Byron's Oak

An ancient oak tree near Nottingham that supposedly sheltered Lord Byron himself - or so the locals claim. Whether that's true or not, standing in front of it feels like stepping into something genuinely old. The tree is massive, gnarled, and properly impressive if you're the type who gets a kick out of historical landmarks.

It's not a destination in itself, to be honest. You'll spend maybe ten minutes here, take some photos, and move on. But if you're based at one of the nearby holiday parks - Fairview Farm Log Cabins is only 2.4 miles away - it makes for a decent afternoon detour, especially if you've got a bit of Byron enthusiasm or just fancy a woodland walk. Families with restless kids might find it a bit underwhelming; walkers and history types will appreciate the spot more.

The whole thing costs nothing and there's no formal opening hours to worry about. Best to go when the light's decent for photographs, and avoid it straight after heavy rain if you're bothered about mud. Lurcher Farm Cottage Camping is another option at 5.1 miles if you prefer a different setting for your base. On a nice day, you could easily work this into a broader loop around Nottinghamshire - plenty of decent walking country round here. Don't expect a visitor centre or any facilities. It's just a tree, really. A very old tree.