Brierley Forest Park Country Park

The woodland trails at Brierley Forest Park weave through proper old-growth forest just outside Sutton-in-Ashfield, giving you that genuine sense of being away from it all without needing a three-hour drive. You're walking among mature trees with a decent network of paths - some gentle loops if you've got kids in tow, others that push deeper into the woodland if you want proper exercise.

It's the sort of place that rewards a slow wander rather than a quick tick-box visit. Bring binoculars and you might spot woodland birds. The forest floor changes throughout seasons - carpeted with bluebells in spring, thick with fallen leaves come autumn. There's a real quietness to it, the kind that makes you remember why you booked a park holiday in the first place.

The nearby campsites - Silverhill Woodland Retreats is closest at just over a mile away - make this a natural add-on to a longer stay in the area. It works well as a morning walk before heading elsewhere, or an evening stroll if you've had enough of driving around. Allow an hour for a decent loop, longer if you're the lingering type.

One thing: there's no visitor centre or facilities that I could find details on, so come prepared with water and anything else you might need. It's free access, which is always a bonus. Honestly, if you're camping nearby and want somewhere to stretch your legs without faffing about, this does the job.