Clumber Park invites autumn visitors to its walled garden for an apple celebration

Few places in Nottinghamshire show off autumn quite like Clumber Park. Near Worksop, in the heart of the Dukeries, the National Trust estate covers more than 3,800 acres of parkland, heath and woods carved out of the ancient forest of Sherwood, and it remains one of the county's best loved days out. In 2025 it welcomed 715,889 visitors.

Clumber was once the seat of the Pelham-Clintons, Dukes of Newcastle. The great house was demolished in 1938, and only the Duke's study survives, now home to the Clumber Café. The National Trust bought the park in 1946 and has cared for it ever since. It is listed at Grade I on the national register of historic parks and gardens, and it is also a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

The approach alone is worth the trip. Lime Tree Avenue, planted in 1840, runs for about two miles and is lined with 1,296 common limes, said to be the longest avenue of its kind in Europe. At the heart of the park, a serpentine lake is crossed by an ornamental bridge built between 1763 and 1770, and the Chapel of St Mary the Virgin, a Gothic Revival masterpiece by George Frederick Bodley completed in 1889, is often called a cathedral in miniature.

This week the spotlight falls on the walled kitchen garden. Dating from the 18th century and spanning four acres, it has the longest glasshouse in the National Trust and holds national collections of rhubarb and apples. On Friday 23 and Saturday 24 October, from 11am to 3pm, the garden hosts its free Apple Celebrations, with more than 70 apple varieties to enjoy. There will be apple pressing and tasting, a self-led apple trail, pruning demonstrations at 11.30am and 1.30pm and heritage apples for sale. On the Saturday, visitors can also see beehive demonstrations, buy honey from Clumber's own bees and watch the Rattle Jag Morris Dancers. Normal admission applies, and National Trust members go free.

With over 20 miles of paths and trails, cycle hire, an adventure playground and a dedicated dog-friendly café called Central Bark, there is plenty to fill a whole day. Clumber is also famous as the home of the Clumber spaniel, a breed believed to have been developed here by the 2nd Duke in the late 18th century.

Opening times, prices and details of Christmas at Clumber, which begins on 21 November, are on the National Trust website.