Marton Meadow Dog Walking Field

If you're staying near Skipton with a dog that needs a proper run, Marton Meadow is exactly the sort of place you'll end up grateful for. It's a straightforward field - nothing fancy, no visitor centre or café - but that's rather the point. The space is open and flat, which means your dog can actually stretch its legs without worrying about hidden ditches or sudden drops.

You'll want to allow 45 minutes to an hour here, depending on how energetic your dog is and whether you fancy a walk around the perimeter. The field itself is the main event, so manage expectations accordingly. It works brilliantly if you're based at one of the nearby holiday parks - Thornton Hall is only 2.4 miles away, and Holgates Ribble Valley a bit further - when you need to burn off some pent-up energy between days out exploring the Dales.

Bring a ball or a toy. The grass gets muddy in wet weather, which is worth considering if you're fussy about the car afterwards. There's no formal car park, so it's a bit of a squeeze during peak times, though midweek mornings tend to be quieter. This isn't a destination in itself - you won't travel hours to get here - but for anyone with a dog on a Lancashire holiday, it's well worth knowing about. Free, obviously, and open whenever you fancy it.