Sammy’s Field

You'll find Sammy's Field just outside Richmond, a sprawling open space that locals have championed for years. It's genuinely the sort of place where you can properly stretch your legs without feeling herded past a gift shop or corralled into a visitor centre. The field itself is open moorland, the kind of spot that rewards walkers and families after a morning cooped up in the car.

What makes it worth the trip is the sheer quietness of it. On a clear day the views across North Yorkshire are outstanding - you're looking at proper countryside, the sort that makes you understand why people choose to base themselves in Richmond rather than just passing through. Kids won't get bored if they're the type to make dens and climb on things; teenagers less so.

If you're staying at nearby Hewn Yorkshire, Sammy's Field is close enough for a lunchtime wander without eating up half your day. Bring a picnic, wear decent boots - the ground can be boggy - and go early if you want to avoid weekend crowds. There's no charge, no facilities that we could find, and no real time limit, so you're free to stay as long as you fancy.

It's not dramatic or particularly famous, which is precisely why it works. You won't find coach parties here. Just proper Yorkshire air and the kind of walking that clears your head.