Camp Copse

A proper woodland walk rather than a destination in itself, Camp Copse sits just outside York and delivers exactly what you'd expect from an East Yorkshire forest - decent paths, enough trees to feel properly away from it all, and the sort of quiet you won't find in the city centre. The woodland is manageable in size, so you're looking at a couple of hours maximum if you're ambling at a leisurely pace.

It's ideal for families wanting a straightforward forest walk without the pretension of somewhere "special". Kids will do fine here if they're the sort who like poking about in undergrowth and climbing fallen logs - don't expect adventure playgrounds or facilities. Winter walks are atmospheric; summer can be a bit muggy under the canopy.

If you're based at one of the nearby glamping spots - Acorn Glade or The Spinney are both highly rated - this makes a decent morning out before heading into York proper. Yapham Holds Farmhouse is slightly further but equally worth considering. The forest isn't the sort of place you'd travel 20 miles specifically to visit, but as part of a wider park holiday in the area it fills a gap nicely.

Free to access, open year-round. Bring decent boots if it's been wet - the ground gets boggy. Allow two hours to avoid feeling rushed, less if you're just after a quick stretch of the legs.