Babeleigh Moor

Getting lost on Babeleigh Moor is half the appeal. This sprawling forest sits just outside Bideford, and it's the sort of place where you can wander for twenty minutes and genuinely believe you're miles from anywhere, even though you're not. The woodland is dense enough to feel proper wild - gnarled oaks, dense undergrowth, that smell of damp earth and decomposing leaves that makes you feel like a child again.

There's no visitor centre or marked trails that I could find, which means you're either consulting a map or following instinct. Honestly, that's its strength. Walkers will love the freedom to roam without being shepherded along a gravel path, though trainers rather than proper hiking boots will do fine on most days. The terrain isn't steep or technical. Families with young kids might find an hour here perfectly adequate before boredom sets in - there's not a great deal to actually do beyond walk and look at trees.

If you're camping at Broad Park or Owl Valley, both within a few miles, this is a decent half-day option when the weather's decent. Go early to avoid any other visitors. Bring a decent map app or download an offline one beforehand - mobile signal can be dodgy deeper in. There's no admission charge that I'm aware of, and no facilities to speak of, so pack water and don't expect loos. It's low-key and free, which is exactly why it works.