Perfect Picnics

In the summertime, there is nothing better than grabbing a tartan rug and a basket and heading off to a grassy spot for an impromptu picnic. The country parks provide the ideal setting for a family gathering, and there are also some peaceful and less well-known spots in the area that offer a bit of alfresco escapism. While you’re planning your picnic, why not take some local produce with you, such as some crusty bread, home-cured ham, a pork pie or some tasty cheese, such as Stichelton or Colston Bassett. Further details about most of the locations mentioned can be found in other sections of this guide.

Rufford Abbey Country Park

The country park is blessed with plenty of great picnic spots and a reasonable number of benches – some of which are designed with wheelchair users in mind. Parents wanting to observe their children on the adventure playground will find suitable benches close by, and, if you are happy to sit on a rug, there is a grassy area ideal for picnics and family games. If you seek a bit of solitude, there are a number of benches away from the lakeside, close to the trees. There may be a small charge for parking, dependent on the time of week/year, except for the disabled.

Clumber Park

In the height of summer, the vast Clumber Park Estate is an extremely popular destination for large family gatherings, with plenty of room for a variety of picnic paraphernalia and post-lunch games of cricket or Frisbee. There are various picnic benches and some are suitable for wheelchair users. Barbequing is also permitted within a designated area. There is a small charge for car parking.

Duke’s Wood

For people looking for a slightly unusual picnic experience, Duke’s Wood is an interesting place to visit. It is the site of a nature reserve and an outdoor oil museum. Although there are no picnic benches, after a walk along the trail you can lay your picnic rug in a pleasant grassed area among the nodding donkeys.

Sherwood Forest National Nature Reserve

If you are a Robin Hood enthusiast you will be pleased to discover that there is a perfect picnic spot next to his legendary hiding place – the Major Oak. There is a variety of benches, and some are suitable for wheelchairs. In 2007, the park was voted the regional winner of the ‘Warburtons Golden Slice Picnic Awards’.

Sherwood Pines Forest Park

Sherwood Pines is the perfect place for a picnic for cyclists and families. Benches are located near the adventure playground, so parents can keep a watchful eye on children while enjoying a bite to eat. The park is also on Sustrans National Cycle Route 6, so cyclists will find that a stop here won’t mean a detour.

Southwell Trail

The multi-use trail runs along the former railway line between Southwell and Bilsthorpe and there are picnic sites with benches along the way at Farnsfield and Kirklington and other seats along the trail. So, if you’re planning a walk, or a horse or cycle ride, bring a picnic!

Maplebeck Viewpoint

If you are touring around the area, you might find that the Maplebeck Viewpoint is a good place to stop for refreshments. The picnic bench is looking a bit well-worn, but there are great views across Nottinghamshire from this location. The viewpoint is located on a road between Maplebeck and Winkburn, OS grid reference: SK7060.

Vicar Water Country Park

Vicar Water Country Park is also on Sustrans Route 6 – making it another ideal stopping off point for cyclists. Close to the visitor centre and the lake you will find plenty of picnic benches and many are wheelchairfriendly. While you’re there you won’t be able to miss the wonderful hand sculpture nearby.

Sherwood Heath

A trip to the Tourist Information Centre at Ollerton Roundabout can be combined with a picnic stop at nearby Sherwood Heath, a peaceful spot with plenty of tables, some of which are wheelchair-friendly.

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