Thorne and Hatfield Moors

Two vast expanses of open moorland sprawl across South Yorkshire near Doncaster, and they're genuinely worth a proper walk if you appreciate wide-open spaces and serious tranquility. Thorne and Hatfield Moors are actually one of England's largest lowland heaths - the kind of place where you can walk for hours without seeing another soul, which is either brilliant or slightly eerie depending on your mood.

What you get is space. Lots of it. Boggy pathways wind through heather and purple moor grass, with the occasional glint of water from the ditches that crisscross the landscape. There's something primal about it - it doesn't feel manicured or visitor-friendly, which is exactly the point. This is proper nature, not a garden centre with a cafe.

History types will appreciate that these moors have been managed for centuries - the drainage systems and peat extraction tell their own story if you know where to look. Walkers will find themselves in their element here, though waterproof boots aren't optional, they're essential. It's not a spot for a quick stroll with the kids, but for anyone wanting to lose themselves in empty moorland without driving to Scotland, it's worth the journey from Doncaster.

The nearby camping options at Between Rivers and Mooreacres make this an easy add-on to a broader park-based holiday in South Yorkshire. You won't find facilities or crowds - bring what you need and expect solitude. Free to access, though the car park situation varies depending on which entrance you use.