Bellever Moor & Meadows

The moment you step onto Bellever Moor, you're struck by how open it all is - the kind of space that makes your shoulders drop. It's moorland proper, with granite outcrops scattered across rolling heath, and it sits just outside Exeter if you fancy a quick escape from the city without the faffing about.

This is Dartmoor territory, so you get that raw, windswept feel even when the weather's being cooperative. The moor itself is free to roam, which is brilliant. There are paths threading through the heather and across grassland, some gentle and some with proper climbs up to the granite tors. You're looking at anywhere from a gentle hour's wander to a full afternoon's hike, depending on which direction you head and how fit you're feeling.

Families with reasonably confident walkers will find it decent. Younger kids might get restless on the exposed stretches if the wind's up, but there's something about a moor that appeals to people who like to actually move about rather than stand in one spot taking photos. Walkers and history types will get more from it - the whole area's dotted with ancient remains if you know where to look.

If you're staying at Dartmoor National Park itself, you're basically there already. The moor feeds nicely into the broader park experience without feeling like a repeat. Best in dry spells, to be honest. Wet moorland is fine if you're properly equipped, but it's genuinely boggy in places and not as enjoyable.