Clifton Woods

WHAT IT’S LIKE

A big, history-filled riverside woodland near Clifton with hidden ruins to hunt for, dog friendly and served by local buses.

Clifton Woods is a large, diverse woodland running along the River Trent, part of a chain of woodlands stretching for several miles. The tree mix changes as you walk through: beech, lime and larch to the south, with big old oaks and sycamore taking over further north, so there's plenty of variety for kids spotting different trees and autumn leaves. There's real history to dig into if you've got older children keen on exploring, the woods were once the grand back garden of the Clifton family, going back to the 17th and 18th century, next to their old house Clifton Hall. Clifton Grove still has some of the original ornamental planting, and if you hunt around you can find the remains of a pump house, the 'Witches Steps' (a flight of steps down to the former site of Colonel Clifton's Pool), plus the remains of an 18th-century fountain and shooting lodge, a good excuse for a woodland treasure hunt. It's dog friendly, so this works well as a walk that suits both the dog and the kids. No indoor options or catering are mentioned, so it's one for wrapping up and bringing your own snacks. Reachable by bus, with the NCTX Clifton Lane / Clifton Green stop (routes 1, 1E and N4) right nearby, useful if you don't want to drive.