Poulter Country Park

The Poulter Country Park sits just outside Mansfield and offers a straightforward escape into woodland and open countryside without any pretence. It's a working landscape rather than a manicured destination - think wide open fields, tree-lined walks, and the kind of place where you'll spot proper wildlife if you're quiet enough.

You get decent walking routes through mixed woodland, with enough space to let kids run about without them disappearing from sight entirely. The park works well as a morning stop if you're based at one of the nearby caravan sites - Sherwood Forest Holiday Park and Clumber Park Lodges are both within easy reach - and you can easily spend two to three hours here without feeling rushed.

It's free to access and there's car parking, which counts for something. The main appeal is the lack of crowds and the genuine sense of being in countryside rather than a managed attraction. Bring decent boots if there's been recent rain - it can get boggy in places. History buffs won't find much to gnaw on, but walkers and families after some breathing room will get proper value. The nearest town, Mansfield, is close enough for supplies, though there's a limit to how long you'd want to stay once the weather turns.

If you're doing a park holiday in the area, combine it with Clumber Park's more structured trails or head into Sherwood Forest proper for something with a bit more story attached.