Swinnow Wood

Walk into Swinnow Wood and you're immediately wrapped in tall trees that block out most of the sky. The paths wind through proper woodland - nothing manicured or obvious, just the kind of forest where you actually feel away from things. It's open access, which means you can just turn up and wander about without paying anything.

This is walkers' territory first and foremost. The trails are decent enough for a couple of hours if you're moderately fit, though they're not dramatic in any way. Kids will enjoy it if they're the type to get excited about climbing over fallen logs and spotting birds, but it's not a destination with benches and picnic areas laid on. Bring proper boots if it's been wet - the ground gets boggy in patches.

The wood sits near Doncaster, so it works well as a morning escape if you're based at Bawtry Caravan Park or Sunnyview Touring Park. Neither is particularly close, but this spot takes the edge off a caravan holiday when everyone's getting fractious about being indoors. You won't find it busy, which is both its appeal and its drawback - peaceful, but also a bit lonely if you're not that keen on your own company.

Allow 90 minutes to two hours depending on fitness levels and how often you stop to look around. Spring's when it's most worthwhile - bluebells and proper green after winter. Summer gets stuffy between the trees.