Busby Wood

The woodland around Busby feels properly remote despite being minutes from Northallerton. Ancient oaks tower overhead, and the ground stays damp underfoot even weeks after rain - classic North Yorkshire forest floor stuff. There's a real sense of stepping away from things here, which makes it brilliant for anyone needing to decompress.

Walking is the main event. The paths are manageable rather than punishing, so families with primary school kids will cope fine, though toddlers might struggle with muddier stretches. Allow a good hour to get anywhere deep into it without rushing. Wildlife spotters tend to have better luck early morning - you'll see deer if you're patient and quiet, and the bird life is decent. Photographers come back time and again for the light filtering through the canopy, especially autumn when the colours start turning.

There's no café or facilities that I'm aware of, so bring what you need. The forest itself is free to wander - no gates or entrance fees. Winter and early spring can be grim underfoot, so stick to summer months unless you're properly equipped.

It pairs well with Whorlton Pods just down the road - those luxury glamping spots are the kind of place you'd want to base yourself for a few nights. Cote Ghyll over near Osmotherley is solid too if you prefer traditional caravan pitches. Use Busby as your morning walk, then head into Northallerton for lunch. The market town itself has enough going on to fill an afternoon without feeling like you've compromised on the outdoors experience.