Omascreek Plantation

The woodland at Omascreek Plantation feels properly remote for somewhere this close to Hull - you're surrounded by tall conifers and the occasional birch, with paths that wind deeper in until the city noise fades to nothing. It's the sort of place where you notice things: fungi on rotting logs, the particular smell of conifer needles after rain, the occasional flash of movement in the undergrowth.

Walkers will find this one worth a morning's outing. The terrain is flat enough that you won't regret your footwear choice, though it can get boggy in sections after wet weather. A solid two hours gets you round the main routes without rushing, though you could easily stretch it to three if you're the type to sit on a moss-covered stump and just listen.

Historically it's planted woodland rather than ancient forest, so don't expect the atmosphere of somewhere like Sherwood. What you do get is genuine peace - the kind that's increasingly hard to find near a city. It works brilliantly as a morning walk if you're based at one of the local holiday parks. Little Otchan Glamping is barely four miles away, making this an easy addition to a wider Yorkshire coast trip.

Timing-wise, spring and autumn are best. Winter can feel a bit bleak through the evergreens, and high summer brings the midges out in force. Go early in the day if you can - you'll have the place largely to yourself. No facilities that I could find, so bring what you need.