Noble Wood

A proper woodland walk just outside Tadcaster, Noble Wood is the sort of place locals know about but tourists often miss entirely. You're looking at mixed woodland - oak, ash, birch - with a decent network of paths that wind through without feeling too manicured or theme-parked. The forest floor can be boggy after rain, so good boots matter more than you'd think.

It's best for people who like a genuine countryside walk rather than a visitor attraction with facilities. No cafe, no car park to speak of, just trees and the sound of things rustling about. Children will manage fine for an hour or so, but if your lot need play equipment or an ice cream van halfway through, look elsewhere. Walkers and dog owners get real value here - the paths are quiet even on weekends, which is rare this close to a town.

Allow a couple of hours if you're in no hurry, maybe ninety minutes if you've got somewhere else to be. Spring and autumn are cracking, though winter can be a bit bleak. There's no charge as far as I can tell, which keeps it refreshingly unspoilt.

If you're staying at nearby Wighill Park Glamping, this makes a sensible morning walk before heading elsewhere. It won't eat your whole day, which is rather the point - a genuine bit of Yorkshire woodland that feels like it belongs to the people who live there, not the tourism board.