Robin Hood Caravan and Camping Park

This is an excellent base from which to explore the lush landscapes of Yorkshire, from the Wolds to the Moors; it’s also easy to get to the Yorkshire coastline and the resorts of Scarborough, Filey and Whitby, all with lots to see and do.

For ramblers and cyclists, the Cleveland Way and Wolds Way both pass nearby, and there's diverse territory to explore, from wild moorland to dense forest, with plenty of lovely villages (and excellent pubs) in between.

Harry Potter fans and locomotive lovers can have a trip aboard the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, which chuffs its way across 18 miles of scenery and includes a stop at Goathland, the terminus for the Hogwarts Express.

A 15-mile drive away is the ancient city of York, where visitors can walk around the city walls, be humbled by the majesty of the Minster, or take in one of the myriad museums and attractions.

The National Railway Museum and Castle Museum are both highly recommended, and bloodthirsty bairns will enjoy York Dungeons and the growling Vikings in the reconstructions at the brilliant Jorvik Viking Centre. The streets are jampacked with tearooms, restaurants, bars and interesting independent shops: try Stonegate, Swinegate and the medieval Shambles for the best of the shopping.

Castle Howard is very close by: take in the 18th-century architecture and interiors, roam around the gardens, woods and lakes, and keep the kids amused with a boat trip or a romp around the adventure playground. The packed events programme includes regular arts, crafts and produce markets, concerts and themed weekends.

Also nearby are the Eden Camp World War II museum, Flamingoland adventure park and zoo, Dalby Forest and the treetop adventures of Go Ape.