Applegarth Rein

You'll find yourself among seriously old oaks and birches once you push through the entrance to Applegarth Rein, a proper woodland patch that feels a world away from Leeds despite being barely six miles out. The forest floor is soft underfoot, carpeted with moss and leaf litter, and the canopy does that lovely thing where it filters the light into a green-gold haze.

It's the sort of place that rewards a slow wander rather than a rushed circuit. Woodland this established has character - fallen logs scattered about like nature's furniture, the occasional clearing where sunlight hits properly, streams that babble through the undergrowth. Dogs absolutely thrive here, walkers get decent peace and quiet, and kids will find plenty of stuff to poke at without getting bored midway through.

Don't expect facilities or car parks with their own gift shops. This is stripped-back woodland, which is rather the point. Allow an hour minimum to actually enjoy it rather than just trudge through. The best time is autumn when the floor turns into a carpet of colour, or spring when everything's properly awake.

If you're based at Wighill Park Glamping nearby, Applegarth Rein makes for a cracking morning's outing before heading back for lunch. It's genuine North Yorkshire woodland without the crowds you'd find at bigger forest attractions - exactly what a forest break should feel like.