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:
9. Papplewick
Quietly nestled away from the major roads that run through Nottinghamshire, Papplewick boasts a quaint charm that comes to the fore during the winter months. The village is a stone's throw from the beautiful Newstead Abbey, allowing visitors to combine a visit to Papplewick with a trip to the historic building. | Bob Harvey Photo: Bob Harvey
10. Edwinstowe
Edwinstowe, sitting on the edge of Sherwood Forest, is famed as the village where Robin Hood and Maid Marian are said to have married. Close to the site of the former Sherwood Colliery, it is larger than most villages, with no fewer than five pubs. But it offers peace and privacy, as well as fun-filled tourist attractions, such as the Major Oak. | Richard Croft Photo: Richard Croft
11. Gotham
Gotham might be the fictional city Batman calls home, but it is also a rural village in the south of the county, pronounced Goat-em, which stems from the old English for goat home. It has a rich heritage and features some beautiful countryside to explore on a winter's day. | David Lally Photo: David Lally