attenborough nature centre

Despite it being a mid-week morning, there were plenty of people around. There are lots of walks around the lakes (actually disused gravel pits) and there is also the Visitors Centre with its shop and other facilities. When I visited, there were plenty of birds to be seen on the water and I thoroughly enjoyed myself.

Crossing over the railway line, hoping a train would pass so we could urge it to toot its horn, we were disappointed here!! But further on, through the golf course and into the Nature Reserve. it's clear this place is well used, well respected and well looked after. Nice informative signs, lots of wildlife to hear, eventually arriving at Beeston Marine for a well deserved cornetto! My daughter is so lucky to have a park like this on her doorstep. Lots of walkers, joggers, cyclists, and thankfully, no litter. Nice olace, enjoyable walk, though today, we did walk in the best weather of the day. What would have rounded it off perfectly would have been a pint or two in The Vic, but we'd been there the previous evening for a superb meal, excellent ale, brilliant service, and afte all, I had to drive back home.

I have visited Attenborough nature reserve twice now, and really enjoyed it on both occasions. It is in a great location, Parking was easy even though it was busy. The walk itself is lovely, and lots to see. I haven't made it all the way round yet, but will certainly try one day! I would recommend Attenborough for all ages, as it is a really enjoyable walk.

We visited mainly to take a walk and had a reasonable time walking about 6k around the grounds.There doesn't appear to be as much Wildlife at this reserve as there is at somewhere like Martin Mere but on the flip side there is no admission cost at Attenborough.There is plenty of parking spaces and most of the path way is well laid so walking boots are not even a must.The Cafe looked ok but on the day we visited the service seemed to be very slow and we didn't risk ordering hot food ( so just went for a drink) as it appeared there were big delays in that bring prepared.As others have commented it does seem that despite the many notices informing pedestrians have right of way that the Cyclists seem to ignore this and expect you to get out of the way.

the reserve in its self is pretty good. I'm a photographer n I found I could get some nice pics of birds. Paths are well maintained n flat for the most. There are some confusing parts if your following a route. Bad points. Cyclists and ignorant rambler/walkers. I went at weekend n was full of these and screaming kids lol. But I carried on. Oh n which part of keep ur dog on a lead. Keep to paths n no throwing toys don't yA get. Grrrrrr Overall I enjoyed it n I will be back (on a week day )

Absolutely loved running around the trails as did the dog. Anyone fancying a nice walk in nature, and bird watchers in particular would really enjoy this place I think. Lots of lakes, a lovely river path. Freezing and was snowing when we were there!

Amazing for bird watching, wildlife and country walks. There's plenty of car park space and a good visitor centre and café.

This is a lovely place for walking, cycling and for seeing the habitat that is all part of the centre. We came here for a walk, for which there are many different routes, on a cold crisp winter morning and it was superb. It is pretty bare at this time of year as you would expect with no foliage on the trees etc. but this does not take away the beauty of the place. There is so much to see, the Trent / Mersey canal with the barges, the River Trent with the riverside houses with boats and of course the wildlife. There are some shops and cafes, which we didn't use, so there is something for everyone. Will definitely return in the summer.

See website for directions if new to the area http://www.attenboroughnaturecentre.co.uk/your-visit/Car parking fee , café , shop educational area ,toilets. Yu can but small bags of bird food to feed ducks etc.Several walks short and long around the lakes and along the river Trent, Bird hides .Well worth a visit we go there when we visit out daughter in Nottingham. This is for all ages I had to click just one but I would have clicked couples, family with young children, family and teens also friends, but safe to go solo. Enjoy

This is a surprising wild life wet area with a huge number of birds and other wild life in a reclaimed gravel quarry. The centre is a fountain of information and the walks enjoyable and suitable for all ages.

A really popular setting. Really pleasant area to walk around and the cafe is well priced and good quality. Perfect for Sunday walks and we loved wandering around it on Christmas Day.

Another great day out at the reserve, good breakfast at the centre then great views of snipe, water rail, goldcrest and bullfinches.

The side was dredged for sand and gravel, which left islands and lakes. The bird population is high. There are lots of paths and potential circular walks. There are paths for cyclists too. Cyclists could probably cycle along the canal from Nottingham and join the River Trent at Beeston Marina to continue in to Long Eaton. Shop and cafe at the visitors' centre.Negatives; Hymalayan Balsam is all over the site, pretty but do you really want a highly invasive none-native species taking over a Special Site of Sientifuc Interest? NO! Sinking sand, don't go offthe marked paths. No bridge connection to Clifton. The cafe is too small for peak periods. There is a parking fee but noone seems to pay it.

This is my favourite nature reserve and I visit often. I've had some of my best birding days here ever, my last visit felt like nature was putting on a show for me I saw so many species. There's a really good communal atmosphere on the reserve as you walk around and in the bird hides with people happy to point out birds to you or let you look through their scope at something interesting they've spotted. The cafe is fantastic too, huge glass windows and a balcony overlooking the lake and the food (especially the cake) is amazing!

A basic but clean modern cafe with the option in fine weather of wandering around a wonderful naturecreserve