Owday Plantation

The woodland at Owday Plantation spreads across a decent chunk of Nottinghamshire just outside Worksop, offering proper forest walking without the crowds you'd hit at somewhere like Sherwood. It's the kind of place where you can actually hear yourself think - tall conifers mixed with broadleaf trees, quiet paths, and that particular smell of damp earth that makes a forest walk feel worthwhile.

You're looking at a straightforward woodland experience here. There are routes through the trees, and the paths are generally well-maintained enough for family groups and casual walkers. It's not dramatic scenery or anything - no vistas, no waterfalls - just good solid forest. That said, there's something satisfying about it. Kids will manage it fine, though they might find it a bit samey after an hour or so unless they're genuinely into spotting wildlife.

If you're staying at one of the caravan parks nearby - Clumber Park Lodges is only 4.5 miles away - it's worth combining with a walk here rather than relying on it as a standalone destination. Clumber Park itself (5.7 miles) is the bigger draw in this corner of the county, so you could easily do both in a day trip. Owday works better as a gentle morning walk before heading somewhere with more facilities.

Best approached in autumn when the deciduous trees actually give you some colour, and early in the day if you want solitude. No facilities on site from what I can tell, so bring water. Free access, or at least it seems that way - very much a local spot rather than a managed attraction.