Bank Hag Plantation

A proper woodland walk rather than a manicured tourist spot, Bank Hag Plantation sits near Thirsk and delivers exactly what it says on the tin - a chance to stretch your legs among the trees without faffing about with entrance fees or peak-season crowds. The forest floor is soft underfoot, the paths are clear enough, and there's a genuine sense of having wandered into somewhere that belongs to the landscape rather than to the visitor board.

This is walkers' territory, full stop. If you're after a gentle couple of hours while staying at Woodland Lakes Lodges up the road, it's well worth the drive. Families with young kids might find it a touch dull after the first half-hour - there's no playground, no café, no "attractions" in the modern sense. It's just woodland. Which, frankly, is rather the point.

The nearest settlement of Thirsk is only a few miles away, making this an easy addition to a broader North Yorkshire itinerary. Timing-wise, allow two to three hours if you're planning a proper circuit rather than a quick wander. Late afternoon light through the canopy is particularly lovely, though the place never seems rammed. Go when you feel like it.

Bring decent boots - it can be boggy after rain - and don't expect a car park the size of a supermarket. It's the kind of place where solitude still exists, and that's increasingly rare.