Edwinstowe
Sherwood Forest Country Park · Photo: Tim Heaton
Walk out to the thousand-year-old Major Oak and build dens near the visitor centre in the morning. After a picnic, drive a few minutes to Sherwood Pines for story trails, play areas and family bike rides through the pines.
Nature & gardens · 10:00–12:30 (2h30m)
Follow the easy path to the Major Oak, then try the den-building zone.
An outdoor nature reserve in Edwinstowe.
Photo: Tim Heaton
Park · 13:00–16:00 (3h)
Picnic, then a story trail or a gentle family cycle loop.
An outdoor park in Mansfield.
Photo: Lynne Kirton
East MidlandsBuxton
Start in Buxton's Victorian Pavilion Gardens with playgrounds and a miniature railway, then walk or drive up to Poole's Cavern for a guided tour among stalactites and a wander in the woods.
The Pavilion Gardens → Poole's Cavern & Buxton Country Park
East MidlandsNewtown Linford
Walk among red and fallow deer at Bradgate Park and paddle in the stream before lunch. In the afternoon, head to Loughborough for a heritage steam train ride.
Bradgate Park Leicester → Great Central Railway
East MidlandsLincoln
Explore the Victorian prison and see an original Magna Carta at Lincoln Castle, then cross the square to hunt for the Lincoln Imp in the cathedral. Finish in the Arboretum, a free Victorian park with a lake.
Lincoln Castle → Lincoln Cathedral → Lincoln Arboretum
