Bottom Covert

A decent woodland walk just outside Lincoln, Bottom Covert is the sort of place locals know about and tourists miss - which is exactly why it's worth a visit. It's proper forestry: dense enough to feel like you've escaped the city, but small enough that you won't spend half the day getting lost.

The woodland itself isn't spectacular in the way the New Forest is, but it has a quiet appeal. You get woodland paths, a bit of shade, and the chance to spot whatever birds and small wildlife happen to be about. It's the kind of place where you actually notice the seasons - spring carpets the floor with bluebells if you time it right, autumn turns everything gold and brown.

For families with young kids, allow a good hour. Older walkers might knock through in 45 minutes, depending on how much they fancy stopping to have a sit and a think. Dogs love it, which says something.

If you're staying at Spire View Meadow - the glamping spot just a mile away - this becomes a useful morning walk before heading elsewhere. Don't expect a visitor centre or facilities; there's just trees, paths, and peace. Go in decent weather; it gets boggy after heavy rain and loses its appeal when everything's grey and dripping.

Bottom Covert won't be the highlight of your Lincolnshire trip, but as a half-hour detour from Lincoln, it scratches that woodland itch without the drive to somewhere more famous.