Forest Recreation Ground is a significant public park in Nottingham, offering a variety of amenities and activities for visitors. It includes green spaces, playgrounds, and sporting facilities, making it an ideal location for families and outdoor enthusiasts. The park features a picturesque layout with walking paths and areas for picnics, providing a peaceful escape from urban life. It is often used for community events and recreational activities, contributing to local culture and social engagement. The park is conveniently located along Gregory Boulevard, accessible for both residents and tourists.
What each source says
- Google 4.4 3,011
- Tripadvisor 4.0 92
Bar length is review volume, so you can see how much weight sits behind each score. Captured 2026-08-26.
What visitors single out
Liked
- Convenient public transport links Easily accessible via the tram network and bus routes, making it convenient to reach from various parts of the city. There is also a park and ride for the tram.
- Excellent for families with children Features well-equipped playgrounds, including a pirate ship, providing entertainment for kids of different ages. There are also sports fields and open spaces for active play.
- Home to popular events Hosts the annual Goose Fair and Bonfire Night fireworks, providing fun and entertainment for all ages. These events create a lively atmosphere and are a local tradition.
- On-site amenities Includes a cafe for refreshments and public bathrooms in the pavilion, enhancing the convenience and comfort of visitors.
- Spacious park for recreation The Forest Recreation Ground offers a vast open space suitable for various activities such as sports, picnics, dog walking, and simply enjoying a sunny day.
Criticised
- Can get very busy The park can become crowded during events and peak times, potentially leading to an overwhelming experience.
- Playground Imbalance Some reviewers have found the playground near the cafe to be better suited for older children, potentially limiting options for toddlers.
- Potential for antisocial behavior There have been occasional reports of groups engaging in antisocial behavior, which could detract from the experience, especially for lone visitors.
- Reports of crime Some reviewers have reported concerns about crime in certain areas of the park, particularly at night, advising caution when walking alone.
- Toilet closures Public toilets may be closed during the week, requiring visitors to rely on the cafe's facilities, which may not always be convenient.
The longer read
Forest Recreation Ground is a large, well-maintained park easily accessible via public transport (tram and bus) with free parking available, located a short distance from Nottingham city center. A popular destination for both locals and tourists, it offers a variety of activities and amenities for diverse interests. The park is known for hosting large-scale annual events, most notably the Goose Fair, a historic traveling fair held every October. Bonfire Night fireworks displays are also a popular event. The park also hosts other events such as the Asian Mela and Eid in the Park. Beyond events, Forest Recreation Ground provides ample open space for recreational activities. Many reviewers mention using the park for walking, jogging, dog walking, and picnics. Sports enthusiasts appreciate the sports fields, including football and cricket pitches, and the outdoor gym equipment. Families with children enjoy the playgrounds, particularly the pirate ship themed play area. A cafe located within the pavilion offers refreshments. Reviewers highlight the convenience of the park and ride tram service for accessing both the park and the city center. The park's paths are well-suited for walking, and the grounds are often busy with football teams, boot camps, and dog walkers. The park provides a mix of open grassland and wooded walkways. Some reviewers note the presence of public restrooms, though their availability can be inconsistent. While the park is generally considered safe, some reviewers advise caution, particularly during evening hours, and suggest being aware of surroundings due to occasional reports of antisocial behavior.
A synthesis of published third-party reviews. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- +44 115 962 2113
- Website
- nottinghamcity.gov.uk/ForestRec
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Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.4 against a median of 4.5 across the 15 venues we hold for Arboretum, where the most-reviewed is Ye Olde Trip To Jerusalem.
Still deciding?
- What recreational activities can I enjoy at the Forest Recreation Ground in Nottingham?
- Is the Forest Recreation Ground easily accessible by public transport or car?
- What is the historical significance of the Forest Recreation Ground in Nottingham?
- What annual events or festivals take place at the Forest Recreation Ground?
- What facilities are available for families and children at the Forest Recreation Ground?
What this page cannot tell you
- Descriptions and review summaries are supplied by the source index and are reproduced as published; they are not independently verified by Breaks.
- Ratings and review counts are point-in-time snapshots and drift constantly. Check the venue's own site or the rating provider for the current figure.
- Opening hours change seasonally and at short notice. Confirm with the venue before travelling.
- Category labels come from the source index and are occasionally wrong — a venue may be filed under a type that does not match how it trades.
- Straight-line distances understate real walking distance, especially where a river or railway sits between two points.