Lincoln Golf Club

The course sits just outside Retford, a proper test of golf for anyone serious about their game. Lincoln Golf Club is an 18-hole layout that doesn't mess about - it's got enough teeth to keep a decent golfer occupied without being completely punishing. The fairways are well-maintained and the greens hold their line, which matters when you're trying to post a decent score.

This is very much a members-focused club, so day visitors need to check ahead about availability and guest fees. It's the sort of place that rewards accuracy over power, with enough bunkers and water hazards to keep you honest. If you're staying at one of the nearby parks - Trentfield Farm is just a couple of miles away, or Sundown Adventureland if you've got kids in tow - and you've got your handicap, it's worth ringing ahead to see if you can get a round in.

Allow a solid four hours for 18 holes, maybe a bit more if the course is busy. You'll want to arrive mid-morning to avoid the worst of any traffic in the area. It's not a destination in itself for non-golfers, but for anyone who plays, it slots nicely into a park-based holiday in Nottinghamshire. The surrounding countryside is decent for walking too, so partners can entertain themselves while you're on the course.