Turner Lane Park

The walk through Turner Lane Park takes you into proper Nottinghamshire countryside - flatlands with that particular East Midlands quality where the horizon goes on forever. It's a nature reserve that rewards attention rather than demanding it. Bring binoculars if you're serious about birds; the wetland areas pull in waders and wildfowl depending on the season.

This is walker territory, really. The paths are straightforward enough but muddy after rain - which they often are around Newark. You'll spend a good hour here if you're meandering, less if you just want a quick circuit. Families with young kids might find it a bit thin on drama; there's no playground, no visitor centre, just quiet nature doing its thing.

The reserve works brilliantly as a morning outing if you're based at one of the local caravan parks - Eastfield Glamping or Greenacres are both nearby - and then head into Newark for lunch. It's the sort of place that matters more to birdwatchers and naturalists than casual visitors, but if you like your reserves working hard rather than looking pretty, Turner Lane delivers. Free access, open whenever, and genuinely peaceful. Worth combining with a proper walk around Newark's riverside if you want a fuller day out.