Far Parks Plantation

The trees here are properly dense - dark conifers that block out most of the sky, with just enough light filtering through to make the place feel intentional rather than oppressive. Far Parks Plantation sits just outside Thirsk in North Yorkshire and functions as a working forest more than a manicured attraction, which is either brilliant or a letdown depending on what you're after.

Walking through is straightforward enough. The paths are manageable, the air smells like you'd expect a plantation to smell, and you won't bump into crowds. It's the sort of place that appeals to forest walkers and anyone wanting a proper woodland stretch without the tourist theatre. Kids will get maybe an hour out of it before asking what's next - there's no play equipment or visitor facilities that I could find, just trees and quiet.

If you're staying at Woodland Lakes Lodges just down the road, this works as a quick morning walk before moving on to something with more obvious appeal. The plantation does what it does without pretence. There's no entrance fee or visitor centre nonsense, which is refreshing. Just turn up, walk about, breathe in the green. It's functional rather than spectacular, honest rather than Instagram-friendly. Worth knowing about if you're in the area and need to burn off some energy, but don't plan your whole trip around it.