Leeds

The old saying goes that you can take the Yorkshire out of the person, but never the person out of Yorkshire. Up in this northern corner of Leeds, where LS17 meets the edge of the Pennines, that sentiment rings particularly true. Here's where the city's urban sprawl finally gives way to proper countryside, and the landscape shifts from Victorian terraces to rolling moorland dotted with dry stone walls.

Roundhay's the crown jewel here - its massive park stretches for miles and houses Tropical World, one of the UK's largest indoor rainforests. It's a bit surreal wandering through tropical butterflies when you've just driven past sheep fields, but the kids love it. The Monet Garden nearby offers something quieter, though it's more of a pleasant wander than a masterpiece.

Great Heads Wood makes for a proper ramble if you fancy stretching your legs. The paths can get muddy after rain - this is Yorkshire, after all - but it's well worth the trek for the views across the Aire Valley. Hill 60 offers even better vantage points on a clear day, though it's a bit of a climb.

Culture vultures will find plenty to occupy them. The Headrow Gallery downtown showcases contemporary Yorkshire artists, while smaller venues like North Art Gallery and Yorks Framing offer more intimate collections. Seven arts centre puts on decent productions, though parking can be a nightmare.

Getting here is straightforward enough - the A61 runs right through, connecting you to Harrogate in one direction and Leeds city centre in the other. The nearest train station's at Horsforth, about ten minutes by car. Staying at one of the local parks like Rudding Holiday Park or Fairmead Farm Glamping puts you perfectly positioned to explore both the Yorkshire Dales to the north and Leeds' vibrant cultural scene to the south, without the city centre hassle.