great Wood

The woodland around Great Wood near Tadcaster is proper walking country. You get a genuine sense of being away from things here, despite being within easy reach of York. The trees form a decent canopy - good for escaping a drizzle, though the ground can get boggy after rain.

It's the sort of place that rewards a slow wander rather than a rushed loop. Mixed woodland with oak and ash means there's actual character to it, and you'll spot the occasional glimpse of open countryside through the gaps. The walks themselves aren't dramatic - no massive viewpoints or dramatic drops - but that's rather the point. If you're after a two-hour forest circuit to clear your head, this delivers without fuss.

Walkers will get the most from it. Families with young kids might find it a touch dull without specific features to aim for, though it's harmless enough for a shorter ramble. The nearest base would be Wighill Park Glamping, which sits just over five miles away and gives you proper accommodation after a day on your feet. Cawood Park is equally close and equally well-regarded if you prefer a traditional caravan setup.

There's no visitor centre or facilities to speak of, so come prepared. Leave decent time - a couple of hours minimum if you want to actually experience the place rather than just stomp through it. It's the kind of woodland that suits autumn walks particularly well, when the floor is thick with leaves and the trees have shed enough to let you see deeper in.