Kelham Hills

The woodland at Kelham Hills rises surprisingly dramatic from the flatter Nottinghamshire landscape, offering proper forest walking within a short drive of Newark. This isn't some manicured nature reserve - it's genuine mixed woodland with decent elevation changes, ancient trees, and the kind of damp earth smell that makes you remember why you bothered leaving the car.

You get a real sense of space here. The paths wind through deciduous and coniferous woodland, and on a clear day the views from higher points stretch across the Trent Valley. It's the sort of place where an hour disappears quickly, though fit walkers could easily spend two or three hours exploring different routes. Families with primary-school-age children will find it manageable, though the terrain gets muddy after rain and some sections are steep enough to require proper footwear.

This works brilliantly as a break from park life if you're staying at BrackenXcapes or Southwell Retreat - both are within a few miles. Even Milestone Caravan Park, closer to Newark town itself, makes Kelham Hills an easy afternoon venture. The woodland rewards exploration rather than speed, so don't rush it. Bring a decent map or download the route beforehand, as signage can be sparse. Free access, no facilities on site, and best visited outside school holidays when it's quieter. Winter's actually decent here - fewer midges and the woodland structure becomes clearer without leaf cover.