Nottinghamshire &amp; Derbyshire


<p>With summer looking like it&#8217;s actually making a an appearance (keep those fingers crossed), now&#8217;s the time to plan a picnic. We&#8217;re blessed with hundreds of gorgeous spots to roll out a blanket to eat al fresco, but these are some of the really special ones. Hamper at the ready? Head out while you can.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-osmaston-park-near-ashbourne"><a href="http://www.derbyshire-peakdistrict.co.uk/osmaston%20walk.htm">Osmaston Park</a>, near Ashbourne</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/08/Water-mill-Osmaston.jpg" alt="Sawmill at Osmaston, Derbyshire" class="wp-image-5513" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/08/Water-mill-Osmaston.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/08/Water-mill-Osmaston-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/08/Water-mill-Osmaston-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/08/Water-mill-Osmaston-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image/ <a href="https://www.visitpeakdistrict.com/blog/hidden-gems-in-the-peak-district-derbyshire-best-kept-secrets-and-unique-places-to-visit" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Visit Peak District &amp; Derbyshire</a></figcaption></figure>



<p>This under the radar, picture-perfect gem is off the beaten track and usually blissfully quiet (don&#8217;t go telling too many about this one). Park at the chocolate-box-pretty duck pond near the thatched houses of Osmaston and head down a steepish hill towards Shirley for a kilometre until you come to the old sawmill and lovely lake. There&#8217;s not a lot of space for blankets, but if you have it to yourself you&#8217;ll enjoy a dreamy spot beneath the trees for a picnic.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nottingham-nbsp-arboretum-nottingham">Nottingham&nbsp;<a href="https://www.visit-nottinghamshire.co.uk/things-to-do/nottingham-arboretum-p641471">Arboretum</a>, Nottingham</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/08/Notts-arboretum.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-5517" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/08/Notts-arboretum.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/08/Notts-arboretum-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/08/Notts-arboretum-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/08/Notts-arboretum-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image / <a href="https://www.visit-nottinghamshire.co.uk/things-to-do/nottingham-arboretum-p641471" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Visit Nottinghamshire</a></figcaption></figure>



<p>Rumoured to have been the inspiration for&nbsp;<strong>J.M Barrie’s Neverland</strong>, this beautiful arboretum is home to more than 800 trees and is Nottingham’s oldest park. Plenty of grassy spots to roll out your picnic blanket here, surrounded by floral beds and the calls of exotic birds in the aviary. Need fabulous food to take with you? Pop to Muddy Award winner <a href="https://delilahfinefoods.co.uk/collections/platters-picnics">Delilah&#8217;s Fine Foods</a> first and grab one of their scrummy picnic platters.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-padley-gorge-grindleford"><a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/peak-district-derbyshire/longshaw-burbage-and-the-eastern-moors/padley-gorge-and-burbage-brook">Padley Gorge</a>, Grindleford</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/06/PAdley-Gorge-NT-by-David-Goacher.jpg" alt="Padley Gorge in Derbyshire" class="wp-image-4781" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/06/PAdley-Gorge-NT-by-David-Goacher.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/06/PAdley-Gorge-NT-by-David-Goacher-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/06/PAdley-Gorge-NT-by-David-Goacher-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/06/PAdley-Gorge-NT-by-David-Goacher-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Perfectly pretty and a sublime spot for a sweltering day, escape the heat beneath the shady tree canopy while the kids cool off with a paddle. You can either park at Grindleford and head up Upper Padley or park at Longshaw Estate and take the flatter, easier trail past the pond and down to Padley Gorge. Can&#8217;t be faffed with a picnic? Just take a walk and head to <a href="https://nottsderbyshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/maynard-grindleford-derbyshire/">The Maynard</a>, a short walk from Grindleford station car park, and indulge in an al fresco lunch in the great, big garden.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-thoresby-park-near-edwinstowe"><a href="https://thoresby.com/">Thoresby Park</a>, near Edwinstowe</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/08/Thoresby-picnic.jpg" alt="Summer on the lawns at Thoresby Hall, Notts" class="wp-image-5520" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/08/Thoresby-picnic.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/08/Thoresby-picnic-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/08/Thoresby-picnic-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/08/Thoresby-picnic-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>With more than 1,000 acres of unspoilt English countryside, you&#8217;ll always find a lush picnic spot at Thoresby. You can stroll under old oaks, through the deer park and paddle in the stream before rolling out the blanket on the lovely lawns.&nbsp;Need to stock up on foodie treats first? Try nearby <a href="https://www.thaymaricecream.co.uk/farm-shop-deliveries-and-collection">Thaymar Farm Shop</a> near Boothamsall.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monsal-head-viaduct-near-bakewell"><a href="https://www.visitpeakdistrict.com/business-directory/monsal-head-and-monsal-dale">Monsal Head viaduct</a>, near Bakewell</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/06/Monsal-Trail.jpg" alt="Monsal Head viaduct" class="wp-image-4775" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/06/Monsal-Trail.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/06/Monsal-Trail-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/06/Monsal-Trail-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/06/Monsal-Trail-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Taking the tribe or meeting up with a few families?&nbsp;<a href="https://explore.osmaps.com/route/6650315/monsal-head-circular-walk?lat=53.240753&amp;lon=-1.733486&amp;zoom=15.8420&amp;style=Standard&amp;type=2d">This is a lovely short walk</a>&nbsp;to do en masse, with jaw-dropping views and a waterfall (well, weir actually), that ends with lovely flat grassy spots on the riverbank for a sprawling family picnic. Park at Monsal Head car park and admire the wow views before heading down to the viaduct. Follow the steep footpath down the hill signposted ‘Ashford Monsal Dale’ towards the weir. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-green-s-mill-park-sneiton"><a href="https://www.greensmill.org.uk/find-us/">Green’s Mill Park</a>, Sneiton</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/03/windmill-x.jpg" alt="Green’s Windmill in Sneinton on a sunny day" class="wp-image-3732" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/03/windmill-x.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/03/windmill-x-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/03/windmill-x-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/03/windmill-x-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The main attraction here may be the old windmill, but it’s also a gorgeous spot to munch al fresco. Spread out in the spacious grounds (it’s in a lovely spot on the hill with beautiful views of the city), then head to the mill to see how flour is made, climb the mill and experiment like a scientist.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-children-s-country-house-sudbury"><a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/peak-district-derbyshire/the-childrens-country-house-at-sudbury" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Children&#8217;s Country House</a>, Sudbury</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/08/Sudbury-picnic.jpg" alt="children playing on grass in front of Sudbury Hall, Derbyshire" class="wp-image-5514" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/08/Sudbury-picnic.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/08/Sudbury-picnic-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/08/Sudbury-picnic-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/08/Sudbury-picnic-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">NT Images / Steve Franklin</figcaption></figure>



