Burntstump Country Park

The ground rises sharply as you push into Burntstump Country Park, just outside Nottingham's sprawl - woodland thick on either side, the path climbing toward what feels like genuine countryside despite the city's proximity. It's a proper bit of green space, this one: rolling hills, tree-lined walks, and views that stretch far enough to make you forget you're barely three miles from the town centre.

The park itself spans decent acreage with woodland trails that take anything from twenty minutes to an hour depending on which way you go. There's a working farm element too, which tips the balance toward families with younger kids - though teenagers and proper walkers will find enough here to justify the trip. The whole thing feels like a local secret rather than a tourist trap, which means you won't fight crowds, but it also means facilities are basic.

Best visited on a dry day - the paths can get boggy after rain - and go early if you want photos without other people in them. Allow two to three hours if you're walking the full loop and stopping to actually look around. It works brilliantly as a half-day excursion if you're staying at Fairview Farm Log Cabins or Lurcher Farm just down the road, giving you that outdoor hit without needing to drive far. Free entry, naturally, though parking information isn't entirely clear from here.

Worth the detour? Yes, especially if you're based at one of the nearby holiday parks and want a proper walk that doesn't demand a full day's commitment.