Bestwood Country Park

The 650 acres of Bestwood have a richly varied landscape, wildlife and industrial heritage. This serene oasis, now popular with walkers, cyclists and bird-watchers, was once home to one of Britain’s busiest coal mines.

Explore Nottinghamshire’s industrial heritage at the Winding Engine House.

Spot water birds on the Mill Lakes.

Walks and cycle tracks throughout the park.

Ride a horse along the bridleways.

Bestwood was once a sprawling industrial site. The Winding Engine House is the last remaining part of a vanished colliery and a relic of Victorian industrial engineering.

Get a flavour of life as a miner and experience the sheer size and power of the winding engine.

Self-guided tour: you are welcome to look around the exhibits and a recorded audio commentary is available.

Guided tour: led by members of the Winding Engine House Volunteer Group.

Contact the Rangers to find out about open days or book a tour (daily, 10.30am – 4.30pm).

Virtual take a virtual look around the engine house.

Audio: featuring interviews from men who mined here.

The restoration of the Winding Engine House was helped by funding from The Heritage Lottery Fund and the Greater Nottingham Partnership.

Bestwood Winding Engine House has been inspected and designated a Place of Interest by VisitEngland.

The Dynamo House Café

Open: Saturday, 10am – 1pm and on Bank Holidays, serving hot drinks and home-made cakes. Run by volunteers from the Friends of Bestwood Country Park and the Bestwood Village WI and all profits benefit the park. There are also picnic tables throughout park.

Regular events

Wednesday Health Walks.

Monthly at 10.30am, Free.

Long proven to be one of the best forms of exercise to improve body and mind, this series of invigorating yet gentle 90 minute ranger-led walks are designed to do both.

Access for all.

Bestwood is a hilly site with steep gradients. Some paths are wheelchair accessible, please contact the rangers for further information.

The Dynamo House and Winding Engine House are fully accessible.

Accessible toilet with baby-changing facilities in the Dynamo House and other toilets throughout the park.

Go to the Bestwood Country Park website for more...