Picnic spots in Nottingham: 7 perfect places to sit down and relax
Enjoy beautiful scenery and great food at these sites around the county
If you’re planning on being and about in our county, finding the best picnic spots in Nottingham is a fabulous way to soak in the scenery and relax with friends and family.
I’ve rounded up a range of beautiful places across the area, all of which I’ve been to myself. From grand country homes to casual parks, there is somewhere for everyone, no matter what the occasion. I’ve also put together a list of Nottingham picnic must-haves, in case you need some inspo for your basket.
If you’re looking for some of the most beautiful places in Nottingham and want somewhere you can enjoy a blissful bite to eat, grab your blanket and supplies, and get ready to find the perfect place to lay down.
7 perfect picnic spots in Nottingham
By Eve Smallman
1. Green’s Windmill
Where: Windmill Lane, Sneinton, NG2 4QB
The outdoor space outside this historic windmill has just the right amount of room for a picnic blanket — but there are benches further down the walkway if you need more support. If you don’t have a bite to eat when picnicking here, I recommend getting lunch from The Avenues in Sneinton Market and then walking up Sneinton Road. Afterwards, you can head up the windmill itself (for free!) to see how its flour is made, before going into the museum to try fun activities and seeing the gift shop filled with maps, mugs, and more.
Do if: You want a picnic where you can take food home afterwards — the gift shop also sells the windmill’s flour.
2. Rufford Abbey
Where: Newark, NG22 9DF
Not only is Rufford Abbey a striking backdrop for a picnic, but it also has a ton of activities to do. Work up an appetite at the adventure play park, adventure golf, archery zone, and boating lake — you can either do each one individually or grab an adventure pass for £10pp, which is available on weekends and bank holidays, and Thursday to Sunday during school holidays. When you’re ready to dine, simply find a spot on its sprawling lawns. It also has mains and dessert covered, with an award-winning pizza truck and an ice cream parlour on-site.
Do if: You want a picnic spot you spend the whole day relaxing at.

3. The Arboretum
Where: Waverley Street, Nottingham, NG7 4HF
Fly away to Nottingham’s Neverland for a fabulous feast — this Green Flag Award-winning park apparently inspired J.M. Barrie’s fictional island. The beauty of heading to this picnic spot in Nottingham is that you have the city centre at your feet, so you can grab any cuisine you like. But, if it’s picnic food specifically you’re after, Delilah’s Fine Foods is a fantastic one-stop shop for nibbly foods, cheese, and wine (there are more suggestions for Notts picnic ingredients at the end of this article). Even on sunny days, there’s still lots of space to sit down here.
Do if: You want a bite to eat in peace, away from the hustle and bustle of town.
4. Clumber Park
Where: Worksop, S80 3AZ
At this bright and beautiful park, there are plenty of grassy areas spread throughout, with some of them having picnic tables. You can grab hot drinks and other bites from the Turning Yard cafe and Central Bark, which is dog-friendly. It does have paid entry of £5pp adult / £2.50pp child as it’s a National Trust property, but you are able to see an incredible amount for your money, including the majestic lime tree avenue, the Grade II listed ornamental bridge, and over 3,800 acres of parkland and gardens.
Do if: You want to soak in seasonal scenery while you picnic — it looks beautiful all times of year, thanks to its vast blooms and shrubs.

5. Attenborough Nature Reserve
Where: Nottingham, NG9 6DY
Over 250 different species of bird species have been recorded here, thanks to its vast lakes which you can meander around. On cooler days you can cosy up inside the wildlife garden shelters — one with a table that seats 15 and one with comfortable seats. Within this, there are also wheelchair-friendly picnic benches and all the paths are on one level. The cafe at the start of the reserve has delicious takeaway treats, including sandwiches, local cakes and breads, hot and cold drinks, and ice cream.
Do if: You want a picnic spot that will impress family and friends — it’s one of the best places to see kingfishers and it has David Attenborough’s seal of approval.

6. Wollaton Hall
Where: Wollaton Road, Nottingham, NG8 2AE
You might know Wollaton Park for its famous wild deer, but it also has beautiful formal gardens, the stunning Camellia House, and a nature trail to enjoy before you dive into your lunch. On sunny days, I recommend sitting on the grass right next to the hall itself for a picturesque picnic spot. If it does get a little chilly or you want to stretch your legs beyond the grounds, you can head inside the Elizabethan mansion (otherwise known as Wayne Manor, for The Dark Knight fans) and see the natural history museum it houses.
Do if: You want a stunning picnic location easily accessed from the city — just hop on the number 30 NCT bus.
7. Colwick Country Park
Where: Racecourse Road, Nottingham NG2 4BH
This is one of my favourite walking and running spots in Nottingham, as it’s so simple yet so spacious. There are picnic benches and regular benches dotted around the whole area, so you can gently stroll around and find the right area. No matter how many times I go, the lakes never fail to take my breath away, but I have seen people picnicking among the tall trees which always looks lovely, too. Picnic basket looking a little empty? Wired on Wheels offers delicious coffee, ice cream, sausage rolls, and more to tuck into.
Do if: You’re looking for a laid-back yet lovely place to park up and picnic at.
Nottingham picnic basket list
Packing a picnic and want to pick up your ingredients from town? Whip round these and you’ll have a full basket in no time…
Olives and nibbles from Delilah Fine Foods
Wine or gin from Weavers Wine
Cheese and chutney from The Cheese Shop
Bread and pastries from Tough Mary’s Bakehouse or Breadmill Bakery
Chocolate from Luisa’s Vegan Chocolates or Studio Chocolate
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