Howe Hill

Standing at 200 metres above the surrounding Yorkshire countryside, this modest peak offers surprisingly good views across the Vale of York without requiring a proper mountain expedition. The walk up from the nearest parking spot takes about 20 minutes through pleasant farmland, though the path can get muddy after rain.

Dedicated walkers will appreciate Howe Hill as part of a longer ramble, but it's perfectly accessible for families with older children who don't mind a bit of uphill slog. The summit itself is fairly unremarkable - no dramatic cliff edges or ancient monuments - but on a clear day you can see across to the Yorkshire Dales in the distance.

Truth is, most people tackle Howe Hill as an add-on to exploring the area around Northallerton rather than making it the main event. It's free to climb, obviously, and takes roughly an hour return trip if you're not hanging about taking photos. Early morning visits tend to offer the best visibility before any afternoon haze sets in.

For families staying at nearby parks like Cote Ghyll Caravan Park or Hillside Caravan Park, it makes a decent leg-stretcher that won't eat up half your day. Just don't expect anything too dramatic - this is gentle Yorkshire hill country rather than proper fell walking territory.