Chample's Wood

The woodland around Chample's Wood near Tiverton is proper Devon - dense, ancient-feeling, and the kind of place where you'll actually hear birdsong rather than traffic. It's a forest walk rather than a formal attraction with visitor facilities, so come expecting muddy paths, dappled light filtering through oak and beech, and the occasional startled pheasant bolting across the trail.

You'll get the most from this if you're the sort who enjoys a solid two to three hour woodland ramble without needing signposts or a café at the end. Families with young kids might find it a bit relentless - there's nothing here to break up the walk, no viewpoint tower or playground to aim for. But if you've got teenagers or proper walkers in tow, it's worth the drive from Tiverton to stretch legs and breathe actual forest air.

There's no charge that I'm aware of, and no set opening hours - it's the kind of place you turn up to. Early morning is when you'll see the most wildlife. Autumn's particularly good, when the light hits the canopy just right and the ground's properly soft underfoot rather than boggy.

If you're staying at Nirvana Glamping nearby, this makes an easy morning out before heading back for lunch. Pair it with a walk around Tiverton's town centre afterwards - you'll have earned a proper pint.