High Walks Farm

Doddington Hall & Gardens (10 minutes’ drive) is an imposing Elizabethan country house with three distinctive dome-topped turrets, topiary unicorns in the garden and woodland walks. Wildflowers, azaleas and rhododendrons grow naturally in the Wild Garden. Events include opera and drama performances on the lawn and supper clubs. In Lincoln (20 minutes), walk up cobbled Steep Hill (not a misnomer – the hill has a 14 per cent gradient) to reach the 11th-century cathedral. If you still have some puff after Steep Hill, climb the 300 steps to the tower for far-reaching views. If you’re into animal-based experiences but don’t fancy visiting a zoo or safari park, J and J Alpacas (25 minutes) arranges relaxing alpaca treks through woodland and past ponds. The on-site shop sells alpaca wool and knitwear, plus an assortment of alpaca-themed souvenirs.