Nottinghamshire, with its rivers, lakes, and country parks, provides ideal places for dogs that love to splash around. Whether it’s a peaceful riverside or a scenic reservoir, this county offers a range of safe and enjoyable swimming spots for your four-legged friend. Here are the top five dog-friendly swimming locations in Nottinghamshire for a fun-filled day in the water. List of dog swimming spots around UK can be found here.
1. Colwick Country Park
Colwick Country Park, located just outside Nottingham, is a popular destination with two large lakes and numerous trails. Dogs are welcome to swim in specific areas around the lakes, providing plenty of room for them to paddle and cool off. The lakes are surrounded by woodlands and meadows, making it a tranquil spot for both swimming and exploring.
After a swim, enjoy a scenic walk through the park’s nature trails, where you and your dog can spot local wildlife and take in views of the water.
Nearby Amenities: Colwick has parking, a visitor centre, toilets, and a café with outdoor seating, perfect for a full day out.
Google Maps Address: Colwick Country Park
2. The River Trent at Gunthorpe
The River Trent, Nottinghamshire’s most iconic waterway, offers several dog-friendly swimming spots along its banks. Gunthorpe is a particularly scenic section with calm water and easy access points for dogs. The slow-moving current and shallow banks make this stretch safe and inviting for dogs to enjoy a refreshing dip.
The riverside paths provide beautiful views and are ideal for a peaceful stroll after a swim. The village of Gunthorpe itself has a few dog-friendly pubs, making it a wonderful spot for a laid-back day with your dog.
Nearby Amenities: Parking is available in Gunthorpe, along with cafes and pubs where dogs are welcome in outdoor seating areas.
Google Maps Address: River Trent – Gunthorpe
3. Sherwood Pines Forest Park
Sherwood Pines, part of the legendary Sherwood Forest, is a vast woodland with streams and ponds that make it an adventurous destination for dogs who love water. The forest has designated areas where dogs can wade and splash in shallow ponds, surrounded by a canopy of trees and scenic trails.
The forest’s diverse landscape, with hidden ponds and winding paths, provides endless exploration opportunities for you and your pup. Sherwood Pines is ideal for a day of hiking, with plenty of shady spots and natural water sources for dogs to enjoy along the way.
Nearby Amenities: Parking, a visitor centre, a café, toilets, and picnic areas are available within Sherwood Pines.
Google Maps Address: Sherwood Pines Forest Park
4. Idle Valley Nature Reserve
Idle Valley Nature Reserve, near Retford, is one of the largest reserves in Nottinghamshire and features a series of lakes and wetlands. Idle Valley doesn’t have a designated dog swimming area — it’s a working wetland reserve, and the Trust’s guidance is to keep dogs on leads, especially near livestock. The nature reserve is home to diverse wildlife and offers serene trails that wind through wetlands, meadows, and woodlands.
The trails through the wetlands and woodland are worth the visit on their own, but leave the swim for somewhere with proper public water access.
Nearby Amenities: Parking is available, along with a visitor centre, a dog-friendly café, and picnic areas.
Google Maps Address: Idle Valley Nature Reserve
5. Rufford Abbey Country Park
Rufford Abbey Country Park, a historic estate with beautiful parkland, includes a large lake where dogs are welcome to enjoy a swim in designated areas. The park’s lake is surrounded by woodland trails, offering a blend of natural beauty and historical charm. Originally a 12th-century abbey, Rufford Abbey’s grounds are now a popular destination for walking, picnicking, and enjoying the outdoors.
The lake’s shallow banks and clear water make it safe and fun for dogs to paddle, and the park’s scenic paths are perfect for a leisurely post-swim walk.
Nearby Amenities: Rufford Abbey offers parking, toilets, a visitor centre, a café, and picnic spots.
Google Maps Address: Rufford Abbey Country Park
Essentials for a Fun Day in Nottinghamshire with Your Dog
Don’t forget these essentials to make the most of your outing:
- A long line: on an open riverbank or unfenced parkland, a 5–10 metre long line is the safest way to give a water-loving dog real freedom before his recall is watertight — more use than any gadget. Most of our training bits come from Calmshops.
- Fresh Water and Bowl: Ensure your dog stays hydrated, especially after swimming.
- Towel: A quick dry-off with a towel keeps your dog comfortable for the ride home.
- Car Seat Dog Cover: keeps the car clean and dry on the way home, which matters more than you would think after a swim in the Trent.
Another 5 dog friendly swimming spots:
Moorgreen Reservoir: Moorgreen is a private fishery run for anglers, not a public swim spot for dogs — the water’s controlled by the fishing club, and letting a dog loose in it isn’t appropriate around lines and tackle. The paths around it still make for a pleasant, quiet walk near Eastwood if you fancy the area, just without the paddle.
Belvoir Castle Grounds: Situated on the Nottinghamshire-Leicestershire border, the castle’s wooded grounds feature streams and ponds where dogs can cool off. The expansive estate offers ample space for exploration.
River Maun at Vicar Water Country Park: Located near Clipstone, this park features the River Maun, where dogs can paddle in designated areas. The park also offers various trails and a lake, providing a full day of activities.
Attenborough Nature Reserve: Attenborough is a lead-only reserve throughout — it’s run by Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust primarily for its birdlife, and there’s no water access for dogs here, on or off the path. Bird reserves are exactly the sort of place where lead rules are tighter than people expect, and often seasonal — it is worth knowing where you actually stand before you assume a footpath means off-lead. It’s still a beautiful, easy walk around the old gravel pits if you want somewhere calm and scenic, just pack the lead rather than the towel.
Conclusion
From the legendary Sherwood Pines to the peaceful shores of Idle Valley, Nottinghamshire’s swimming spots offer a range of environments for dog-friendly adventures. Whether you’re looking for a forested pond or a scenic lake, each location showcases Nottinghamshire’s natural charm, giving you and your dog an unforgettable day out. So pack up, pick a spot, and dive into Nottinghamshire’s best dog swimming locations for a memorable day in the water! It pays to have a Nottinghamshire vet in your phone before you set off, and if open water still overrides everything you have taught, a Nottinghamshire dog trainer is where to start. For a proper groom afterwards, our UK dog groomers database covers Nottinghamshire too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions dog owners may have about this topic.
Are the swimming areas at Colwick Country Park suitable for all dog sizes?
Colwick Country Park offers designated swimming zones that accommodate dogs of various sizes. The lakes have gentle banks and shallow areas, making them safe for small and large dogs alike to paddle and cool off comfortably.
Is it safe to let dogs swim in the River Trent at Gunthorpe?
Yes, the stretch of the River Trent at Gunthorpe features calm waters and a slow-moving current with shallow banks, providing a safe environment for dogs to swim under supervision. Always keep an eye on your dog to ensure their safety around water.
Are there facilities nearby the dog swimming spots for a day out with my dog?
Many swimming spots like Colwick Country Park and Sherwood Pines Forest Park offer amenities such as parking, visitor centres, cafés with outdoor seating, toilets, and picnic areas, making it convenient to spend a full day enjoying the outdoors with your dog.
Can I combine swimming with other activities at these locations in Nottinghamshire?
Definitely. Locations like Sherwood Pines and Colwick Country Park provide extensive walking trails, woodland areas, and meadows. This allows you and your dog to enjoy swimming alongside scenic walks and wildlife spotting for a varied outdoor experience.
Are dogs welcome in nearby pubs and cafés after swimming in these spots?
Yes, especially around Gunthorpe and Colwick, there are dog-friendly pubs and cafés with outdoor seating where you can relax after a swim. These venues welcome dogs, allowing you to enjoy refreshments without leaving your pet behind.
