Epperstone Park

The woodland around Epperstone, just south of Newark, is proper Midlands forest - all mature trees, decent paths, and the kind of quiet that makes you forget you're not more than a few miles from town. You're looking at mixed woodland with a decent network of trails for walking, nothing technical but genuinely pleasant if you want to stretch your legs without committing to a full day's hike.

It's the sort of place that works best for woodland walkers rather than families after attractions - kids might manage an hour's ramble before asking when you're stopping for cake. The forest itself is free to access, which is always a bonus when you're based at one of the nearby caravan sites like New Hall Farm or Lurcher Farm Cottage. Worth coupling with a visit to Southwell, which is only a few miles away and has proper medieval cathedral credentials if you need that layer of culture.

Best time is autumn when the canopy turns, though spring's decent too if you don't mind muddy boots. Early morning visits beat afternoon crowds, though honestly it's rarely rammed. Allow a couple of hours for a proper wander rather than a quick stroll. The paths are well-maintained enough that you won't spend the whole time negotiating roots and fallen branches, which counts for something in this part of Nottinghamshire. Bring a decent map or check your phone signal before you head in - it's easy enough to navigate but you'll want to know where you're going rather than assuming.