Oxton Woods

The woodland paths at Oxton Woods wind through mature beech and oak, the sort of proper forest floor where you can still hear yourself think. It's a working nature reserve just a few miles southwest of Newark, and honestly, it delivers far better than many of the more hyped woodland walks across the Midlands.

You're looking at roughly two to three hours if you take it slowly and actually look at things. The woodland's managed for wildlife, so there's genuine purpose behind the clearings and coppicing you'll spot. Birdwatchers get genuinely excited here - woodpeckers, nuthatches, and various warblers depending on season. Spring is when it really sings, but even in autumn the light through the canopy is worth the trip alone.

The paths are well-maintained without being over-manicured, which means families with older kids will manage fine, but pushchair users might find it a bit rough going in places. There's no cafe or facilities right at the entrance, so bring water and pack snacks.

If you're staying at New Hall Farm just down the road, you could easily combine this with a morning walk and a spot of geocaching - the woodland's popular for that. It's the sort of place where you'll bump into actual nature enthusiasts rather than Instagram tourists, which rather sets the tone. Free to visit, no permits needed, and genuinely rewarding if you're the sort who finds woodland genuinely interesting rather than just a photo backdrop.