impressive average rating of 4.5/5 from 184 reviews, highlighting the popularity and appreciation of this natural gem. Several common praises emerged from these reviews:

• Peaceful and Scenic: Many visitors laud the woods' serene atmosphere and stunning landscapes, with one reviewer noting, "A beautiful place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life."
• Well-Maintained Trails: Several reviewers commend the well-signposted and maintained trails, making it easy for visitors to navigate and enjoy the woods.
• Ideal for Families and Dogs: Numerous families and dog owners praise the woods for providing an excellent venue for outdoor fun, with one dog owner commenting, "Lovely walks for dogs, plenty of space and nice paths."
• Variety of Wildlife: Several visitors mention the diverse wildlife encountered during their visits, with one reviewer excitedly sharing, "Spotted a buzzard, a green woodpecker, and lots of butterflies."

Blidworth Woods, with its rich history, diverse wildlife, and extensive trail network, offers a compelling destination for outdoor enthusiasts, families, and nature lovers alike. Its convenient location, well-maintained facilities, and commitment to conservation make it an excellent choice for a day out in the Nottinghamshire countryside.

👍 Reviews of Blidworth Woods

Nigel S.

5/5

Blidworth Woods is a lovely peaceful area to visit and walk around. There are lots of paths and places to explore. It is possible to do a circular walk from the top car park to the bottom car park. It is worth using a map as navigating the large amounts of paths can be challenging. There is a central path which just runs straight through the wood from the car parks. Car parks are currently free to use and there are plenty of parking spaces.

Mohamed M.

5/5

Blidworth Woods is a peaceful and scenic forest area perfect for a walk or a nature retreat, but visitors should be cautious as there is no official map or clear signposts, making it easy to lose your way if you're unfamiliar with the area. Despite this, it's a pleasant spot with useful amenities: there’s a free car park available, which makes access convenient. You’ll also find restroom facilities on-site and a small place offering snacks or light refreshments, making it a decent stop for families or casual walkers. However, it's wise to carry a phone with GPS or let someone know your plans in case you wander too deep into the woods.

Holly

1/5

Absolutely gorgeous woods. Great parking and really friendly people and food van. BUT the dog poo is so bad. We no longer go as the last couple of times we’ve come back with it on our shoes. Especially bad if you are a wheelchair user as it gets stuck in the wheels and very hard to avoid. Poo all over the side of the paths and the paths themselves. Such a shame

Chris G.

4/5

Lovely spot for a walk and a picnic, with plenty of tables provided. Easy parking.

Vik Z.

5/5

Oh wow 😳 this place is huuuuge, just goes on forever. We spent about 4 hours here with the doggies and don't think we even walked half of it. at the start there's also a big carpark which is free of charge, boooonus!! 🥳 When we got there this was packed so we parked further down the road and walked up. Even though there were lots of people during our walk we didn't actually see many people which speaks volumes about how large this woodland is. Now for the important bit: There are permissible bridleways all around the place so please be mindful of these as the horse riders can sneak up on you, like they did to us on one of the narrow pathways. Scared the living daylight out of me 🙈🤭 Theres variety of trees too and different woodlands which makes the whole place that more interesting.

Izabela ?. W.

4/5

Would love it even more if people will not leave rubbish , next my journey I am taking bin bag and will tidy up.
Different trials for different abilities(have look on map).
You can use walk app too .
Benches near quite big car park and place where you can have tea or coffee and snack.

Marcin L.

4/5

Really nice woodland. Lots of trails to walk, the only minus is lots of horse poos on main trails and no sign posts but there is microscopic map at the entrance and car park is free.

Tim N.

5/5

Lovely area to walk people and dogs. Easy for parking and there are picnic benches for a light snack. Different trails for different abilities as well as horse trails.