Whipman Wood

Walk into Whipman Wood and you're in proper working forest - not a manicured country estate affair, but the kind of place where you can hear yourself think. It's ancient woodland near Worksop, the sort that rewards an hour or two of poking about on foot rather than a quick drive-through.

The trees are tall, the paths are decent, and it's the real deal if you want to escape the noise without having to plan a military operation. You'll find mixed woodland - oak, ash, the usual suspects - and depending on the season, bluebells or decent green canopy. No visitor centre, no gift shop, no crowds demanding selfies at sunset. Just trees and space.

Perfect for walkers who actually want to walk rather than photograph. Families with kids who don't need a playground every five minutes will get something out of it. Birdwatchers and anyone after a spot of peace should mark it down. Allow two to three hours to do it justice, though you can obviously do less.

Since you're already out in this corner of Nottinghamshire - Worksop's the obvious base - you're bang between Clumber Park and the caravan sites scattered round there. Whipman fills a gap nicely on a park holiday when you fancy walking without the stately home ticket prices. Free to access, best visited off-peak, and honest: it's not dramatic, but it's proper woodland and that's worth the trip if you're in the area.