Alder Wood

The woodland around Alder Wood, just outside Wetherby, is proper lovely for a straightforward walk without the crowds you'd get at some of Yorkshire's bigger forests. It's not dramatic - no dramatic gorges or viewpoints - but it does what it does well: gives you a decent stretch through mixed trees with enough path variation to keep things interesting. The ground can be boggy in places, so go after a dry spell if you're fussy about your boots.

Walkers will get the most out of this one. It's the kind of place where you can just wander for an hour or two, letting your head clear. There's nothing to "do" beyond walk, which is entirely the point. Kids who like splashing in puddles and spotting birds will find it fine; those expecting play areas or visitor facilities will be disappointed.

If you're staying at one of the nearby parks - Maustin Park is less than a mile away, and Rudding Holiday Park sits just three miles off - this makes a natural half-morning addition to your routine rather than a destination in itself. Harrogate Caravan Park is also within reach and gives you a solid base for exploring the wider area. Pair it with a visit into Wetherby itself for lunch. The woodland's free to access and open year-round, though winter mud is worth noting. Allow ninety minutes if you're not rushing.