Applegarth

You'll find Applegarth tucked away in the countryside near Thirsk, a proper little nature reserve that doesn't announce itself loudly but rewards those who make the effort. It's the sort of place where you can wander through woodland and grassland without fighting crowds, spotting whatever birds and insects happen to be about that day.

The reserve works best for quiet walkers and anyone keen on spotting wildlife without the infrastructure of a major visitor centre. There are paths through the site, though nothing too strenuous, and you can easily spend an hour or two poking about depending on what you find. Birdwatchers especially will appreciate it - the mix of habitats means you might see something decent if you're patient.

If you're staying at Pembroke Caravan Park or Hillside Caravan Park, both close by, Applegarth makes a decent morning walk before heading into Thirsk for lunch. It's free and informal, which is either brilliant if you like that sort of thing or a bit underwhelming if you're after marked trails and interpretive panels. Go early in the day for the best light and fewest disturbances to wildlife. Summer and spring are obvious choices, though winter can be surprisingly good for seeing birds when the trees are bare.