Idle Valley Visitor Centre and Nature Reserve

Idle Valley is the largest reserve in our care, located just five minutes away from Retford and within an hour of Nottingham, Lincoln, Doncaster, Sheffield and Newark. 

This beautiful nature reserve is one of the largest in the East Midlands and has something for everyone. Whether you’re planning a gentle stroll with the family, enjoying the treehouse play area, having a spot of lunch in a tranquil setting or are looking for somewhere to spend a whole day wildlife watching, Idle Valley Nature Reserve is the place to head. We have a wheelchair and pushchair friendly lakeside walk too.

Idle Valley is one of the richest birding sites in the region and species to look out for in winter include gadwall and little grebe. Our café and shop offer a warm welcome and a spectacular view over the reserve making it an ideal destination whatever the weather.

See our vision for Idle Valley Nature Reserve