<p>Ok, so this one comes with a National Trust entry fee (£60 for a family ticket, under fives free), but it&#8217;s a full family day out that the kids will love. The big lawns at the side and front of the hall overlooking the lake are perfect for a picnic spread and the kids can safely come and go from the adjacent woodland adventure playground (there are usually giant garden games like Connect 4 and quoits to enjoy on the lawns too during the summer hols). The recently revamped Children&#8217;s Country House and interactive toy museum is brilliant fun for kids too if you need to duck inside for cover.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-clumber-park-notts"><a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/nottinghamshire-lincolnshire/clumber-park">Clumber Park</a>, Notts</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="731" height="1024" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/08/Clumber-picnic-731x1024.jpg" alt="A family picnics at Clumber Park, Notts" class="wp-image-5522" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/08/Clumber-picnic-731x1024.jpg 731w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/08/Clumber-picnic-214x300.jpg 214w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/08/Clumber-picnic-768x1075.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/08/Clumber-picnic-375x525.jpg 375w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/08/Clumber-picnic.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 731px) 100vw, 731px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">NT Images / David Levenson</figcaption></figure>



<p>With 3,800 acres of beautiful parkland, there are plenty of gorgeous spots to sprawl out on for a picnic. Lay your spread at the former mansion site or in front of the chapel, near the woodland play park so that the kids can come and go, or by the lakeside. Admission costs £12.50 for a family ticket.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hardwick-hall-chesterfield"><a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/peak-district-derbyshire/hardwick">Hardwick Hall</a>, Chesterfield</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/08/Hardwick-picnic.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-5515" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/08/Hardwick-picnic.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/08/Hardwick-picnic-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/08/Hardwick-picnic-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/08/Hardwick-picnic-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">NT Images / David Levenson</figcaption></figure>



<p>Another National Trust beauty, it&#8217;s hard to resist a lazy picnic on the lawns in front of the stunning stately home. The gardens are at their peak right now so you&#8217;ll have the heady scent of roses to accompany your rosé.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rushcliffe-country-park-west-bridgford"><a href="https://www.rushcliffe.gov.uk/rushcliffecountrypark/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rushcliffe Country Park</a>, West Bridgford</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/08/Rushcliffe-picnic.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-5525" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/08/Rushcliffe-picnic.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/08/Rushcliffe-picnic-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/08/Rushcliffe-picnic-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/08/Rushcliffe-picnic-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image / Visit Nottinghamshire</figcaption></figure>



<p>Officially an award-winning place for a picnic (it scooped the accolade of third <a href="https://www.quorn.co.uk/news/the-quorn-perfect-picnic-index" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">best budget and family-friendly picnic spot</a> in England), this pretty park is bursting with wild meadows, grassland and woodland. There are eight clicks of meandering pathways and stacks of tempting spots to lay your blanket.</p>


Blanket banquets: 10 best picnic spots in Notts & Derbyshire

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