Wollaton Hall is one of the finest Elizabethan houses in England - a Grade 1 Listed building designed by Robert Smythson and built in 1588 by Sir Francis Willoughby. The Hall is home to Nottingham's Natural History Museum, with all sorts of exhibits from Gorilla's & Giraffe's to Insects. Entrance to the Hall museum is free.
Wollaton hall stands on a hillside within 500 acres of rolling parkland with woodland & lakeside walks. The park also has lots of Red and Fallow Deer roaming freely. The deer aren't too shy and can be seen easily on most days.
Behind the hall is an area of more formal gardens and greenhouse. This area is being relayed to the Corrigan 19th century plan. (Feb - April 2007). I re-visited in early May 2007 and the re-planting was just getting started. New lawns had been laid but not the flowers. (photos below). The Camellia House, one of the oldest cast iron greenhouse's in Europe, has been fully restored.
The lake is located behind the hall - a good 15 minute walk from the main car parks.

This is a fairly large lake with a wide flat path all the way around and plenty of ducks and geese to feed. Seats & benches are provided.
The out buildings and old stable block now contain a cafe, shop, art galleries. There's also the Nottingham Industrial Museum, which has a large display of machinery from Nottingham's past. These include lace / textile machines, old motor cycles, cars and bicycles.
The museum also has a fully working steam engine (not a steam train), this can be see in action on the last Sunday of every month.
Features
Flower Gardens,
Large Lake,
Tame ducks and geese
Wooded Area,
Wollaton Hall,
Wild Deer
Lots of open grass land,
Museums & Cafe,
Camellia House
Toilets
Large car parks P&D