Hull

This corner of the East Riding feels properly rural, where church spires punctuate wide skies and small villages dot the landscape between Hull and the coast. The flat fenland stretches for miles, broken only by scattered plantations like Omascreek and Buckclose that provide pockets of woodland in an otherwise open countryside.

Patrington stands out with not one but three Methodist churches - quite remarkable for a village this size. The concentration of chapels tells the story of this area's nonconformist heritage, where different denominations built their own places of worship within walking distance of each other.

Great Newsome Brewery has put the area on the map for beer lovers, crafting proper Yorkshire ales in converted farm buildings. It's the sort of operation that draws visitors from Hull and beyond, especially on brewery tour days.

The landscape here is crossed by ancient field boundaries and drainage ditches, a reminder that much of this land was once marshland. Several plantations - Thistlegrowth, Dunn Ings, and Clough among them - were planted centuries ago to provide timber and shelter in this exposed terrain. Today they're havens for wildlife and pleasant spots for walks.

Hull lies about 20 miles northwest, making this area accessible without feeling suburban. The coast at Withernsea is even closer, offering proper seaside when the mood takes you.

Staying at one of the nearby holiday parks makes perfect sense here. You're well positioned for day trips to Hull's museums and marina, yet can retreat to genuine countryside each evening. The local pubs do a decent pint, and there's something deeply satisfying about waking up to views across fields rather than car parks.