Catton Moor Wood

Walk into Catton Moor Wood near Thirsk and you're immediately swallowed by proper Yorkshire woodland - all towering oaks and dense undergrowth that feels genuinely remote even though civilisation is only a few minutes' drive away.

It's the sort of place where you can spend anywhere from forty minutes to three hours depending on how much you want to poke about. The trees create a natural canopy that keeps things cool even on warm days, and there are enough winding paths to make it feel like an actual adventure rather than just a stroll around the park. The ground can get boggy after rain, so bring decent boots.

Walkers will get the most from this - it's not somewhere to sit and admire a view, but rather to move through landscape. Kids will either love the freedom to explore or get bored if they're expecting playground equipment, so depends on the age and temperament. It's free to access, which is always a bonus.

If you're staying at Woodland Lakes Lodges just down the road, this works perfectly as a morning or afternoon venture without needing to drive far. The woodland isn't dramatic or Instagram-friendly, but it's genuine and undisturbed. There's something refreshing about a wood that doesn't try too hard - no ticket booth, no visitor centre, just trees and paths. For anyone after some proper forest time near Thirsk, it delivers exactly that.