Balderton Sports Ground

A proper sports hub just outside Newark, Balderton Sports Ground is where the town comes to watch a match or get some exercise. It's the kind of place locals actually use - football pitches, cricket facilities, the lot. If you're staying at one of the glamping sites nearby like Witham Grange or Secret Garden, it's within easy reach for an afternoon's entertainment.

This isn't a tourist attraction in the traditional sense. You won't be queueing or paying entry unless there's a specific event on. What you get is genuine community sport - watch a local football match, see the cricket square in summer, or simply watch families having a kickabout. The ground has that well-worn, no-frills character that English village sports facilities tend to have.

Families with children who want to run around will find it straightforward enough, though there's no particular reason to make a special trip unless you're genuinely keen on grassroots football. If you're staying in the area and fancy something low-key between more established attractions, it passes an hour. Check what fixtures are on before you arrive - that'll make or break a visit. The proximity to Newark means you can combine it with the town's market and Georgian architecture if you're looking for a mixed day out.