Nova Scotia Plantation

You'll find yourself walking into proper woodland just outside York - proper being the operative word here, because Nova Scotia Plantation is exactly what its name promises: a serious block of mature trees, not a manicured park with coffee stalls. The forest sits on gently rolling ground, which means the walking is straightforward without being dull. There's a real sense of stepping away from the city when you're in among the oaks and pines, and if you go on a quiet weekday, you might not see another soul for hours.

This is where walkers come to think. The paths wind properly through the woodland, and you can spend anywhere from forty minutes to three hours depending on how ambitious you're feeling. Kids tend to get on well here too, though not the "look, a playground" sort of kids - the ones who like poking about in undergrowth and spotting birds. The forest floor stays reasonably damp even in dry spells, so wear decent boots.

Who should come? Anyone staying near York needing space to walk without crowds. It pairs well with a glamping stay at Ravensdale, which sits just six miles away - you could easily combine a morning walk here with an afternoon exploring York's city walls and Minster. The admission situation isn't entirely clear from what's publicly available, so ring ahead to confirm access. Spring and autumn are best: summer gets muggy under the canopy, and winter mud can be punishing. Bring a map or download offline if your phone signal drops.