Pudding Pie Hill

The view from Pudding Pie Hill, a few miles south of Thirsk, catches you by surprise. What looks like an unremarkable bump in the North Yorkshire landscape is actually an Iron Age hill fort, its ramparts still visible if you know where to look. The earthworks are subtle compared to more famous sites, but that's partly the appeal - you won't be fighting crowds to stand where people stood two thousand years ago.

It's a straightforward walk to reach the summit, and the panorama across the Vale of York makes the effort worthwhile. On a clear day you can see proper distance. Archaeology enthusiasts will spend an hour picking out the defensive ditch systems, but casual walkers might be content with twenty minutes at the top before heading back down.

This works well as a morning excursion if you're based at one of the nearby parks - Woodland Lakes Lodges is only three miles away, and Hillside Caravan Park a bit further. Neither site is demanding, which makes it ideal if you've got restless kids or older relatives who'd struggle with a long hike. The Hideaway@Baxby Manor, a five-star spot closer to five miles out, makes a decent base for exploring this corner of North Yorkshire alongside other local walks.

Access appears to be open year-round and free, though it's worth checking locally in Thirsk before you go. Spring's best - the fort sits exposed enough that winter wind gets properly bitter up there.