National Trust – Clumber Park

Located in Nottinghamshire, Clumber Park is a massive expanse of parkland, woods, and lakeside trails that once formed part of the historic Sherwood Forest. It’s the kind of place where you can spend an entire day and still not see everything.

What to do and see
The heart of the park is the huge serpentine lake, which is perfect for a long stroll or a bike ride. You can explore the Gothic Revival Chapel, which looks like a mini-cathedral, and the Walled Kitchen Garden, where you can see rows of heritage fruits and vegetables. There is also a discovery centre for those who want a bit of a deeper dive into the local nature.

For walkers and cyclists
The park is a dream for people on two wheels or on foot.

• The Park Perimeter: A popular circular route roughly 9 miles long. It’s mostly off-road on a mix of firm forest tracks and some tarmac sections.
• The Lake Loop: A shorter, gentler circular route of about 4 miles that keeps you close to the water and the main facilities.
• Refreshments: You’ll find a café and a tea room near the main visitor hub, and often a coffee van parked up by the lake during busy periods.

Family vibes and age appeal
This is a genuinely all-ages destination.

• Young Kids: They’ll love the Woodland Play Park, which is much more than a standard “add-on” playground—it’s a proper natural play area where they can get muddy. However, because of the lake and the vast woodlands, they’ll need close supervision.
• Teens: Active teens will enjoy the miles of cycling trails. You can hire bikes on-site, including tandems and trailers. If they aren’t into the “great outdoors” or cycling, they might find it a bit “too much green space” and get restless.
• Adults: It’s a win for adults who enjoy heritage, gardening, or a peaceful walk. It’s more of an interesting and relaxing spot than a high-octane “entertaining” one.

Planning your time
Expect to spend 3 to 5 hours here, or a full day if you bring bikes and a picnic. It’s a great “breather” for parents while kids burn off energy, but it’s an active day out rather than a “drop the kids off” situation.

Money and food

• Discounts: Keep an eye out for two-for-one vouchers in national newspapers or through certain energy providers. They also offer reduced rates for seniors and often have family tickets.
• Membership: If you live nearby, annual membership is a total no-brainer because it covers your entry and parking, which can otherwise feel a bit steep for a one-off visit.
• Parking & Food: Parking is plentiful but included in the entry fee for non-members. Food at the café is standard “country park” style—reliable but can be pricey for a large family. There are loads of picnic spots, which is the best way to keep costs down.

Nearby extras
If you want to make a weekend of it, Thoresby Park is just down the road for more walks and artisan shops, or you could head into Worksop for a wider choice of restaurants and bars.