Barton Wood

A proper forest walk rather than a manicured tourist spot, Barton Wood sits just outside Okehampton and delivers exactly what you'd want from a Devon woodland - tall conifers, winding paths, and enough space to actually breathe. The trees are densely packed, which means it's darker and cooler than you'd expect, even on bright days. You'll find the odd bench tucked away, but mostly it's just you and the trees.

This works best for people who actually enjoy walking, not those after a quick Instagram moment. Families with younger kids might find an hour enough before restlessness sets in, though older children who like a proper ramble will get much more from it. Keen photographers should come when the light's low - early morning or late afternoon makes the dense canopy look properly atmospheric.

The paths aren't technically demanding, but they're genuinely woodland paths, not asphalted loops. Wear decent boots and bring a waterproof if rain's forecast. There's no obvious visitor infrastructure here - no café, no visitor centre, nothing like that - which is precisely why it's worth the visit. Head here if you're staying at Wolf Wood Treehouses nearby, which offers a natural follow-on to a day in the forest itself. Allow two to three hours to actually experience it rather than rush through.