Sir Henry Wood

Walking into Sir Henry Wood Forest near Knaresborough, you're met with proper mature woodland - the kind with tall conifers and a decent floor of needles that muffles your footsteps. It's a working forest rather than a manicured visitor attraction, which means it feels genuine. The paths wind through without too much faffing about, and on a dry day it's an easy walk for most fitness levels.

This place works well for families wanting a proper leg-stretch between other Knaresborough attractions, though don't expect facilities or signage that holds your hand throughout. History buffs might appreciate that you're walking through land with genuine Yorkshire heritage, but it won't grab you like a stately home would. Walkers and trail runners, though - they'll get the most from it. The woodland offers decent variety and the air smells like you'd hope forest air should.

You can rock up anytime, no admission charge, and an hour is realistic if you're not hammering the pace. In autumn the colour's worth the detour; winter's fine if you don't mind muddy boots. It's a solid add-on to a stay at Knaresborough Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite, just 3 miles away. Pop into Knaresborough town itself first for the castle and river views, then use the forest as your afternoon walk rather than your headline attraction. It does the job it sets out to do without pretending to be something it isn't.