The Labyrinth Woodland

In Newark-on-Trent (15 minutes’ drive), you can admire the ruins of the medieval castle (where King John met his maker) from the riverside path, before continuing on to a large pointy sundial and the Newark Trent Weir. On the outskirts of town is the Newark Air Museum, with its collection of aircraft and engines. In addition to opulent rooms (such as the Elizabeth Saloon, with its gilded decoration), Belvoir Castle (15 minutes) has splendid outside areas like the Japanese gardens, dotted with colourful camellias and rhododendrons. Meanwhile, kids might enjoy a petting session at the animal park (open seasonally), with sheep and goats. Practise your best archery stance so that you can take a suitably dramatic picture next to the Robin Hood Statue when in Nottingham (40 minutes). Then climb up to Nottingham Castle, an elegant mansion built on the remains of an 11th-century fortress, or book yourself on to a cruise along the River Trent.