Nottingham Arboretum

This Green Flag award winning park is Nottingham's oldest public park and the closest park to the city centre. A historic, beautifully maintained park that is home to an important collection of over 800 trees, some of which are from the original collection planted in the 19th century.

The Arboretum was opened on the 11th May 1852 by the Mayor, Mr W Felkin and the Sheriff of the Borough, Mr Ball, in front of 30,000 people. This park plays a vital role for the local community and is the site for many organised events.

To find out about Park opening times, visit our Park Opening Times Page

Site Events

Events advertised via Eventbrite: Nottingham City Council - Parks and Open Spaces Events | Eventbrite
Run an Event - to run your event on this site visit Booking an Outdoor Event

Parking and Accessibility

Easily accessible from the city centre and the wider community via the tram network that runs alongside.

Public access - via a network of pedestrian walkways. The park has four entrance points (Waverley Road, Arboretum Street, North Sherwood Street and Addison Street.)
Disabled Parking - parking can be arranged with the Parks and Open Spaces service on 0115 915 2733.
Public Transport - please visit Nottingham City Transport (nctx.co.uk)
The NET Trams - Trams run along Waverley Street and stops close to the entrance. For more information on Tram times and prices please visit thetram NET Website

Site Activities

Orienteering requires navigational skills using a map and compass to navigate from point to point. Participants use a specially prepared orienteering map, which they use to find control points. We have created several maps to help you combine map reading skills and physical exercise whilst being able to enjoy the natural surroundings of a park.

Download the Arboretum Orienteering Map.pdf

Our parks are home to a variety of different trees. Some are native to the United Kingdom and are quite common, but there are also some non-native, rare species. These trails take you on a walk around the sites and explore some of the significant trees which have been planted over time.

Download the Arboretum Tree Trail.pdf

Walking Activities

Self-guided walks are available to use that can be completed at your own pace and at a time that suits you offering you the opportunity to improve both physical and mental wellbeing in a safe and relaxed atmosphere. Download the leaflet below for a self-guided walk.

Download the the Arboretum Walk

Walking for Health

Nottingham City Council is working with Best Foot Forward to offer several short walks in the Nottingham City area. These free guided health walks offer you the opportunity to improve your health, make new friends, have fun and get to know your local environment. Everyone welcome

For more information and a list of the walks available in Nottingham, please visit ramblers.org.uk

The Arboretum hosts a busy and varied programme of entertainment throughout the year including the Green Festival. If you would like to run an event on this park,

Please see our Outdoor Events Booking page

The Arboretum space is supported by an active friends' group who are involved in various activities on the park including bulb planting, fundraising events and heritage / tree walks. For more information contact Parks and Open Spaces