Nottingham

You'll find one of the quieter sides of Nottinghamshire here, where medieval churches dot rolling countryside and ancient earthworks whisper of forgotten settlements. This southern slice of the county feels properly rural - a world away from the city's Robin Hood tourist trail and Lace Market bustle. St Mary's Church stands as the area's crown jewel, its Norman stonework weathered but dignified after nine centuries.

The landscape rolls gently between patches of woodland like Flint Hill and Cotgrave Gorse, where you can walk for hours without hearing much more than birdsong. These aren't towering peaks or dramatic coastlines, but there's something deeply satisfying about the undulating farmland and hedgerows that define this corner of England. Old Gorse and Scotton's Hill offer decent walks when you need to stretch your legs.

History buffs will appreciate the Moat site and Kinoulton War Memorial, while the nearby Lombardy Poplars mark what was once a significant landmark. The area's churches, including St John the Divine in Colston Bassett, showcase centuries of local craftsmanship and community devotion.

Getting here takes a bit of planning - you're roughly 12 miles southeast of Nottingham city centre, best reached by car through winding country lanes. The nearest proper train station is back in Nottingham itself, making this very much driving territory. That isolation is precisely the point though. Staying at one of the local camping spots or glamping sites puts you right in the heart of peaceful countryside, yet you're still within striking distance of the city's attractions when the mood takes you.