Rufus Woods

Rufus Woods is a proper woodland walk on the outskirts of Richmond, North Yorkshire - nothing fancy, just decent stretches of ancient woodland that locals actually use rather than gawk at. The trees are substantial, the paths are well-trodden, and on a grey Yorkshire day it feels genuinely atmospheric without trying too hard.

What you get here is straightforward: a network of walking trails through mixed woodland with a few clearings where you can catch your breath and look out across the Richmondshire landscape. The paths are manageable for families with older kids, though younger ones might find it a bit relentless if you're after something more obviously entertaining. It's the sort of place where you go to properly walk rather than tick off Instagram spots.

Walkers and anyone after a proper leg-stretch will get the most from Rufus Woods. The woodland has that quiet, undisturbed quality you often can't find near bigger attractions - no gift shop, no visitor centre, just trees and earth paths. Allow a good hour to ninety minutes depending on your pace and which routes you fancy.

If you're staying at Hewn Yorkshire - the five-star park just a few miles south - this makes for a cracking morning outing before heading back for lunch. It's close enough that you're not spending half your holiday driving, but far enough that you feel like you've properly escaped the holiday park atmosphere. Bring decent walking boots though. The ground gets boggy after rain.