Newark

A historic market town on the River Trent, Newark wears its centuries with quiet dignity. The imposing castle ruins overlook cobbled streets where weekly markets have traded for eight hundred years. Georgian townhouses line the market square, and antique shops spill their treasures onto pavements that see more locals than tourists on a typical Tuesday afternoon.

Rufford Abbey sits just a few miles northeast, its Cistercian ruins particularly atmospheric when morning mist rolls across the surrounding parkland. The abbey grounds offer proper walking trails through ancient woodlands like Lound Wood and New Park Wood - both lovely for an afternoon ramble. Mill Hill provides cracking views across the Trent valley, though it's a bit of a slog to the top.

More curious attractions dot the area. Wellow Maypole stands as one of England's tallest, a proper village green centrepiece that's been rebuilt countless times over the centuries. The Camera Obscura offers an unusual perspective on the landscape, while The Hand gallery showcases contemporary art in surprising rural surroundings.

Getting here is straightforward enough - the A1 runs past Newark's eastern edge, making it easily accessible from London or the north. The town sits between Nottingham and Lincoln, both about half an hour away by car. Train connections run frequently to London King's Cross in under two hours.

Basing yourself at one of the holiday parks around Sherwood Forest makes perfect sense. Center Parcs Sherwood Forest and Sherwood Castle Holiday Forest put you within easy striking distance of both Newark's market town charm and Robin Hood country. You can explore historic sites by day and return to proper facilities and woodland walks by evening. The combination works brilliantly - medieval history meets modern family comfort.