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Finding a good work-life balance can be hard, especially in this day and age when it’s all about achieving your dreams and being the best version of yourself. It’s time to lower the pressure and put all your energy towards yourself to get back that spring in your step. This two-day itinerary takes you on a tour that is serenely relaxing whilst exploring the beautiful Nottinghamshire …
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Day 1 | Morning
Check in at the Muthu Clumber Park Hotel & Spa, an ideal place to stay and escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Situated on the edge of Sherwood Forest, and only a short drive away from the beautiful Clumber Park, you will find yourself surrounded by the calm of nature. With a range of accommodations, two restaurants, a bar and even a luxurious spa and gymnasium you won’t be short of anything during your stay.
Less than a 15 minute drive away, you’ll find the beautiful Sherwood Forest. The royal forest might be known for it’s association with the one and only Robin Hood, but besides being the hideaway for everyone’s favourite outlaw, the woods of Sherwood can bring you unrivalled tranquillity. Indulge yourself in forest bathing – the ancient Japanese practice of observing the nature around you whilst breathing in the fresh air and quietly taking in your surroundings. Why not leave your electronic devices behind and go on a peaceful woodland walk to connect with nature and focus on your wellbeing.
Day 1 | Afternoon
Some say churches are a place of healing. In the quaint village of Edwinstowe just next to Sherwood Forest, St Mary’s Church dates back to 1175 and has since seen many a prayer and worship. It is even believed that this is the place where Robin Hood and Maid Marian got married.
Next head to Ollerton Watermill & Teashop, just a short drive away and a great place to regain some extra strength for the rest of the day, whilst enjoying a riverside view. This family owned business used to be a part of the Rufford Estate and has the oldest and only working watermill in all of Nottinghamshire – dating back to 1713. From home baked cakes and quiches to salads and afternoon teas, there’s plenty to choose from and it’s all freshly prepared, using quality, local ingredients as much as possible.
Walk off your delicious lunch in the grounds of Rufford Abbey Country Park. Take a gentle stroll around the lake and explore the beautiful gardens of the former 12 century Cistercian Monastery and country house. Listen to the sounds of chirping birds and wind blowing through the trees whilst enjoying a drink and a snack at one of the various cafés in the Rufford estate.
Day 1 | Evening
After a day in nature’s finest, it’s time for dinner at Fox and Hounds. This former farmhouse dates back to the early nineteenth century and has been run as a family owned country pub for nearly two decades now. For good home-cooked british food, real ales and excellent wines to fully relax you’re definitely in the right place!
Retreat back to your hotel and end the day with well-deserved spa evening at the New Leaf Spa, which is open until 9pm. From a sauna and steam room to a heated swimming pool and outdoor hottub, there’s space for everyone. Whether you’re in need of a relaxing massage or you want to be pampered with a beauty treatment, their fully trained therapists have an array of options to choose from to put your feet up and unwind.
Day 2 | Morning
Start your last day with a good breakfast at the hotel. Whether you’re into savoury or sweet there will be something to pique your appetite. Try their homemade muesli with fruit and nuts or get a taste of delicious pastries. For those who are in need of a more hearty breakfast there’s sausages, bacon, salmon and eggs served in various way and much more to complete your typical English Breakfast.
After a filling breakfast it’s time for a little trip to see what Clumber Park is all about. Discover the National Trust property (which once belonged to the Duke of Newcastle) by bike as you follow their cycle route, taking in the entire 3800 acres of the park. Despite the mansion being demolished in 1938, original features such as the magnificent 19th-century glasshouses, a Victorian chapel and a Gothic Revival ‘mini-cathedral are still standing tall.
Day 2 | Afternoon
You’ll find Carriages Cafe located in the Newark Castle Train Station. This grade II listed station was built in the Italianate style in 1846 and has been sympathetically restored to its former glory. It is now a beautiful Victorian styled cafe and bar with chandeliers, nostalgic steampunk decor, sash windows and stone fireplaces. Quirky contraptions and art-work bedeck the walls, which all add to a timeless nostalgia for the age of steam. Drinks are served all day including Barista coffee, a variety of teas, Fitzpatrick‘s old-fashioned cordials, hot chocolate and Carriages is also fully licensed so if you fancy a beer, a glass of wine or a flavoured gin Carriages will be able to accommodate your wishes.
The station sits close to the picturesque River Trent and just a short distance from Newark Castle and the town centre. There is ample parking in the railway car-park or just hop on a train and leave the car behind!
Take a stroll through the streets of Newark to browse the shops and afer a five minute walk you’ll find yourself at St Mary Magdalene. This Medieval Parish Church is one of the largests and finests of its sort. The spire of the Parish Church dates back to the early 13th century and was used as a look-out post during the English Civil War. To this day, a hole in the spire, where a Parliamentarian cannonball is said to have struck in 1644, is still visible.
Day 2 | Evening
Round off your trip in the heart of the historic town of Newark at The Ram Bar & Brasserie for a wholesome and delicious meal. From traditional dishes such as pie of the day or cod and chips, to fiery fajjita’s and an italian twist with their hand rolled, oven baked pizza’s, they’re not afraid to mix it up with both classics and modern flavours. Why not end the night on a high with a delicious cocktail, a fine wine or one of their craft lagers from continental Europe.
Mansfield
Ollerton
Worksop
From | To | Distance * (metric) |
---|---|---|
Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre & National Nature Reserve (53.20295,-1.06399) | Ollerton Watermill & Teashop (53.19847,-1.02237) | 2.54 |
Ollerton Watermill & Teashop (53.19847,-1.02237) | St Mary's Church Edwinstowe (53.19521,-1.06437) | 2.54 |
St Mary's Church Edwinstowe (53.19521,-1.06437) | Rufford Abbey Country Park (53.17597,-1.03594) | 2.58 |
Rufford Abbey Country Park (53.17597,-1.03594) | Clumber Park (53.26842,-1.06083) | 9.38 |
Clumber Park (53.26842,-1.06083) | Cycling at Clumber Park (53.26242,-1.06724) | 0.71 |
Cycling at Clumber Park (53.26242,-1.06724) | St Mary Magdalene Newark (53.07514,-0.80721) | 24.42 |
St Mary Magdalene Newark (53.07514,-0.80721) | Pure Land Japanese Garden and Meditation Centre (53.2408,-0.76924) | 16.76 |
Total Distance * | 58.91 miles | |
Estimated Journey Time | 1.9 hours |
* Approximate distance by road