Retford

The River Idle meanders lazily through this market town, creating an unexpectedly green corridor that belies Retford's industrial heritage. Once a crucial stop on the Great North Road, it retains that proper English market town feel - wide streets, Georgian frontages, and a square that still hosts markets twice weekly.

Woodlands surround the town like a natural amphitheatre. Crow Holt and Lady Wood offer proper rambling territory, while Headon Wood provides more challenging terrain for keen walkers. The area's surprisingly rich in nature reserves too - Gamston Wood and Eaton Wood are both worth exploring if you fancy spotting wildlife without the crowds.

Retford's churches tell the story of centuries past. All Hallows Church dominates the town centre with its impressive spire, but venture out to All Hallows' Church in nearby Ordsall or St Peter's Church in Gamston for quieter contemplation. The latter sits in particularly lovely countryside.

Getting here's straightforward - the A1 runs close by, and the railway connects directly to London and Edinburgh. Newark's the nearest big town, just 20 minutes south, but Retford has enough pubs and shops to keep you fed and watered.

Staying at one of the holiday parks scattered around the area makes perfect sense. You're positioned brilliantly for day trips - Sherwood Forest is a short drive north, while the Trent Valley stretches invitingly southward. Clumber Park, with its grand estate and lake, sits just northwest and draws cyclists and dog walkers from miles around. The parks here give you that rural feel while keeping Retford's amenities within easy reach.