Retford

Railway lines carved through this market town centuries ago, turning Retford into a proper junction where the East Coast Main Line meets the Sheffield to Lincoln route. The result? A town that feels like it's always been going somewhere, with handsome Georgian and Victorian buildings lining the streets around the historic market square.

St Peter's Church dominates the skyline with its striking spire, while the remarkable Traquair Murals inside tell stories of local history in vivid detail. The market square still hosts its traditional markets twice weekly - Thursday and Saturday - keeping alive a tradition that dates back to medieval times.

Beyond the town centre, Nottinghamshire's countryside opens up beautifully. Maumhill Woods offers proper woodland walks just minutes from the high street, while Brownsfield Wood provides a larger nature reserve for longer rambles. The River Idle winds through the landscape, creating peaceful spots like Whitsunday Pie Lock where narrowboats still pass through.

Getting here couldn't be easier - Retford sits right on the A1 and the railway station connects directly to London King's Cross in under two hours. Newark-on-Trent lies 15 miles south, but Retford has enough character to hold its own.

Staying at one of the nearby parks like Clumber Park Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite puts you within striking distance of Sherwood Forest and the Dukeries, while smaller sites like Little Oak Camping offer a more intimate base for exploring this often-overlooked corner of North Nottinghamshire. The town makes an excellent jumping-off point for the wider region without the tourist crowds you'll find elsewhere.