North Wood

A proper woodland walk just outside Newark, North Wood is the kind of place you visit when you want trees rather than tourist attractions. It's a working forest - mature broadleaf woodland that feels genuinely old, not a manicured nature reserve. You'll find trails winding through the trees, plenty of space to just wander about without worrying about crowds, and the soft forest floor underfoot is a blessed relief if you've been pounding tarmac elsewhere in Nottinghamshire.

This works best for walkers and families who don't need entertainment laid on. Kids will enjoy spotting wildlife or climbing fallen logs, but there's no play equipment or facilities to speak of - bring what you need. A decent pair of boots is wise; it can get muddy depending on the season. You're looking at anywhere from a quick 30-minute stroll to a couple of hours if you explore properly.

The real draw is its proximity to Newark itself. If you're staying at one of the caravan parks dotted around - Orchard Park or Greenacres are closest at a couple of miles - this is an obvious half-day outing. Sherwood Castle Holiday Forest a few miles further south is perhaps more geared toward holiday-makers with proper facilities, but North Wood is for when you want something quieter. Free access, no gates, no faffing about with opening hours. Just woods and footpaths. Go early morning in autumn for the best light filtering through the leaves.