Second Division

Second Division sounds like something from a sports league, but it's actually a fascinating World War II site just outside York that most visitors completely miss. The location was a Royal Air Force airfield during the war, and walking around the remnants of the base gives you a genuine sense of what life was like for the pilots and crews stationed here.

You'll find original buildings, dispersal areas, and various structures dotted across the landscape - some in better condition than others. It's the kind of place that rewards a bit of poking about and imagination. Bring decent shoes because there's proper walking involved, and weather can make the ground muddy. History enthusiasts will spend a good couple of hours here, though casual visitors might get the gist in forty minutes or so.

The beauty of basing yourself at Nurseries Caravan Park or Wagtail Park - both just over three miles away - is that you're close enough to York's attractions without the crowds of the city centre. Second Division works brilliantly as a quieter afternoon out between bigger day trips.

Access details aren't entirely straightforward online, so ringing ahead to confirm opening and admission fees makes sense before you visit. It's absolutely the sort of local history spot that deserves more attention than it gets.