It’s pretty obvious why many of us choose to stay indoors during the winter months.
The cold weather, short days and general feeling of misery all contribute to an urge to hibernate until the first signs of spring.
But let’s be fair: winter can also be the best time of year to spend time outside.
On those rare occasions when the frost is thick and the sun is bright, we can be treated to some truly breathtaking winter scenery.
In a rural county like Nottinghamshire, those picturesque winter scenes are even more special.
Step into one of the county’s magical villages on one of these crisp December days and you’ll be treated to views comparable to the Swiss Alps or Canadian Rockies.
Throw in a hot chocolate and a mince pie and you’ll be living the ultimate winter life.
We’ve picked out 8 chocolate-box Nottinghamshire villages that you definitely need to explore this winter.
Discover them below:
5. Gonalston
With rolling fields and idyllic footpaths, Gonalston really is one of the county's most underrated villages. Home to just over 80 people, the village is the perfect place to escape to for peace and quiet. | AFP via Getty Images Photo: Getty
6. Owthorpe
Owthorpe, part of the parish of Cotgrave, is a peaceful and sleepy village with fewer than 120 residents. It has a rich heritage, having appeared in the 1086 Domesday Book, and boasts an unusual Grade I listed church, next to where the manor house, Owthorpe Hall, seat of the famous Hutchinson family, once stood. | Roger Geach Photo: Roger Geach
7. Epperstone
Epperstone, which can be found near Lowdham and Calverton, is a small village that has only about 600 residents. A designated conservation area, the parish covers 2,343 acres, of which 250 acres are wooded, and it is thought that one of its undulating fields inspired the Barrow-downs in Tolkien's book, 'The Fellowship Of The Ring'. | Richard Croft Photo: Richard Croft
8. Cropwell Bishop
Cropwell Bishop sits in the borough of Rushcliffe and, alongside its sister village, Cropwell Butler, it forms part of the Vale of Belvoir. One of the prettiest places in the county, it boasts a splendid church and one of six creameries that produce the world-famous Stilton cheese. The Grantham Canal runs along the edge of the village. | David Lally Photo: David Lally