Railway Plantation

The trees here are proper tall, dense rows of conifers that block out most of the sky even on bright days. Railway Plantation, just outside Scarborough in North Yorkshire, is exactly what the name suggests - a working forest planted in neat lines, not the sort of wild woodland you might be expecting. It's a decent walk if you're staying at one of the caravan parks nearby, particularly Humble Bee Farm or Cayton Village, though frankly the terrain is a bit samey once you've done the first twenty minutes.

What you actually get is a network of forestry paths, mostly flat and easy underfoot, good for families who want to burn off some energy without a proper hike. The canopy keeps you cool in summer, which counts for something. There's a certain peace to it - the crunch of needles, the smell of pine, nobody much about. Kids might find it interesting for forty minutes, maybe an hour if you're lucky.

The honest truth? It's not a standout feature. If you're based at Parkdean Resorts Cayton Bay or one of the other parks dotted around the area, it's a useful option when the weather's decent and you want something low-key. But don't rearrange your holiday to fit it in. The coast at Scarborough itself, a short drive away, will probably grip you more. Go for a woodland stroll if the mood takes you, but treat it as a bonus rather than a destination.