Sandhills

The sand dunes at Sandhills near Retford are a proper surprise - you wouldn't expect this landscape in Nottinghamshire, but here it is: a stretch of open heath and sandy terrain that feels miles away from the agricultural flatness of the surrounding area. It's a nature reserve, so the focus is on walking and watching wildlife rather than facilities or manicured paths. The reserve itself is small enough that you can cover it in an hour or so, though the light changes dramatically depending on the season and time of day, which makes it worth revisiting. Families with younger kids might find it a bit underwhelming on its own - there's no playground or visitor centre - but it works well as part of a longer walk or a botanical detour if you're interested in heathland plants and the insects that come with them. Birdwatchers and plant enthusiasts will get more from it than casual visitors. The nearest proper town is Retford, which has shops and cafes if you need a proper break. Several caravan parks sit within easy reach - Hallcroft Fishery and Holiday Park and Olive Tree Caravan and Camping Park are both within a couple of miles, making Sandhills a manageable morning or afternoon outing during a longer Nottinghamshire park holiday. Go early if the weather's decent; the exposed location means it can get windswept and muddy quickly after rain.