Broadwaters Wood

Walk into Broadwaters Wood and you're into proper woodland - the kind where the ground squelches underfoot and you can actually hear yourself think. It's a genuine forest rather than a manicured country estate, which means decent-sized trees, varied paths, and that satisfying sense of being slightly away from it all despite being close to Newark.

The wood works well for walkers wanting a straightforward circuit without the crowds you'd get at more famous spots. You can spend anything from an hour pottering about to three hours if you explore properly and don't rush. The paths are reasonably clear but not obsessively marked, so bring a sense of direction. It's also decent for families with kids old enough to manage uneven ground - younger ones might find it a slog if they're not confident on their feet.

Staying at Milestone Caravan Park or Orchard Park - both within a few miles - makes this an easy morning or afternoon addition to a wider Nottinghamshire itinerary. It's the sort of place you'd pair with Southwell if you're basing yourself in that direction, or use as a break from the A1 corridor if you're heading through. Don't expect drama or views - this is woodland for the sake of it, which some people find genuinely peaceful and others find a bit samey. Come when it's dry if you can. Muddy paths aren't charming, they're just annoying.