Nottinghamshire’s Rushcliffe Country Park named as England’s best budget and family-friendly picnic spot

A popular Nottinghamshire park has received national recognition as the best budget and family-friendly picnic spot in England.

Rushcliffe Country Park in Ruddington received the award from meat substitute brand Quorn during International Picnic Week, which ranked parks on factors including facilities, transport links and accessibility.

Quorn said Rushcliffe Country Park is “perfect for those looking for a burst of nature and remoteness”.

Visitors can meander through eight kilometres of pathways bursting with wildflower meadows, grassland and woodland, they added.

Cllr Jonathan Wheeler, Rushcliffe Borough Council’s cabinet portfolio holder for transformation, leisure and wellbeing, said: “I’m absolutely delighted for everyone, especially the Friends of Rushcliffe Country Park and all our residents and officers who put so much work in.

“To be recognised nationally for how fantastic Rushcliffe Country Park is is absolutely amazing and a real feather in the cap for Rushcliffe.

Last month, a new accessible café shelter and outdoor education centre opened at Rushcliffe Country Park and footpath repairs costing £45,000 began.

Alastair Glenn, Rushcliffe Country Park’s manager, said: “We welcome this fantastic news that the park has been recognised as one of the best value-for-money parks in the country.

"It’s a very family-friendly area with something for everyone, including a great play area, skatepark, sensory trail, visitor centre, outdoor education centre and a popular café.”