White House Plantation

The woodland around White House Plantation, just outside Northallerton, is proper walking country. Mature trees, decent paths, and enough quiet to actually hear yourself think - which is rare these days. It's the sort of forest that doesn't shout about itself, but that's rather the point.

Walkers will get the most from this one. There's enough woodland to spend a couple of hours pottering about without feeling rushed, and the terrain is gentle enough that you won't need fell boots. In autumn the light comes through the trees beautifully, turning everything gold and amber. Spring's decent too if you're after birdsong and fresh growth. Children might find it a touch dull if they're after playground kit and ice cream vans, but if they're the type who enjoy building dens and spotting wildlife, they'll be occupied for a good while.

The bonus here is proximity to the caravan parks. Whorlton Pods is only 2.5 miles away, and Cote Ghyll Caravan Park is 5.9 miles down the road - both cracking spots if you're base camping in North Yorkshire. Either one makes White House Plantation an easy morning or afternoon walk without needing to trek far from your pitch. It's the sort of place that slips onto your itinerary because it's close by, then ends up being the highlight of the day. No entry fee nonsense, no visitor centre queues - just forest and footpaths.