Gallows Bush

The woodland around Gallows Bush, just outside York, is a proper walk rather than a destination in itself. You're looking at a forested area where the name alone will intrigue history types - though the grim origins are lost to time now. It's the kind of place locals know for a decent ramble through the trees, nothing more, nothing less.

There's no visitor centre or marked trail here, which is either brilliant or annoying depending on your mood. Bring a map. The appeal is straightforward: quiet woodland paths, the chance to stretch your legs without crowds, and if you're lucky, spotting woodland birds and deer. It won't take more than an hour or two unless you're really wandering. Kids will get bored quickly unless they're the type who like climbing trees and finding sticks - fair warning.

Free access, naturally. Best visited in autumn when the light filters through properly, or spring when things are actually growing. Summer can be a bit gloomy under all that canopy. If you're staying at Ravensdale Glamping Retreats or The Hideaway at Baxby Manor nearby, it's worth a morning walk, but don't rearrange your York trip around it. The real draw of staying in this area is the city itself - the Minster, the walls, proper decent pubs. Gallows Bush works as an add-on to clear your head after a day of tourists and cobbles, not as a reason to book a week.