the former 12th Century Cistercian monastery is one of the best-preserved remains of its kind in England. You can walk around the tranquil lake and it offers a rich habitat for many different species of wildlife, it’s a birders paradise. The sculpture gardens and woodland trails are beautiful at any time of the year and there is something different around every corner; with an exciting play area and nature trails for the children, it is perfect for a family day out. There are some lovely places to picnic around the park, plus there are two cafes and a restaurant, all serving a selection of food and drinks.
Clumber Park is a must on your visit to Robin Hood Country. Belonging to the National Trust, the estate covers over 3800 acres of parkland, woods and farmland and boasts the longest double avenue of Lime Trees in Europe. Stretching over 2 miles long it’s the ideal place to enjoy a gentle stroll and soak in the views. The Walled Kitchen Gardens are a treat; built in 1772 to supply the Dukes of Newcastle with vegetables and fruit, it is now home to the National Collection of 72 apple varieties and over 130 varieties of rhubarb. The 19th century glasshouses and palm house grow plants and produce all the year around and offer magnificent displays of chrysanthemums and pelargoniums. Own grown produce is also used in The Garden Tea Room, where a variety of food and drinks are served. Cycle hire is available and is a great way to explore the park along the many tracks; and the beautiful lakeside provides stunning views and breath-taking walks.
Travel further North and visit St. Peters Church in the pretty village of Clayworth. This picturesque little 12th century church is the home to the Traquair Murals. It is the largest piece of ecclesiastic artwork to be found in the East of England; painted by Scottish artist Phoebe Traquair in 1904, they are stunningly beautiful and well worth a visit to this quintessentially English village. Just 6 miles away is the market town of Retford; Its attractive continental style market square is dominated by a Romanesque inspired town hall and has a selection of bars, coffee shops and restaurants. Retford's jewel in its crown is Kings Park, with the River Idle meandering gently through and the beautiful rose garden filling the air with a heavy scent during the Summer months. Retford is easily accessible by road and rail.
The picturesque market town of Newark stands on the River Trent and offers a wealth of heritage, historical attractions and plenty of green space for relaxation and recreation. The impressive medieval castle is undoubtedly one of the most significant landmarks in Newark and Robin Hood Country. The town has many interesting buildings to explore and the architecture is diverse, especially so in the lovely cobbled town square, where markets and events are held attracting visitors from all over the country. Newark boasts many excellent places to eat and drink, charming shops, art galleries and museums. The National Civil War Centre tells the story of life during the Civil War through unique and interesting exhibitions, displaying many rare and newly discovered artefacts. It has a fabulous café Nineteen 20, which offers superb selection tasty treats and a lovely courtyard for the summer months. There are some fantastic walks around Newark and the surrounding area too! A perfect way to explore!
Southwell: often referred to as a ‘Cultural Gem’ is one of the county’s most attractive towns, and the Minster is possibly one of the greatest examples of Gothic architecture in the county. The town is also the home of the iconic ‘Bramley Apple’. Its origins began over 200 years ago in the garden of a cottage on Church Street. Loved all over the world; the Bramley apple is celebrated by way of an annual festival, which is held at the Minster every October. The town offers plenty to keep the whole family occupied; follow one of the pretty footpaths along the River Greet, see the wildflower meadows or simply watch the world go by enjoying refreshment in one of the cafes or quaint coffee shops.
