Mill Wood

Mill Wood sits just outside Lancaster and offers proper woodland walking without the pretension of some of the Lake District spots you'll find further south. It's a genuine forest - the kind where you can actually lose the sound of the car park within five minutes - with a decent network of paths winding through mature trees and clearings that open up views across the surrounding countryside.

Walkers will get the most from it. The paths vary in difficulty, so you're not stuck with either a gentle ten-minute stroll or a full-day expedition. Bring proper boots though - it gets muddy, especially after rain. Family groups with kids aged seven or up will have a decent time, though toddlers might struggle on the rougher sections. History buffs won't find much in the way of ruins or plaques, but the woodland itself has that sense of being worked land for generations, and there's something worth noticing in how the trees are managed.

If you're staying at one of the nearby parks - Crook O'Lune Holiday Park is practically on the doorstep - Mill Wood makes a solid afternoon activity without requiring you to travel far. It's not going to be the highlight of your trip, but it's the sort of place that rounds out a day nicely when you want some fresh air and quiet. Admission appears to be free, and you can easily spend ninety minutes to two hours there without rushing.