Dosthill Nature Reserve and Quarry
A diverse nature reserve featuring a dramatic quarry, riverside walks, and woodlands, perfect for family outings and nature exploration.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Dosthill Nature Reserve and Quarry
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A diverse nature reserve featuring a dramatic quarry, riverside walks, and woodlands, perfect for family outings and nature exploration.
"Lovely park with big walks and so much more, great for families and dog walkers."
👟 Wear sturdy shoes
Terrain can be uneven, especially around the quarry. Good walking shoes are a must for exploring.
🎒 Pack out all trash
Help keep this beautiful reserve clean. Bring a bag for your rubbish and leave no trace.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Grand Quarry
Central Quarry Area
Explore the dramatic, disused quarry, a testament to industrial past. Offers unique photo opportunities and a sense of rugged beauty.
Riverside Serenity
Riverbank
Discover peaceful spots along the river, perfect for quiet contemplation and enjoying sunset views.
Woodland Trails
Wooded Areas
Wander through diverse wooded sections, offering a different perspective and a chance to spot local flora and fauna.
Playground & Picnic Spots
Designated Areas
Family-friendly zones with playgrounds for younger and older children, plus ample space for picnics.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating Dosthill's Wild Charm
Respecting the Reserve
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear sturdy shoes
Terrain can be uneven, especially around the quarry. Good walking shoes are a must for exploring.
🎒 Pack out all trash
Help keep this beautiful reserve clean. Bring a bag for your rubbish and leave no trace.
🐶 Keep dogs leashed
Ensure your furry friends are under control, especially near wildlife and other visitors.
📸 Capture the decay
The old quarry and abandoned equipment offer unique, atmospheric photo opportunities.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear sturdy shoes
Terrain can be uneven, especially around the quarry. Good walking shoes are a must for exploring.
🎒 Pack out all trash
Help keep this beautiful reserve clean. Bring a bag for your rubbish and leave no trace.
🐶 Keep dogs leashed
Ensure your furry friends are under control, especially near wildlife and other visitors.
📸 Capture the decay
The old quarry and abandoned equipment offer unique, atmospheric photo opportunities.
🚗 Limited parking
The small, free car park can fill up quickly, especially on busy days. Consider arriving early.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Dosthill Nature Reserve is praised as a lovely, relaxing park with plenty of space for walks and family activities, including a great playground. However, some visitors have noted issues with litter and occasional camping, impacting the overall cleanliness and experience.
"Edit: the council allow travellers to camp in the park for a week or two on a regular basis so it is often covered in human poo and rubbish as well as having aggressive dogs (albeit small) biting at the public. The criminal damage, ASB and public order offences are reported to the police but they do not act, they facilitate it happening which is a shame.
Lovely place to go for a walk, with the dog or the family. It's got a nice playground and picnic area too."
Jamie Hill
"Great place - lots of little walks to go on and the Wildlings (Forest School) session hosted here is class. Great leaders! The playground has a fenced off area for younger kids, which is great and a larger play frame for the older ones."
Yasumy V
"Bigger than you think. Goes right back to the river where there are a few benches and nice spots for watching sunset. Lots of open space and wooded area. Kids playgroup. Very popular and often busy. No toilets. Small free carpark."
jeff hodgetts
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Dosthill Nature Reserve and Quarry is accessible by car, with a small, free car park available. Public transport options might be limited, so checking local bus routes is advisable. It's often described as being 'somewhere in the middle of nowhere' by visitors, so GPS is recommended.
While public transport might be an option, it's not the most convenient. Information on specific bus routes serving the area is scarce, and it's generally recommended to travel by car for easier access.
Yes, cycling is a great way to reach Dosthill. The surrounding areas offer scenic routes, and it's a good option if you prefer to avoid car parking limitations.
There is a small, free car park at Dosthill Nature Reserve. However, it can get very busy, especially on weekends and during good weather. Arriving early is advised to secure a spot.
Dosthill Quarry is known locally and among nature enthusiasts, but it's not a major tourist hotspot. This contributes to its charm but means detailed public transport information can be hard to find.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Dosthill Nature Reserve and Quarry is free. It's a public space managed for the enjoyment of nature lovers and local communities.
Dosthill Nature Reserve is generally open from dawn till dusk, as it's an outdoor natural space. There are no official opening or closing times posted, allowing for flexible visits.
Parking at Dosthill Nature Reserve is free. This is a significant plus for visitors, though the car park's small size means it can fill up quickly.
As an open nature reserve, Dosthill Quarry can be visited at most times. However, it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and to appreciate the scenery.
No, the playground and picnic areas within Dosthill Nature Reserve are free to use for all visitors.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy walking, dog walking, picnicking, and exploring the varied landscape including the quarry, river, and woodlands. There's also a playground for children.
Wild swimming in Dosthill Quarry is not officially recommended and can be dangerous due to depth, cold water, and hidden currents. While some seek it out, extreme caution is advised.
Unfortunately, there are no public toilets available at Dosthill Nature Reserve. Visitors are advised to plan accordingly.
Yes, Dosthill Nature Reserve is very popular for dog walking. It offers plenty of space for dogs to roam, but owners are reminded to keep them under control.
The reserve is home to various insects, including woodlice and bristletails, as noted by macro photographers. The varied habitats also support birdlife and other small creatures.
📸 📸 Photography
The dramatic quarry edges, old industrial remnants, and riverside views offer excellent photographic opportunities. The contrast between nature and the disused quarry is particularly striking.
Yes, Dosthill Quarry is a fantastic spot for macro photography, with visitors capturing detailed shots of insects like woodlice and bristletails. The diverse microhabitats support a variety of small life.
Late afternoons offer beautiful golden hour light, perfect for landscape and wildlife photography. The quarry can also provide dramatic shadows and light play.
There are no specific restrictions on photography for personal use at Dosthill Nature Reserve. However, always be mindful of other visitors and the environment.
For general exploration, a standard camera or smartphone is fine. For macro enthusiasts, a dedicated macro lens and lighting setup can capture the intricate details of the reserve's insect life.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Nature Walkers & Dog Owners
📸 Photographers (Landscape & Macro)
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Quarry's Past and Present
Despite its industrial origins, nature has reclaimed much of the area. The reserve features open spaces, wooded sections, and a riverside, creating diverse habitats. This makes it a great spot for walking and observing wildlife. Photographers, particularly those interested in macro shots, find it a rich environment for capturing insects like woodlice and bristletails. The juxtaposition of decaying industrial equipment and returning nature adds a layer of intrigue for explorers and photographers alike.
Family Fun and Relaxation
Visitors often describe it as a 'lovely place to go for a walk, with the dog or the family' and a 'welcoming park for your children.' On warm, sunny days, ice cream vans sometimes visit, adding to the festive atmosphere. While the reserve is popular and can get busy, especially on weekends, the free entry and parking (though limited) make it an accessible option for a day out. Remember that there are no toilets on-site, so planning ahead is essential for families.
The Appeal of Wild Swimming (and its Risks)
Official advice and common sense strongly caution against swimming in Dosthill Quarry. The water can be extremely cold, even in warmer months, leading to cold water shock. Furthermore, quarries often have unpredictable depths and hidden currents that pose a serious danger. While the idea of a secluded swim is appealing, prioritizing safety means avoiding such activities in disused quarries.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit