Rawcliffe Country Park

The River Ouse cuts through this sprawling nature reserve just north of York, and it's proper worth the drive out if you've got an afternoon free. Rawcliffe Country Park is less manicured than the city attractions and more about genuinely good walking - woodland paths loop around wetland areas where you'll spot kingfishers if you're lucky, and the river views open up suddenly between the trees.

It's ideal for families wanting to burn off some energy without the theme park nonsense. Kids find the water interesting enough to keep them engaged for a good two hours, especially if you spot anything moving. The paths are well-maintained but can get muddy after rain, so proper footwear matters. There's space to roam, which means you won't feel squeezed in even on decent weekends.

Historically, the site's had various uses over the years, but what matters now is that it's managed as a working nature reserve. The mix of woodland and open water means the wildlife changes through the seasons - worth noting if you're planning a spring visit versus autumn.

If you're based at Nurseries Caravan Park or Wagtail Park in York, this sits nicely as a morning or afternoon break that doesn't require much planning. No entrance fee as far as I can tell, and you can spend as little or as much time here as suits your schedule. The nearest facilities are back in York itself, so bring a flask if you want a proper sit-down break. Genuine bit of breathing space.