Bunny Old Wood Nature Reserve

A patch of ancient woodland sitting quietly on the outskirts of Nottingham, Bunny Old Wood feels properly removed from the city despite being barely three miles out. You're walking through mixed broadleaf trees - oak, ash, hawthorn - that have been here for centuries, with a carpet of bluebells in spring if you time it right. The paths are straightforward woodland routes, nothing technical, and you'll spot all manner of birds and the occasional deer if you're patient.

This is the sort of place that rewards a slow meander rather than a rushed march through. Bring binoculars and a bird guide; that's where the real interest lies. Families with younger kids will manage fine for an hour or so, though teenagers might fidget if they're after something with more spectacle. Serious naturalists and birdwatchers will get genuine value out of spending a couple of hours here, especially during migration periods.

There's no charge that we can find, and it's open year-round - autumn's excellent here when the trees turn and you get decent light through the canopy. The nearest facilities are back in Nottingham proper, so pack what you need.

If you're staying at Wolds Wine Estate just down the road for a bit of glamping and vineyard time, this makes an easy morning walk before settling in with a glass of something local. It's not dramatic enough to be your main event, but as part of a wider Nottinghamshire exploring weekend, it slots in nicely.