Windmill Hill

A short drive from Selby takes you to Windmill Hill, which despite its name isn't actually a windmill at all - it's a proper little summit that gives you one of the better views across North Yorkshire's flatlands. You'll find yourself looking out over a patchwork of fields and distant woodland that stretches further than you'd expect from something barely 200 metres above sea level.

It's the sort of place walkers gravitate towards, especially those heading out from Selby who want something achievable without spending half the day on the path. The walk itself is straightforward, and on a clear day the vistas make it worthwhile. Families with young kids will manage it fine, though there's not much to actually do once you're up there - no café, no facilities, just countryside and air.

The real bonus is how it slots into a wider park holiday in the area. Cawood Park sits just five miles away and makes a solid base, as does York South Ltd's holiday lodges a mile further on. Between those two, you've got proper accommodation sorted, then you can build walks around the local landscape. Windmill Hill works as a half-morning mission before heading to one of the nearby spots for lunch.

Go early on a weekend if you want any peace - it's not exactly secret, and the car park fills up. Free to visit, naturally. Worth the detour? Only if you're already in the region. Don't plan a trip solely for this one.