Well Dale Plantation

The forest here is proper grown-up woodland - tall conifers mostly, with the sort of quiet that makes you realise how much noise the rest of the world creates. Well Dale Plantation spreads across decent acreage near Malton, and if you're after a serious walk rather than a stroll round manicured paths, this delivers. The ground underfoot varies from needle-soft to boggy depending on recent rain, so decent boots matter.

You'll find it appeals most to walkers who actually want some distance to cover and forest types who prefer the real thing to ornamental planting. The conifer setup means it's darker and moodier than broadleaf woodland - atmospheric rather than cheerful, especially in winter. Kids aged eight and up might enjoy it; younger ones tend to get bored once the novelty of trees wears off after twenty minutes.

There's no visitor centre or facilities that I'm aware of, so come prepared. Allow two to three hours for a proper explore depending on which routes you take. Free admission, obviously - it's a working forest, not a theme park.

If you're based at Yorkshire Wolds Glamping or Wolds Walk Glamping nearby, this works as a half-day activity to break up the park time. It's the sort of place that doesn't Instagram well - there's no waterfall or viewpoint to photograph - but that's precisely why it's worth visiting. You get proper forest without the crowds.