Clumber Park, Worksop

Covering more than 3,800 acres, Clumber Park is a fantastic place for a walk in nature. Our route takes you to beautiful points of interest across the estate – take in the Gothic-style chapel of St. Mary the Virgin, be amazed at the blooming flora contained in the walled kitchen garden, and enjoy a leisurely stroll through the Pleasure Grounds running parallel to the River Poulter.

There are three National Trust-owned car parks at Clumber Park, where fees apply for non-members. We recommend arriving at the Cow Pastures car park, where we’ve started this route, as you’ll be able to visit the walled kitchen garden before heading out into the Pleasure Grounds. For those with four-legged friends, dogs must be kept on a short lead in the Pleasure Grounds, walled kitchen garden and around the main visitor facilities. Aside from signposted areas where dogs may disturb wildlife such as ground-nesting birds, dogs are welcome off lead if they have good recall. There are dog waste bins around the main visitor facilities and along the lakeside walk, so be sure to pick up after your dogs and take bags with you until you reach a bin.

The terrain on this route is along well-maintained dirt pathways. The walled kitchen garden is a real highlight on this walk, especially in the Springtime when hyacinths, daffodils and cherry blossom trees are bursting into full bloom in the glasshouse. Situated in the four acre garden, this stunning glass building is the longest glasshouse at any National Trust property. Walking through the Pleasure Grounds you’ll see the Gothic-style chapel of St. Mary the Virgin, and pass through the Turning Yard and Laundry Yard where there is a discovery centre and play area for children. Following the lakeside path you’ll head into the pinetum and out the other side at Clumber Park’s Grade II listed ornamental bridge, where you can spot its resident swans swimming by. You can choose to extend your walk here by crossing the bridge and following the lakeside path on the opposite side of the water, but there is no opportunity to cross back over until you reach Hardwick village, so be advised this will add at least 45 minutes to your walk time before you arrive back at Cow Pastures car park.

There are a few food stop options at Clumber Park to reward yourself after your walk. The Turning Yard cafe serves a range of hot and cold drinks, lunches and sandwiches, as well as sweet and savoury treats. Dogs are not permitted inside but there’s covered outdoor seating where dogs are welcome. For dog-friendly seating indoors and outdoors, head to the Central Bark cafe located between the walled kitchen garden and cricket ground. Here you’ll find water bowls for your dogs and even toys they are welcome to play with! There are dog products available to purchase and a warm water shower to hose off any muddy paws. If you choose to extend your walk along the opposite side of the river, Lake Brew in Hardwick village is a good pitstop to pick up a takeaway drink or light bite to enjoy on your way.