Moor Plantation

The walk through Moor Plantation takes you into proper Yorkshire woodland, where the trees grow dense enough to block out the worst of the sky and the paths underfoot turn soft with decades of fallen needles. It's a forest rather than a manicured nature reserve - conifers dominate, with the occasional birch breaking up the monotony. You won't find visitor facilities or signs explaining the flora, so come expecting to wander without much guidance.

This is the sort of place walkers actually enjoy. The paths are well-trodden and navigable, making it decent for family outings if your kids can handle a couple of hours without a café pit-stop. Seriously though, bring a packed lunch - there's nothing nearby except the trees. The plantation sits just north of Tadcaster, which means you're never more than ten minutes from somewhere to eat properly once you're done.

If you're staying at Wighill Park Glamping or Windmill Retreats, this works as a morning detour before heading elsewhere. It's not the kind of forest that'll keep you rooted for a full day, but it's a solid alternative to the usual park attractions. Go when the light cuts through the canopy at an angle - early morning in autumn, really - and you'll get why people bother. Summer can feel a bit oppressive under those conifers.