Clumber Park

Clumber Park was the country estate of the Dukes of Newcastle for over three centuries, carved out of Sherwood Forest, and although the mansion was taken down in 1938 its setting survives across 3,800 acres of parkland and woodland around an 83-acre serpentine lake. The Gothic Revival Chapel of St Mary the Virgin towers over the Pleasure Grounds; the four-acre walled kitchen garden has the longest glasshouse in the Trust and national collections of rhubarb and apples; and Lime Tree Avenue runs two miles between 1,296 limes, the longest of its kind in Europe. With more than 20 miles of trails, cycle hire and a dog-friendly cafe, Central Bark, it suits bikes and dogs as well as walkers. Reviewers rate the five-mile lake circuit, the snack van partway round and the play areas. Tips from visitors: the lake loop can be shortened or extended into the woods, dogs can only sit outside at the Turning Yard cafe, and mobility scooters are free to borrow but worth booking.