Strawberry Hill Heath

The heath sprawls across open ground just outside Nottingham, all low-growing vegetation and wide sky - the sort of landscape you forget exists when you're stuck in the city. It's a proper nature reserve, which means it's been left alone to do its thing: gorse, heather, and the occasional stunted tree creating patches of shelter for ground-nesting birds and insects. The walking is straightforward, mostly flat, and you won't need specialist gear.

This is where you come if you're into spotting wildlife or you just want an hour of genuine quiet. Families with young kids might find it a bit bare and exposed - there's no facilities, no water features, no shade to speak of on hot days. But if you're staying at one of the nearby holiday parks (Center Parcs Sherwood Forest and Sherwood Forest Holiday Park are both within a few miles), it's absolutely worth a morning walk, especially in spring when the birds are vocal. The reserve works best as part of a larger Sherwood area trip - combine it with the forest proper if you want proper woodland and a bit more structure to your day.

Best visited outside peak summer heat. Bring water, decent boots, and a willingness to move slowly if you're watching for birds. Free to access, naturally. Allow a couple of hours if you're serious about it, forty minutes if you're just stretching your legs.