Kingsway Park

The woodland paths through Kingsway Park wind through proper Derbyshire countryside just outside Sutton-in-Ashfield, and it's the sort of place that rewards a proper wander rather than a quick lap. You get mixed woodland - decent mix of deciduous and evergreen - with enough open glades to feel like you're getting somewhere, not just trudging through trees. The walking is gentle enough for families with younger legs, though nothing dramatic or particularly challenging if you're after a proper hike.

It's mainly a nature reserve, so you're here for the woodland itself, maybe spotting birds or the odd deer if you're lucky and patient. No visitor centre or facilities that I'm aware of, so it's fairly low-key - bring a flask if you want one. Free to access as far as I can tell, which makes it decent value. Allow an hour or two depending on how thorough you want to be, maybe less if you've got restless kids.

If you're based at one of the local holiday parks - Silverhill Woodland Retreats or Fairview Farm Log Cabins are closest at around four miles - this works as a morning activity before heading somewhere with more punch. It's fine on its own, but honestly it works better as part of a wider day out rather than a destination unto itself. Perfect for breaking up a park holiday with some actual green space, though.