Nova Scotia

The woodland around Nova Scotia feels like proper old-growth forest - tall conifers mixed with native broadleaves, the kind of place where light filters down in proper shafts and the ground stays damp even weeks after rain. It's near Tadcaster, which means you can roll out of the town and into the trees within minutes. The main draw here is the walking. Paths wind through without being overmanicured; you'll spot the occasional mossy stump, patches of fern, the bones of the woodland doing its thing. It's not a destination where you'll spend all day - two or three hours maximum, unless you really slow down to identify every tree species. Children under eight might find it a bit samey after the first forty minutes, though older kids who can manage uneven ground will be fine. The forest isn't dramatic or famous, which is part of its appeal. No crowds, no turnstile, just trees. Worth combining with Wighill Park Glamping nearby if you're staying in the area - a morning walk here, then back to base for a proper breakfast. Best visited after rain when everything smells right, or early morning before anyone else arrives. Check locally for any access restrictions before you go.