Clumber in winter

The Meek Family

Family Insight

 

The last time we stayed in Clumber was in the middle of summer and it was a busy site, very popular with families and regularly fully booked. We return a few weeks before Christmas to find that less than half the site is occupied, still impressive given the time of year. The wardens have changed and are as welcoming and helpful as ever.

The Clumber site is situated in the middle of the Clumber National Trust Park. It is surrounded by trees and feels cut off from the rest of the world. You don't need to leave the site because a short walk takes you into the woods where there are plenty of paths to wander along. A longer walk, a short drive leads to the National Trust central area; here there shops, cafes, playgrounds and beautiful countryside to explore.

 

Family Stuff to do at Clumber

• Explore the paths in the woods
• Take a night walk and gaze at the stars (or meteor showers in our case - lucky us!)
• Cycle the tracks. Bike hire is available from the National Trust centre if you haven't brought your own bikes.
• Have a picnic, take or cook some food in the woods.
• Make some bird feeders. Melt some lard and mix with bird food. Spread over pine cones and hang from trees. The birds will appreciate the extra food at this time of year.
• Make ice decorations. Place some twigs and leaves in a saucer and cover with water. Trail a piece of string out of the water. Leave the saucer out over night to freeze. The following morning (if it has been cold enough) you should have an ice decoration. Remove it from the saucer and tie it on a tree.