# Idle Valley, Retford — Opening Hours, Reviews & Visitor Info > Kids can run wild on adventure playground equipment and discover woodland wildlife using special activity packs at this countryside nature site near Retford. Source: https://staycation.co.uk/retford/attractions/idle-valley (Staycation.co.uk). Cite the source page, not this text version. Nature Preserve 🐾 Dogs Welcome # Idle Valley Idle Valley Rural Learning Centre, North Road A638 [View on Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=8652914474822216254&g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA) Photo: [NC T](https://maps.google.com/maps/contrib/117817951195452629602) **In short:** Idle Valley is a nature preserve in Retford, rated 4.5 out of 5 from 1,328 Google reviews, with dogs welcome. Details checked 1 September 2026 · source: Google Places ## About Idle Valley Kids can run wild on adventure playground equipment and discover woodland wildlife using special activity packs at this countryside nature site near Retford. ## Good to know ### Parking - ✓Free car park - ✓Paid car park - ✓Free street - ✓Paid street ### Accessibility - ✓Accessible parking - ✓Accessible entrance - ✓Accessible toilet - ✓Accessible seating ### Payment - ✓Credit cards - ✓Debit cards - ✓Contactless Details via Google — worth confirming with the attraction before you travel, especially for access needs. ## Photos Photos via Google ## Opening hours **Monday** 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM **Tuesday** 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM **Wednesday** 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM **Thursday** 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM **Friday** 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM **Saturday** 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM **Sunday** 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM Current hours may differ from the usual schedule above (e.g. holidays) — check Google Maps for today's hours. ## What visitors say [Nicola Tranter](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/112201378933973587054/reviews) ★★★★★ 1st visit to this place x of which will be many more highly recommend what a beautiful nature reserve x the visitor centre, toilets, gift shop , cafe outstanding. Staff very friendly, car park £3 fantastic price , so many places to explore well signed, today explored the lakeside footpath and woodland discovery trail x nature at its finest x solo walking was amazing x places to sit , great views, after all that working well deserved excellent warm drink and seriously yummy scrummy cake x cheers nicki t · via Google [Jolly Roger](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/112876637249935223341/reviews) ★★★★★ If you are looking for an inexpensive educational fun day out in a relaxing wetland landscape, find it here at the Idle Valley Nature Reserve. Parking is by donation, there's an onsite toilet, shop and café with lakeside views of the resident and migrating waterfowl and a flat walk around Belmoor Lake and along the banks of the river Idle which is mostly dry underfoot thanks to a raised boardwalk then perhaps take a moment to yourself on one of the strategically placed benches. Lookout for the longhorned cattle who live here, They're normally quite calm so please don't alarm them. Enjoy your day! · via Google [Kimberley Streets](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/104163353572027062499/reviews) ★★★★★ Lack of signage and accuracy on the length of routes are not helpful. Equally the cafe shutting before the time noted let the place down. Great for preserving nature though. · via Google [lorriane white](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/115203954941598280983/reviews) ★★★★★ Beautiful day and lovely area to have a walk and stop and sit on a bench look at scenery, birds,wildlife then have a cuppa in the cafe 😀 if you want too highly recommend it good for your mental health too 😀 😊 👍 · via Google [See all reviews on Google →](https://www.google.com/maps/place//data=!4m4!3m3!1s0x4879a8fe997840d7:0x781553dea79d2a3e!9m1!1b1?g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA) Visitors say this nature reserve offers lovely walks with well-signposted routes, diverse wildlife, and beautiful scenery. They also highlight the excellent cafe with homemade food, delicious cakes, and great views, as well as the clean toilets and gift shop. Guests mention the convenient and ample parking, often available for a small donation. Summary via Google ## At a glance **Address** North Road, Retford, DN22 8RQ [Get directions](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=53.3386805%2C-0.9655304) **Category** Parks & Play Areas **Guest rating** 4.5 / 5 (1,328 