Souther Wood

The woodland around Souther Wood feels proper ancient - gnarled oaks and dense undergrowth that makes you feel like you've stepped back centuries. It's a straightforward forest walk rather than a managed attraction with visitor facilities, which means you get the real thing: quiet trails, dappled light, and the occasional surprise of a deer bolting through the trees.

Walkers will get the most from this. It's the sort of place where you can lose an hour without trying, working through the network of paths that wind between the trees. Families with young kids might find it a bit samey after a while - there's no playground or focal point, just woodland - but older children who like exploring will be in their element. Bring a decent map or download offline directions before you head out, as mobile signal can be patchy and the paths aren't always obvious.

Getting there from Nottingham takes less than twenty minutes. If you're staying at one of the nearby parks - Boat Lane Caravan Park or New Hall Farm are both close by - you could easily make this a morning adventure before heading back for lunch. It's free to walk, naturally, and there's no time limit, though most people spend between one and two hours here. Best visited outside peak summer weekends when you'll actually hear the woodland rather than other people.