The Croft Campsite

Nottinghamshire is the fabled home of Robin Hood, and if you fancy following in his footsteps you can head down to Sherwood Forest National Nature Reserve (20 minutes' drive), a well-preserved stretch of woodland with an 800-year-old oak tree and several waymarked trails. Further backcountry beauty spots can be sought out in the Peak District National Park, the edge of which is 35 minutes away by road. The Croft Campsite is just a few miles north of the Dukeries, a stretch of terrain so named for being home to four grand ducal seats. Clumber Park (20 minutes) is one such regal spot, being the site of a stately home and 3,800 acres of parkland, farmland and open country. Welbeck Abbey (15 minutes) has an art gallery and café in a similarly gorgeous setting. Cross over into Yorkshire if you fancy visiting Sheffield (half an hour), where you can go skating at the city's Olympic-sized ice rink, seek out curios in the Antiques Quarter, have a cheeky tipple at Kelham Island Brewery or take an urban stroll along the Five Weirs Walk. Also north of the border, Yorkshire Wildlife Park (35 minutes) has lions, tigers, bears and some cuddlier beasts besides.