reviews) **Suitable for** All Ages **Setting** Indoor & outdoor **Dogs allowed** Yes **Good for children** Yes **Destination** Retford [More attractions in Retford](https://staycation.co.uk/retford/attractions) ★ 4.5 (1,328 reviews) [Visit official website](https://www.nottinghamshirewildlife.org/nature-reserves/idle-valley/?utm_source=staycation.co.uk&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=attraction) [01777 713 945](tel:01777713945) (please mention staycation.co.uk when calling) ### Quick Facts **Destination** Retford **Postcode** DN22 8RQ **Payment** Cards, Contactless **Plus Code** 9C5X82QM+FQ [Directions ↗](https://www.google.com/maps/dir//''/data=!4m7!4m6!1m1!4e2!1m2!1m1!1s0x4879a8fe997840d7:0x781553dea79d2a3e!3e0?g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA) [More photos on Google ↗](https://www.google.com/maps/place//data=!4m3!3m2!1s0x4879a8fe997840d7:0x781553dea79d2a3e!10e5?g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA) [Write a review ↗](https://www.google.com/maps/place//data=!4m3!3m2!1s0x4879a8fe997840d7:0x781553dea79d2a3e!12e1?g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA) ### 🏨 Places to stay near Retford Hotels, B&Bs and self-catering on Booking.com, with live prices. [Check availability →](https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-101762279-15734754?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fsearchresults.en-gb.html%3Fss%3DRetford%252C%2BUnited%2BKingdom) Affiliate link [Hotels →](https://staycation.co.uk/retford/hotels) [Camping →](https://staycation.co.uk/retford/camping) ## Quick answers ### What are the opening hours of Idle Valley? Idle Valley is open Mon–Sun 9am–4:30pm (from its Google listing; hours can change on bank holidays, so check before you go). ### Is Idle Valley any good? Idle Valley is rated 4.5 out of 5 from 1,328 Google reviews. ### Is Idle Valley dog-friendly? Yes, dogs are allowed at Idle Valley. ### Is Idle Valley good for children? Yes, Idle Valley is listed as good for children. ### Is Idle Valley indoors or outdoors? Idle Valley has both indoor and outdoor areas. ### What ages is Idle Valley suitable for? Idle Valley suits all ages. ### Is Idle Valley wheelchair accessible? Idle Valley has a wheelchair-accessible entrance and an accessible toilet. ### Is there parking at Idle Valley? Yes: free car park, paid car park, free street parking and paid street parking. ### How do I contact Idle Valley? Call Idle Valley on +44 1777 858245. ## More near Idle Valley ### Hotels & B&Bs nearby - [Best Western Plus West Retford Hotel ★ 4.4 · 1.1 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/retford/hotels/best-western-plus-west-retford-hotel) - [The Herbalist Rooms ★ 4.4 · 1.4 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/retford/hotels/the-herbalist-rooms) - [Kings Park Hotel ★ 4.0 · 1.5 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/retford/hotels/kings-park-hotel) - [Tanamara Guest House ★ 4.5 · 1.5 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/retford/hotels/tanamara-guest-house) ### Holiday cottages nearby - [Hallcroft Fishery ★ 4.4 · 0.6 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/bassetlaw/cottages/hallcroft-fishery-uk48492) - [Ranby Cottage Farm - Cowslip ★ 5.0 · 2.4 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/bassetlaw/cottages/ranby-cottage-farm-cowslip-uk13138) - [Bramley Orchard Lodge 2.7 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/bassetlaw/cottages/bramley-orchard-lodge-uk47810) - [Herdwick Luxury Glamping 3.7 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/bassetlaw/cottages/herdwick-luxury-glamping-syk1140449) ### Campsites nearby - [Hallcroft Fishery and Holiday Park ★ 4.4 · 0.5 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/east-retford/camping/hallcroft-fishery-and-holiday-park) - [Dukeries Retreat ★ 4.9 · 1.8 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/retford/camping/dukeries-retreat) - [Olive Tree Caravan and Camping Park ★ 4.8 · 2.5 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/retford/camping/olive-tree-caravan-and-camping-park-retford) - [Torworth Grange ★ 4.2 · 2.7 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/retford/camping/torworth-grange) ### Things to do nearby - [Clumber Park ★ 4.6 · 5.5 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/worksop/attractions/clumber-park) - [Wacky Warehouse - Ashley Hotel ★ 4.3 · 6.6 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/worksop/attractions/wacky-warehouse-ashley-hotel) - [Kids Zone ★ 4.2 · 6.6 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/worksop/attractions/kids-zone) - [Captain Jacks Adventure Play ★ 4.7 · 6.7 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/retford/attractions/captain-jacks-adventure-play)