Idle Valley Nature Reserve (Notts Wildlife Trust)

Beautiful place! I went with the wildlife Trust to watch some lambing take place and one of the Ewe's gave birth. It was such a beautiful moment. The grounds were tidy and the cafe was lovely 🙂

It was my first time here, and what a lovely walk we had around the lake. Great way to start the year off. Will definitely visit again.

Wonderful nature reserve. Good paths. Plenty of wildlife. Good cafe as well.

Idle Valley was a little surprise we haven't been before, so we didn't know what to expect. It was a nice sunny day, and we enjoyed the walk along the lake and saw lots of different birds and ducks in the many streams we came across. There are lots of different art creations along the way, too, which are fascinating. I would advise you to bring your own food and water as the cafe only sells water in glass bottles for £3 each and the food isn't for everyone, but they have a nice view from the cafe of the lake and the visitors section of the cafe have lots of little things you can buy which were pretty cute for kids.

Lovely place to go walking and you can take dogs with you. The car park is large and there's always been plenty of spaces free when I've visited. There's a cafe here though I've yet to try it. There are various walks to do. The nature reserve is situated just outside Retford.

Love this place to pop into when out with the dog. The walks are peaceful and you choose your distance, then pop for a coffee and the absolutely scrumptious pumpkin and ginger cake. It's great dogs are welcome in the cafe.

We had a lovely walk around, incorporating all of the different trails, lovely area, well maintained paths good for push chairs and wheelchairs too. Lovely views across the lake from the cafe and visitor centre. Good little play area for the kids too! (Most of my photos are on my big camera sorry! )

Lovely walk and stop off for coffee.

Different walks we did the yellow following the lake and the purple both shorter as there are two longer walks also.

Very pleasant. The cafe / shop was very nice with friendly staff.

Lovely place, nice cafe with lovely helpful staff, well worth a visit 😄

Great place, nice walks would recommend

This is a lovely place with plenty of waymarked paths . The Visitor Centre is at one end of the reserve with plenty of parking for only £3 per day. Pedestrian entry is free. There's a very pleasant cafe, overlooking a lake, with very friendly and helpful staff. Parts of the paths can be muddy after rain so boots are recommended. The reserve seems to be the remnants of old gravel pits workings which are gradually returning to nature. The reserve sees plenty of bird life and other native animals are being reintroduced. An ideal place to visit at any time but often quiet during winter months.

Lovely location where the volunteers are very helpful. We did the blue woodland walk where it is easy to go off route, but walking around the lake was a delight. Finally the cafe does a good selection of food. It's definitely worth a visit.

peaceful.
this place is extremely peaceful, amazing to see all the nature and what you wouldn’t usual get to see and such a beautiful place to walk round with family, friends etc etc 🦔 plus the cake was EVERYTHING!!!! when i tell you the cakes were amazing i mean they were soo soft, reasonably priced and extremely tasty that i even went back for seconds! the staff today were so lovely as well chatty and helpful. highly recommend coming here if you’re wondering what to do for an afternoon and it’s local so that’s even better.
🦢🦙🪱🦔🐛🦤🦆🐜

Beautiful nature reserve. I went on a wild walk and the scenery was breathtaking. I highly recommend coming here

Great place for a short (or longer) walk, has a nice little cafe too for a drink afterwards. We go regularly, highly recommend. Of its been wet be sure to take some sturdy footware though as can be muddy and wet.

First visit and really impressed! The visitor centre and staff were so nice and helpful. The food was really tasty and fresh. Views from the cafe were lovely. Plenty to see and do for the family who like the great outdoors and easy walking for those like me who struggle a bit or need a wheelchair. Where else, for a donation fee of £2 towards parking and admission, can you have a day out?

Great place for a walk with kids as it's flat, interesting and various length walks, which are easily adjusted mid walk if needed.

Great cafe too with stunning views across the lake and wetland habitat.

What a beautiful day out!! Very large reserve and excited to explore more! There is a gift shop and small cafe on site.

It was a lambing event held by Nottinghamshirewildlife. So excited to see lovely baby lambs and great mum lambs. Good experience! Thank all the professional and nice staff there.

Lovely walk around the lake and then a hot chocolate. Clean, friendly, mostly rough path route. Dogs allowed on on lead although some plonkers cant seems to follow the rules! Lovely big cafe and outdoor seating area serving food and drinks.