Tent Hill

The walk up to Tent Hill rewards you with one of the best views across the Ripon area - nothing fancy, just proper countryside stretching out in every direction. It's the kind of spot where you understand why people settle in North Yorkshire and never leave.

There's not much here in terms of infrastructure, which is rather the point. You get a viewpoint, you get the view, and that's it. On a clear day the sight lines are genuinely impressive, rolling fields and distant hills creating that sense of space you come to the Dales for. The walk itself is straightforward enough - no scrambling required - making it accessible for most fitness levels, though you'll want proper footwear if the ground's wet.

Walkers will get the most from this one. History buffs might find the name intriguing, though the hill itself is more about the landscape than any dramatic backstory. Families with younger kids could do it, but there's nothing to hold their attention once they've reached the top, so don't expect them to linger.

Allow yourself an hour there and back from the car. There's no admission charge - it's a straightforward public access spot. Combine it with a stay at Woodhouse Farm Holiday Park or Riverside Meadows, both within three miles and well-regarded by caravan users. Both parks are good bases for exploring the wider Ripon countryside, and Tent Hill makes for a solid morning's walk before you settle in elsewhere for lunch.