Eight Acre Wood

A proper woodland walk through Nottinghamshire, Eight Acre Wood is the sort of place that appeals to families wanting a quick forest ramble without the tourist crowds. The trees here are dense enough to feel like you've actually left civilisation, though you're only a short drive from Doncaster. There's nothing grand about it - no visitor centre, no themed trails, just woodland paths where kids can burn off energy and adults can breathe properly for an hour or so.

Walkers will find the ground uneven in places and muddy after rain, which is fine if that's what you're after. The wood isn't vast, so don't pitch up expecting a full day's hiking - an hour to ninety minutes covers it comfortably. That said, it's perfect for breaking up a longer park holiday. If you're staying at Waterfront Country Park or Misterton Holiday Park nearby, this makes an easy morning excursion before heading back for lunch. The paths are straightforward enough that you won't need a map, though it does help to know you're not going to stumble onto anything particularly dramatic - it's woodland, nothing more.

Best visited when it's not been raining for a week solid, otherwise your trainers will be wrecked. Free to access, which is the main thing going for it. Worth the detour if you're in the area and need to stretch your legs, but don't reroute your entire holiday around it.