Sedbury Plantation

You'll find Sedbury Plantation a few miles outside Richmond, tucked into North Yorkshire's rolling countryside like a proper woodland retreat. It's a working forest rather than a manicured tourist spot - the kind of place where you crunch through leaf litter and listen to the trees rather than queuing for attractions.

What you get here is straightforward: woodland walks through established plantations with decent paths and enough space to stretch your legs without feeling hemmed in. The plantation has that managed quality - clearly loved and looked after - but still feels wild enough to clear your head. It's not Sherwood Forest theatrics; there's no visitor centre or ice cream van. Just trees, air, and the occasional dog walker.

This works brilliantly for walkers and families after a morning or afternoon ramble without the crowds. Kids under eight might lose interest after an hour unless they're proper nature types, but older children who like exploring off-path will find plenty to occupy them. Give yourself two hours if you're not rushing.

Stay at Hewn Yorkshire just four miles away - it's highly rated and gives you a proper base camp for exploring the wider area. Kiplin Country Park is another solid option nearby if you fancy something different the next day.

Free to access, no booking needed as far as I can tell - though do check locally in Richmond first. Come when it's been dry enough that the paths aren't boggy. Autumn's lovely here, all that golden light through the trees.