Seven Mile Plantation

The woodland here stretches on longer than you'd expect for a place this close to Nottingham's sprawl. Seven Mile Plantation is exactly what the name suggests - a proper forest walk that gives you proper woodland immersion without having to drive halfway across the county.

You're walking through densely planted conifers mainly, mixed in with some deciduous trees that break things up come autumn. The paths are straightforward enough, though they can get boggy after rain. It's the kind of place where you actually feel removed from the city, even though the outskirts aren't far away. Not dramatic or wild - it's managed forestry - but that's rather the point. Good for stretching the legs, letting kids burn off energy, or just having a quiet hour amongst the trees.

Walkers will get the most from this. It's not a scenic viewpoint or a tourist draw with facilities - no cafes, no visitor centre, no interpretive signs. Just forest. Allow an hour or two depending on your pace and which routes you fancy. The ground can be muddy, so proper footwear matters.

If you're staying at New Hall Farm just six miles away, this is an easy add-on for a morning walk. It pairs well with a proper park-based break - gives you an alternative to another trip to the same visitor attractions. Worth knowing about if you're in the area, though not a reason on its own to make the journey to Nottinghamshire.