Boathouse Beach

The water at Boathouse Beach near Newark has a peculiar charm - it's the sort of spot you stumble upon rather than plan for, which is exactly what makes it work. This modest lakeside area gives you that unexpected breath of fresh air when you're basing yourself at one of the nearby holiday parks, particularly if you've chosen Center Parcs Sherwood Forest or Sherwood Pines Camping just down the road.

What you're getting here is straightforward: a small beach area beside water, decent for a paddle or a sit-down with a flask of tea. The walk isn't taxing, and if the weather's on your side, it's a proper break from the caravan or lodge. Don't expect dramatic views or anything Instagram-ready - this is honest countryside stuff. Kids will fidget after twenty minutes unless they're the type who enjoy splashing about and collecting stones.

The real value comes if you're already camped nearby and fancy a different pocket of Sherwood. It's free, naturally, and you can knock it off in under an hour without feeling rushed. Best visited mid-week when Newark folk aren't clogging it up at weekends. The ground can get boggy after rain, so choose your shoes accordingly.

For families on a week-long park holiday in this corner of Nottinghamshire, it's worth the short detour once - not twice. Go early morning or late afternoon if you want it quieter, and don't expect facilities. Proper rural, that's the point of it.