Newark

This market town sits at the crossroads of ancient trading routes, still humming with the same commercial energy that made it prosperous centuries ago. Newark's castle ruins loom over the River Trent, telling tales of Civil War sieges and royal visitors. The cobbled marketplace remains the town's beating heart, surrounded by Georgian terraces and timber-framed buildings that survived the Roundheads' best efforts.

Shop fronts along Kirkgate and Stodman Street mix independent traders with familiar chains. The weekly market still draws folk from surrounding villages, much as it has for eight hundred years. Newark's position on the East Coast Main Line makes it properly accessible - just two hours from London, forty minutes from Nottingham.

Robin Hood Hill offers cracking views across the Trent Valley, though you'll need to walk a fair bit through Dilliner Wood to reach the summit. The surrounding countryside is a patchwork of ancient woodlands like Mansey Common and Epperstone Park, perfect for weekend rambles. Center Parcs Sherwood Forest provides family-friendly accommodation nearby, while those preferring something quieter might try Sherwood Pines Camping.

Wartime history runs deep here. The Halifax Bomber Memorial at Fox Covert commemorates aircrew who trained in these parts, and the Oil Patch Warrior Memorial tells another chapter of the area's military connections. Newark Castle itself withstood three Civil War sieges before finally surrendering to Parliament.

From holiday parks around the town, you're well placed for day trips to Nottingham's caves and castles, or Lincoln's magnificent cathedral. The Trent Valley Cycleway passes right through, connecting Newark to both cities via traffic-free paths.