Sherwood Pines

The forest sprawls across Nottinghamshire like something from a Robin Hood fever dream, all towering pines and woodland trails that actually deliver on the promise of getting properly lost. Sherwood Pines is essentially a working commercial forest, but the miles of riding and walking routes cut through it make it feel far less industrial than you'd expect.

Mountain bikers absolutely own the place - there are proper trail networks here that attract serious riders from across the Midlands. Walkers get a decent deal too, though you'll share paths with the cycling crowd, so early mornings are worth planning for if you want peace. The terrain is gently undulating rather than dramatic, and you can knock out a couple of hours easily or stay all day if you're keen.

It's free to wander, which is the main selling point. No gates, no admission fees, just park the car near Newark and go. The forest itself is relentlessly ordinary in places - dense conifer plantations that all look the same - but there's something oddly therapeutic about that. Kids don't tend to love it for more than an hour or two unless they're the type who'll spend all day on bikes.

If you're based at Sherwood Pines Camping just down the road, or bouncing between Center Parcs Sherwood Forest and the holiday parks dotted around, this works well as a morning or afternoon activity to fill the gaps. It's not going to blow your mind, but it's convenient and costs nothing.