Hodsock Plantation

The woodland around Hodsock Plantation, just outside Worksop, is a proper tonic if you're staying at one of the nearby caravan parks. It's ancient forest - the kind where you genuinely feel like you've stepped back in time, with mature trees creating a cathedral-like canopy that blocks out most of the sky even in summer.

What you actually get here is straightforward: walking trails through mixed woodland, plenty of space to stretch your legs, and the sort of peace that's harder to find than it should be. The forest floor is soft underfoot, and there's enough variation in the paths to keep things interesting without requiring any special fitness. Bring binoculars if you're keen on birdwatching - the variety is decent, especially in spring and autumn.

Families with younger kids might find it a bit samey after an hour or so, unless they're properly into nature. Walkers and anyone after some genuine woodland quiet will get proper mileage out of it though. The spring bluebells are worth timing your visit for if you can manage it.

It's free to access, and you can essentially spend as long as you like. If you're based at Clumber Park Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite or one of the other parks nearby, this makes an easy morning walk that doesn't require much planning. Just go early if possible - the car park fills up on decent weekends.