Newark

Antique shops line the cobbled streets where once King John met his death in 1216. Newark carries its medieval weight easily, a market town that's properly lived-in rather than preserved in aspic. The castle ruins overlook the River Trent, while the twice-weekly market still draws farmers from across Nottinghamshire.

Newark Air Museum tells the story of aviation with genuine passion. Housed in former RAF buildings, it's got everything from Cold War jets to historic bombers. The Newark Showground hosts everything from agricultural shows to classic car rallies throughout the year. Both are a short drive from the town centre.

Outside town, the landscape opens into gentle rolling countryside. Beacon Hill offers cracking views across the Vale of Trent on clear days. The surrounding forests - Bingham's Holt and Gilbert's Wood among them - make for decent walks when you've had your fill of the high street. RAF Winthorpe 1661 HCU provides a sobering reminder of the area's wartime aviation history.

Getting here is dead simple. Newark's on the East Coast Main Line, with regular trains from London King's Cross taking just over an hour. By car, it's junction 23 off the A1, making it easily accessible from most of England. The town sits roughly halfway between Nottingham and Lincoln, both worth a day trip.

Staying at one of the nearby holiday parks makes perfect sense for exploring this bit of Nottinghamshire. You're within striking distance of Sherwood Forest, Southwell Minster, and the Lincolnshire Wolds. Newark itself deserves more than a quick stop - the antique quarter alone could keep you browsing for hours.