Askham Bryan Wildlife and Conservation Park

Just outside York, this wildlife park gives you a proper hands-on look at animal conservation in action. You're walking through enclosures watching everything from red pandas to wolves, but it's not a typical zoo setup - the whole place is built around education and breeding programmes for endangered species. The staff know their stuff and will tell you far more than you bargained for if you ask.

It works brilliantly for families with children old enough to walk a decent distance without complaining, though there's enough to keep younger kids engaged for a solid afternoon. History buffs might find the conservation angle interesting, and it's the kind of place where walkers can combine a day trip from one of the nearby caravan parks with a decent stretch of Yorkshire air. Allow three to four hours to do it properly without rushing.

The location works well if you're staying at Nurseries Caravan Park or Cawood Park - both within easy driving distance. It slots neatly into a broader North Yorkshire itinerary rather than being a destination in itself. Word of warning though: bring decent waterproofs. This is Yorkshire, and open parkland means exposure. On a clear day the views across the vale are excellent, but you're not here for scenery - you're here to see animals doing what they're bred to do. That matters if you care about conservation at all.