Parkhill Plantation

Walk into Parkhill Plantation and you're entering proper woodland - the kind where the canopy closes overhead and the path narrows enough that you have to pay attention to where you're stepping. It's a forest rather than a manicured country estate, which means it feels genuine, a bit wild even, though someone's clearly maintaining the paths that wind through it.

The plantation sits just outside Southwell, making it an easy bolt-on if you're already in the area. It's the sort of place where you can spend an hour or three depending on how deep you want to go, though most people do a loop and call it done. There's no theme park nonsense here - just trees, air, and the occasional bird. Families with kids who are past the pushchair stage will enjoy it; little ones might lose interest if they're expecting a play area. Walkers get the most from it, obviously, though you don't need to be properly equipped - wellies on a wet day and you're sorted.

Being within striking distance of Center Parcs Sherwood Forest and Sherwood Castle Holiday Forest means you could easily combine this with a holiday park stay. It's that useful kind of walk - close enough to base yourself elsewhere and pop out for some proper woodland air without the logistics of a full day trip. Free to access as far as anyone can tell, and no time restrictions, so you can be flexible about when you go. Early morning's quieter. Late afternoon light filters through the trees nicely. Avoid midday if crowds bother you.