Kelsey Gardens

The woodland paths through Kelsey Gardens offer a proper escape from Hull's urban sprawl, even though the place feels like it's been left to its own devices in recent years. You're walking through mature forest with the kind of shadowy, quiet atmosphere that makes you actually hear birdsong rather than traffic. The paths wind through dense tree cover, and on a decent day the dappled light filtering through the canopy is genuinely lovely. There's something about old woodland that just works - no manicured edges, no forced aesthetics, just trees doing what trees do.

This is a walker's spot, particularly for anyone after a quick forest ramble without the commitment of a full moorland hike. Thirty minutes to an hour will satisfy most people, though you could easily stretch it if you fancy a longer wander. Children will manage it fine, though don't expect attractions or facilities - this is pure woodland, nothing else. The nearest services are back in Hull, about five miles away.

If you're based at Sand le Mere or Parkdean Resorts Withernsea Sands, Kelsey Gardens makes a decent morning out before heading elsewhere. It's also close to Burton Constable Holiday Park & Arboretum, which actually has better facilities and maintained grounds if you want something with more structure. Kelsey works best as a change of pace rather than a destination in itself - worth squeezing in if you're exploring East Yorkshire, but don't rearrange your plans to get here.