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Nottinghamshire’s waterscape

Riverside rambles

A waterside walk is the perfect way to pass an afternoon, and the villages along Nottinghamshire's rivers and canals provide a pleasant stop. For example, West Stockwith, Nottinghamshire's most northerly outpost, was a busy little inland port in the canal era. These days the modern marina is a centre for leisure – and the Chesterfield Canal is popular with walkers.

In the rural countryside to the east of Nottinghamshire near Southwell, Fiskerton, on the River Trent, has a quiet charm, with old mill buildings and a pleasant inn. Further up river, Gunthorpe is a popular place – especially on a warm summer's evening – with both a pub and a chic brassiere overlooking the waterfront. And from the market town of Grantham to the River Trent, the Grantham Canal runs for 33 miles through the beautiful Vale of Belvoir. Much of the line is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Explore our waterways

The rivers and canals of Nottinghamshire add a unique twist to the visitor experience. From the Nottingham Beeston Canal running through the heart of the city centre through to the big river experience on the Trent, Nottinghamshire is great to visit by boat. At Sawley Marina hireacanalboat offers a large fleet of luxury narrowboats.

The main waterways include the Erewash Canal, Nottingham and Beeston Canal, the Grantham Canal and of course the remarkable River Trent. These routes take visitors through a county of contrast from the busy cultural capital of Nottingham, to tranquil towpaths of the Erewash canal. The waterways give access to Nottinghamshire’s natural habitats, country parks and nature reserves and an ideal opportunity to explore the magnificent market towns and villages throughout the county. Click on the links above to find out more about the locks, towpaths and attractions on our waterways.

• Erewash Canal - discover DH Lawrence country
• Nottingham Beeston Canal - via Attenborough Nature Reserve towards the city centre
• Grantham Canal - for award winning foods and Belvoir Castle
• River Trent - from the city of Nottingham to Newark
• Holme Pierrepont - home of Colwick Country Park and the National Watersports Centre
• Gunthorpe - a blissful way to spend a sunny afternoon
• Newark and Southwell - for historical and architectural splendour
• Newark - popular market town recognised for its antiques, castle, showground etc
• Chesterfield Canal - home to some of North Nottinghamshire's best known attractions

Visit the British Waterways website for more detailed information about Nottinghamshire's waterways.

If you're staying over in the city then check out our list of approved Nottingham hotels. Nottinghamshire and Sherwood Forest are great options for UK family holidays and our Robin Hood breaks website has everything you need. For that home away from home try our range of Nottingham bed and breakfasts (B&Bs) or our approved Nottingham holiday cottages.

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